Sri Lanka in strong position
Published:Friday | August 28, 2009 | 1:32 PM
Skipper Kumar Sangakkara cracked an unbeaten 64 to put hosts Sri Lanka in a strong position to win the second Test against New Zealand, finishing today’s third day with a 339-run lead.
Sangakkara compiled a 68-run partnership with Mahela Jayawardene to steer the home side to 157 for 2 in its second innings at stumps, building on a 182-run first innings lead after New Zealand were bowled out for 234 shortly before lunch.
New Zealand resumed this morning on 159 for five replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 416 but lost their remaining wickets for 75 runs.
Sri Lankan spinners Rangana Herath and Muttiah Muralitharan snared three wickets.
Herath returned 3-70 while Muralitharan had 3-71.
Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0.