New Zealand decided to declare at 524/5, giving Sri Lanka a target of 390 in their second innings closed after tea on the fourth day of the second test. It was a superb batting performance from the Black Caps as they grabbed the advantage back. The hosts were 159/5 at one stage before Williamson and Watling bailed them out of trouble. Williamson went onto register his maiden double hundred, Watling registered his highest Test score and the pair put on a record sixth wicket stand worth 365 runs.
The Sri Lankan bowlers looked out of sorts as they failed to take a wicket for three and a half sessions. Sri Lanka will have to bat out 17 overs today and 90 tomorrow to salvage a draw. However, being 1-0 behind, a draw would see them lose the series and it will be interesting to see their approach towards the chase. (SDF/KH)