Conway was caught and knocked down by Dhananjaya de Silvawho dove low to his right to put both hands on a superb catch, to end a thrilling 108-ball shot, short of a deserving hundred.
And that’s Day 1 ✅ Kane Williamson 26 * Henry Nicholls 18 * Watch all the action on demand on Spark Sport… https://t.co/eKbPx6WoFj
— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) 1679033295000
First Test hero Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 26 alongside Henry Nicholls on the 18th, when bad light stopped play in pool reserve after Sri Lanka won the toss and put New Zealand to bat in windy conditions.
“I was bummed out when I did, I had worked hard,” Conway said.
“Those are the ones you want to get into and get the most out of them on day one… We just have to focus on tomorrow now.”
A conversation with Devon Conway and @sparknzsport as bad light interrupts play late on Day 1. #NZvSL https://t.co/BdwH10wBnx
— BLACK CAPS (@BLACKCAPS) 1679030901000
New Zealand started strong, with Conway and Tom Latham setting up an opening partnership of 87, after the 2,500th Test match in cricketing history was hit by a wet start.
Heavy overnight rain delayed the draw until after lunch.
Latham fell for 21 about halfway through the day’s shortened proceedings when he took a spoon Kasun Rajitha deep square delivery, in the hands of Prabath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lankan Captain Dimuth Karunaratne opted to give his bowlers an early opportunity to use a green wicket to attack the New Zealand batters.
Conway responded by smashing 13 fours in a gunshot.
Bad light ends day 1 early in Wellington. Kane Williamson (26*) and @HenryNicholls27 (18*) will resume… https://t.co/YtxyawVXNP
— BLACK CAPS (@BLACKCAPS) 1679031661000
Sri Lanka made a change from the side that lost the first test on the final ball in Christchurch, with wicketkeeper Nishan Madushka making his debut in place of Niroshan Dickwella.
New Zealand were forced to a single switch with dressmaker Doug Bracewell playing his first Test since 2016, replacing Neil Wagnerwho tore a hamstring during the first test.
This is the first time Bracewell has played a test match alongside his cousin Michael.
New Zealand are aiming for a third straight Test victory.
Bad Light stop playing Wellington with the score at 155/2 🏏 Stumps have yet to be officially called up. Stay tuned for… https://t.co/GqkQKGhsrb
— BLACK CAPS (@BLACKCAPS) 1679030405000
(With contributions from agencies)