Number five Daryl Mitchell was not 40 and the all-rounder Michael Bracewell was on nine at the stumps at Hagley Oval on Friday, the pair tasked with lifesaving work after a South Asian-dominated second day.
Sri Lanka are trying to clinch an unlikely place in the World Test Championship final against Australia.
Daryl Mitchell (40*) and Michael Bracewell (9*) watch the team do stumps at Hagley Oval. Strong visitors from the… https://t.co/K0d5grx8aD
— BLACK CAPS (@BLACKCAPS) 1678426552000
They will qualify if they can sweep New Zealand in this two-Test series and if Australia can deny India victory in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad.
With New Zealand captain Tim Southee winning the coin toss and choosing to play on the pitch, Sri Lanka’s batsmen gave the visitors a good start in their mission.
The tail added 50 points after Sri Lanka took over 305 for six in the morning.
The New Zealand openers navigated a 67-point stand before Devon Conway was trapped lbw for 30 by Asitha Fernando.
The wicket sparked a meltdown, with Kane Williams (1) and Henry Nicholls (2) dismissed in quick succession by a fiery Lahiru Kumara as New Zealand lost three wickets for nine runs.
(AI Image)
Tom Latham fought a stubborn half-century in a 58-point partnership with Mitchell before being beaten by Fernando for 67.
Kasun Rajitha then capped Sri Lanka’s day with a third wicket after tea as he had in-form wicket-keeper Tom Blundell caught behind for seven.
