Sri Lanka have ended day two of the cricket Test against the Black Caps on 197 for four.
Sri Lankan batsman Dimuth Karunaratne celebrates his maiden test century vs New Zealand 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The visitors are 234 runs behind New Zealand's first innings total with six wickets in hand.
Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne obstinately defied New Zealand's bowlers for much of the second day of the first test at University Oval in Dunedin, though the hosts still have the upper hand.
In stark contrast to New Zealand's run rate of 4.49 runs per over in their first innings total of 431, Sri Lanka inched their way to 197 for four at the close of play at a comparatively sedate 2.43.
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Chandimal was on 83 and within sight of his sixth test century while Kithuruwan Vithanage, who was dropped by Kane Williamson at short cover on six, was on 10 with their side still 234 runs behind the hosts' first innings score.
A patient half century to Dimuth Karunaratne has helped rebuild Sri Lanka's first innings after the loss of two early wickets in their first innings in the first cricket test against New Zealand in Dunedin.
Day three will resume at 10.30am tomorrow.
Sri Lanka hold strong before tea
Sri Lanka were 103 for two at tea on the second day of the match in Dunedin, with Karunaratne on 59, having taken 136 balls to get to 50.
Sri Lankan batsman Dimuth Karunaratne Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Dinesh Chandimal was on 31 after he came to the crease Sri Lanka in trouble at 29-2 in the first session after they had dismissed New Zealand for 431.
The hosts' bowlers were generally disciplined with their line and length, providing some uneasy moments for the pair.
Wicketkeeper BJ Watling had taken two catches before lunch with Kusal Mendis (eight) and Udara Jayasundera (one) both dismissed to leave their side facing a massive deficit.
Karunaratne and Chandimal, the last two truly specialist batsmen in the side, were then content to drop anchor against the four-pronged New Zealand pace attack and scored just nine more runs in the five remaining overs before lunch.
Bowling for the Black Caps Trent Boult and Nil Wagner have taken a wicket each.
The Black Caps celebrate Trent Boult's first wicket of the innings. Photo: Photosport
Nuwan Pradeep had earlier mopped up the New Zealand tail by capturing the last two wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 431, having added 22 runs to their overnight total.
Doug Bracewell was the last man out for a career-best 47, when he was trapped lbw by Pradeep, who finished with figures of 4-112.
Opener Martin Guptill (156), Kane Williamson (88) and captain Brendon McCullum, who belted a scintillating 75 off 57 balls, had provided the majority of New Zealand's runs.
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