Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st Test Day 3 Highlights: Sri Lanka Lead By 202 Runs

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 3 Highlights: Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a 147-run partnership to propel hosts Sri Lanka to a lead of 202 on day three of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday. Sri Lanka were 237-4 at stumps in Galle with Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva, both on 34, to resume in the morning. Karunaratne (83) was on song, punishing loose deliveries and forcing New Zealand to spread the field to protect the boundaries. Chandimal (61) was more conservative. (Scorecard)

Right then, that is it from an entertaining Day 3 of this Test match where Sri Lanka find themselves in a good position and New Zealand have a lot to do to turn things around. Well, if you are not aware, there is a One-Day break in this Test match due to the presidential elections in Sri Lanka. So, Day 4 will be on 22nd September, Sunday. The first ball will be bowled at 4.30 am GMT, but you can always join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!

However, then skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews steadied the ship for the hosts and did not let the Kiwis bother them much. There were a few half-chances here and there but no more than that as the due added over 50 runs and the lead also went over 200. They did suffer a scare in the last over, but Angelo Mathews survived by the skin of the teeth due to the umpire's call. They will now look to score as many as possible and with six wickets in hand, they will be hoping to set a target of around or over 300 now, but the Kiwis will want to make early inroads in the morning session on Day 4 and restrict the Lankans.

The duo continued to extend the partnership looking really solid at the crease, and they were cruising along in the third session as well.