1st Test, Day 4: Angelo Mathews Ton Inspires Sri Lanka, New Zealand Chase Falters

A classy century from Angelo Mathews and the early wicket of Devon Conway kept Sri Lanka's World Championship hopes alive in the first Test against New Zealand on Sunday. "We've given ourselves a great chance to win the Test match," Mathews said after his masterful 115, made from nearly six hours in the middle in Christchurch. His innings rescued Sri Lanka from a tight spot and led the tourists to a second innings total of 302. That set New Zealand a target of 285, and the home side were 28 for one by stumps after 17 overs, with Conway out for five.

Tom Latham was not out 11 with Kane Williamson on seven, with New Zealand requiring 257 on the final day. The highest fourth-innings score at Hagley Oval is 256 for eight in a drawn Test.

"We had to work extremely hard to get those runs and we've got the fast bowlers to exploit the conditions," Mathews said.

"We had the belief that if the batters get the runs on the board the fast bowlers will come into play.

"We need to strike early (Monday) to get into the game and if we can open one end we can put a lot of pressure on the Kiwis."

Sri Lanka need another nine wickets on the final day but their chances could be dashed by rain that is forecast for the morning.

New Zealand have only pride at stake but Sri Lanka, playing their first Test in seven months, are chasing their ticket to the World Test Championship final against Australia.

They must win in Christchurch as well as the second Test in Wellington to make the final.

Sri Lanka also need Australia to win or draw their current fourth Test against India.

There was jubilation in the Sri Lankan camp when Kasun Rajitha had Conway caught and bowled for five, and similar scenes when he thought he had Williamson lbw without scoring.