Vincent, Fleming defy Lanka

Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming defied a rampant Chaminda Vaas to carry New Zealand to 253-4, a 42-run first innings lead over Sri Lanka when rain brought an early close to the second day of the second Test here today.

Vaas took all four wickets, and was sitting on a hat-trick when Fleming came to the wicket to join Vincent and swing the Test back in New Zealand8217;s favour with an unbroken 100-run partnership.

Playing in his 20th Test, Vincent reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs as he posted his ninth half-century in reaching 79 when the rain set in.

He had faced 188 balls and his innings included eight fours and a magnificent six driven straight back over the head of Mahela Jayawardene.