NEW DELHI: Tom Latham and Kane Williamson spearheaded New Zealand's comeback with impressive half-centuries on the rain-interrupted second day of their first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The Black Caps ended the day at 255-4, trailing by just 50 runs.
Latham made the most of favorable batting conditions and scored 70 off 111 balls. Williamson took the lead later in the day, scoring 55 off 104 balls to provide a strong foundation.
Rachin Ravindra added a quick 39 before Sri Lanka struck back with some late wickets, easing some pressure. Daryl Mitchell reached stumps unbeaten on 41, with Tom Blundell not out on 18, adding stability.
The day began with Sri Lanka on 302-7, following Kamindu Mendis' fighting 114 the previous day. The hosts lost momentum early as Ajaz Patel dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya for a duck before rain disruptions.
Sri Lanka managed to add only three runs to their overnight score. New Zealand's pace bowler William O'Rourke returned after the rain delay to claim the final two wickets, finishing with figures of 5-55.
After lunch, Sri Lanka struggled to contain New Zealand's run flow under sunny skies. Latham reached his 29th Test half-century, although Devon Conway was trapped lbw by Ramesh Mendis against the run of play.
Just before tea, Latham was dismissed while sweeping, caught superbly by substitute Sadeera Samarawickrama off a delivery from Jayasuriya.
Williamson continued to build another strong partnership with Ravindra, reaching his own half-century. However, he mistimed a shot off Dhananjaya de Silva, getting caught by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
Captain De Silva struck again in his following over, bowling Ravindra who misjudged the line of the ball, leaving New Zealand at 196-4. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka couldn't break through again before the end of play.
