Fleming is the big winner at Colombo

New Zealand, who made 515 for seven declared in their first innings before dismissing the home side for 483, declared again on 161 for five before both captain shook on a draw.

The left-handed Fleming now averages 83 against the Sri Lankans, having scored one double century, one century and six fifties against them in eight Tests. His previous Test best score of 174 not out also came against them.

There was some late consolations for the home side’s attack, as 20-year-old leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi, making his debut, took his first two Test wickets and Muttiah Muralitharan claimed three more to take his career tally to 442.

Lokuarachchi trapped Matthew Horne (42) leg before for the first wicket and also dismissed Scott Styris. Muralitharan struck twice in four balls, with Jacob Oram caught by wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana on 19 and Robbie Hart caught by Sangakkara for a duck. Earlier he also had Mathew Sinclair caught for a single, to end with three for 41 off 30 overs.

The other personal highlights came from Hashan Tillakaratne and Daniel Vettori. Sri Lanka’s new captain added 18 to reach 144 before he was bowled by strike bowler Shane Bond after Sri Lanka had resumed on 424 for six.

Kiwi left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori then took three wickets, all lbw, in five balls to wrap up the innings. Vettori had a big lbw shout against Muralitharan turned down with his hat-trick ball.

Only one New Zealander has ever claimed a Test hat-trick, off spinner Peter Petherick achieving the feat in 1976 against Pakistan. Vettori ended with three for 94 from 33 overs while Bond took three for 97 from 28. The second and final Test begins in Kandy on Saturday. New Zealand, third in the world Test rankings, have not won a series in Sri Lanka for 20 years. (Reuters)