Kiwis wrestle back to maintain ascendancy over Sri Lanka

New Zealand wrestled back their way to maintain the ascendancy by securing two vital breakthroughs in the final session of day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Dunedin on Friday.

Sri Lanka reached 197 for four after bowling out the hosts for 431 half an hour into the morning session. The tourists suffered a shaky start before Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal steadied the innings by constructing a 122-run stand for the third wicket.

Prior to the fighting spirit shown by the duo, Sri Lanka had endured a heavy blow when Test novices Kusal Mendis (eight) and Udara Jayasundera (one) fell cheaply, both caught behind by BJ Watling.

However, New Zealand staged a comeback after removing resolute opener Karunaratne (84) and captain Angelo Mathews (two) for the addition of just five runs at University Oval, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Chandimal, who is the sub-continent's most prolific runscorer this year, remained unbeaten on 83 at the close of play as Sri Lanka are still trailing by 234.