While India is trying to beat Australia in the 4th test to qualify for the World test Championship , Sri Lanka, who are still in with a slim chance to qualify has started their 2 test series against New Zealand on a bright note . In the 75 overs available for play on day 1 , the tourists scored at the rate of 4 per over to reach 305/6 with a fine knock from Kusal Mendis and good contributions from a few others .
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl on a green surface . Lankans lost Oshada Fernando (13) early but a sparkling 137 run stand in just 26 overs between Kusal Mendis and skipper Kurunaratne put Sri Lanka ahead . While Karunaratne scored a relatively steady 50 , Kusal Mendis stroked a dazzling 87 off 83 balls to put the pressure on the opponents.
Also read : AUS V IND 4TH TEST : KHAWAJA, GREEN POWERS AUSTRALIA TO 255/4 ON DAY ONE
After both Mendis and Karunaratne fell on the same score of 151 , there was another fruitful 82 run stand between Anjelo Mathews (47) and Chandimal (39) . Mathews completed 7000 runs in test cricket during his innings .
New Zealand bowlers did make a few inroads later but Dhananjaya De Silva was batting with confidence on 39 notout at stumps as the tourists reached 305/6 in 75 overs in a good days cricket .
Take part in interesting online quizzes
For the Kiwis , Southee with 3 wickets and Henry with two wickets were successful but the hosts will be disappointed at not being able to hurt the opposition in decent bowling conditions.