New Zealand 373 and 28 for 1 (Latham 11*, Williamson 7*, Rajitha 1-5) need another 257 runs to beat Sri Lanka 355 and 302 (Mathews 115, Tickner 4-100, Henry 3-71)

But otherwise, neither side gave an inch away, with Mathews sharing partnerships of 105 and 60 with Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva, respectively, in the process dragging Sri Lanka back into position of relative strength in the face of relentless probing from New Zealand's seamers.

Sri Lanka though continued to slog, and it would take until shortly after the tea interval for Mathews to finally fall. Another length ball outside off, shaping away, examining Mathews' patience, which for once would fail him, saw him nick one through to the wicketkeeper. His 115 came off 235 balls, but by the time he fell, Sri Lanka's lead had grown to 233.

And as it turned out, Mathews' wicket sparked a collapse for Sri Lanka, who lost 4 for 42 to fold for 302. However, de Silva remained unbeaten on 47, adding 22 for the eighth wicket with Kasun Rajitha, while accumulating crucial runs for his side, as Sri Lanka ensured New Zealand were left with a challenging chase nevertheless.

And when the hosts came out to bat, the Sri Lankan bowlers did their part, utilising the early swing as well as some variable bounce on offer to trouble both Tom Latham and Devon Conway. The latter even fell before the close of play, chipping a return catch to Rajitha after one reared up off a good length. Latham and Kane Williamson held fort till the close, content to see proceedings through to the end of play.