New Zealand needs four Sri Lanka wickets on the final day of the second Test to take the match and win the series. Set a mammoth 660 to win, the Asians began day four on 24-2 and have managed to prolong the contest into a fifth day in Christchurch.
It was a valiant rearguard action by the tourists who were 231-6 at stumps and will need a miracle on Sunday to stave off defeat and earn a share of the series after the first Test was drawn.
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Captain Dinesh Chandimal lasted 228 deliveries before falling for 56, while Kusal Mendis’ 67 spanned 147 balls, but once their 117-run partnership had been broken by fast bowler Neil Wagner (3-47) there was only token resistance down the order.
Roshen Silva made 18 and Niroshan Dickwella scored 19 as Angelo Mathews retired hurt on 22 to further dampen the Sri Lankan spirits.
Dilruwan Perera (22) and Suranga Lakmal (16) are the not out batsmen and it will take something extra special for the tail to survive all of day five.
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