Dilshan smashes ton as Kiwis battle for survival

Dilshan has revelled in his new role as opener on his return to cricket after injury,scoring 92 in the first innings and then an entertaining 123 from 131 balls with 12 boundaries and a six.

Sri Lanka powered their way to 259 for four from just 49 overs having earlier bowled New Zealand for 299 after 35 minutes of play in the morning. The declaration was announced as the players left the field for the tea interval. Only 13 overs were possible in the last session due to light rain and bad light.

Dilshan was supported by a stylish 46 from skipper Kumar Sangakkara,the pair adding 101 after the early fall of opener Tharanga Paranavitana (5). Mahela Jayawardene scored a brisk 27 before being caught and bowled by Jeetan Patel and Thilan Samaraweera smashed two sixes in his 20-run cameo.

New Zealand’s fight to save the opening Test was not helped by a stomach bug affecting seven members of the playing eleven. Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder were the mostly severely affected and were unable to take the field in the morning. Jacob Oram,Jeetan Patel,Flynn,McIntosh and Chris Martin were also affected,team manager Dave Currie said.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 452 and 259 for 4 decl (T Dilshan 123*,K Sangakkara 46; O’Brien 1/45) vs New Zealand 299 and 30 for 1 (M Guptill 17*).