1st Test, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Day 3 Report

Christchurch, Dec 28 (CRCIKETNMORE) - Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne's 152 has given the team some hope to save the first Test against New Zealand. Sri Lanka were 293/5 at the end of day three of the first test at Hagley Oval here Sunday.

Black caps dominated the first two days of the Boxing Day Test but Karunaratne's maiden hundred helped his side to survive the day 3.

The 26-year-old opener batted for 483 minutes and faced 363 balls. 

The Black Caps' two late wickets ensured the home side is still in the driving seat having done their toughest job of the day early when they removed Kumar Sangakkara for just one.

The Sri Lankans started day three at 84 for without loss and lost opener Kaushal Silva off the last ball of the day's first over.

That brought Sangakkara, World No. 1 Test batsman to the crease, but he lasted just 16 deliveries.

This was the veteran left-hander's 129th Test and he seldom fails.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 441 lead Sri Lanka 138 and 293/5 (Dimuth Karunaratne 152, Angelo Mathews not out 53; Trent Boult 3/62) by 10 runs at stumps on Day 3.

CRICKETNMORE with input from agency