Only the threat of rain and a flattening pitch loomed as possible barricades for New Zealand, who closed day three on 171 for one with nine wickets in hand. Tom Latham was on 72 with master batsman Williamson on 48. Although Sri Lanka have their backs to the wall, forecast rain and an easy wicket meant it was crucial for New Zealand to get the timing of their declaration right, according to bowling spearhead Tim Southee. Guptill and Latham set about building on New Zealand’s advantage, moving swiftly to 79 before Guptill’s luck ran out when he was bowled by a shooter from Herath for 46. Live Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2015-16, 1st Test at Dunedin
The first-innings century-maker had earlier survived caught-and-bowled chances to Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal and being dropped on 19 by Kusal Mendis at cover. Latham, who posted his seventh Test 50 with a single off Milinda Siriwardana, has been content to build partnerships — first with Guptill then an unbroken 92-run stand with Williamson. The Sri Lankans had expected Chandimal to lead them within close range of New Zealand’s 431, instead he was unable to add to his overnight 83 as he fell to Southee.
Southee struck again in his next over when he had Kithuruwan Vithanage caught behind for 22. Siriwardana and Herath emerged from the setback to produce a stubborn 43-run stand for the seventh wicket. Trent Boult then claimed the wicket of Dushmantha Chameera and Mitchell Santner bagged his second victim of the innings in form Nuwan Pradeep. Sri Lanka’s innings was wrapped up for 294 and they would have been dissatisfied with their effort as they conceded a sizable first innings lead to the home side.