Cricket: Black Caps draw tour opener

A determined Sri Lankan batting line-up held out against the Black Caps to secure a draw on the final day of New Zealand's opening tour cricket match in Colombo.

Resuming on day three at 437 for seven, New Zealand added a further 56 runs, with captain Daniel Vettori scoring 106, and Jeetan Patel 39, before being dismissed for 493 to lead the Sri Lanka Development 11 by 334.

The Sri Lankan side made a solid start to their second innings with an opening partnership of 74, but then lost three wickets in the space of six overs, with Jacob Oram and Vettori doing the damage.

Nadeera Nawela anchored a middle order fightback, including a partnership of 43 for the sixth wicket, and an unbroken stand of 57 for the seventh.

His innings of 64 not out took Sri Lanka through to 257 for six at the close of play, still 77 runs in arrears.

The best of the New Zealand bowlers was Oram with three for 32 off 12 overs. Vettori took two for 69, and Patel one for 74.

New Zealand begins another three-day tour match against the team on Wednesday at the NCC ground in Colombo.

The first test of the series starts on August 18 at Galle.

- NZPA