SRI LANKA
First innings 452
Second innings 259-4 decl
NEW ZEALAND
First innings 299
Tillakaratne Dilshan achieved the milestone he narrowly missed in Sri Lanka's first innings to post an unbeaten 123 as New Zealand became increasingly dependent on rain to stave off defeat in the first cricket test in Galle last night.
At the end of an extended middle session on the fourth day Sri Lanka's strokemakers tired of toying with New Zealand's bowling attack and declared at 259 for four to set the tourists a target of 413 runs for victory.
Their first assignment was to conserve wickets before stumps, a task made easier when heavy rain started falling as New Zealand's openers padded up, prompting an army of ground staff to drag on the covers.
A continuation of Galle's inclement weather seems New Zealand's only chance of salvation.
Dilshan again collared the tourists' bowling as the home team sought quick runs after ending New Zealand's first innings on 299 11 overs into the morning session.
His rollicking 92 on Tuesday set the tone for Sri Lanka's domination but he was not as savage yesterday as he completed a relatively sedate century by his standards.
His final 50 runs took 80 deliveries as Daniel Vettori finally latched on a leg stump line. But Dilshan, who reached his half-century from 35 balls, still cracked nine fours and a six in his ninth test century as Sri Lanka plundered at will.
Dilshan's mid-innings lull was immaterial as Sri Lanka maintained a one-day international style run rate of 5.28.
New Zealand had little to enthuse about once it became apparent morning rain would not stall the start of play for the first time since a delayed toss.
Their mood darkened further when Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder called in sick at breakfast, the worst affected of eight players struck down by food poisoning.
Only Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Iain O'Brien were immune from the bug that provided Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young with his first experience of test cricket.
O'Brien had the dubious honour of becoming Muttiah Muralitharan's 100th wicket at Sri Lanka's southernmost test location when he tickled an edge to wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene.
Galle International Stadium joined Colombo's Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (160 wickets) and Kandy's Asigriya Stadium (117) as home venues where the world's leading test wicket taker has most prospered.
Muralitharan ended with four for 73 from 42 overs.
- NZPA
