Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka, 2019 Venue: P Sara Oval, Colombo Date & Time: Aug 22-Aug 26, 10:00 AM LOCAL

Watling got to his ton before New Zealand declared. © AFP

New Zealand smash Sri Lanka to share the spoils of the two-match series

There it is, folks! An all-round effort gives New Zealand their much-needed series parity. Four New Zealand bowlers - Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel and William Somerville - picked two wickets each to bundle out Sri Lanka for just 122 in the second innings after centuries from Tom Latham and BJ Watling gave New Zealand a 187-run lead.

New Zealand now have a two day break before they T20 practice match on Thursday, before the start of the three-match T20I series from September 1.

Dickwella falls

Superb catch from Latham. He went for the sweep and got it fine. Latham moved to his left and caught it. New Zealand just one wicket away now.

Sri Lanka 118 for 9.

Eight down

Somerville strikes and Lakmal's resistance is over. Two more wickets and New Zealand can level the series. Dickwella needs support and he's got Embuldeniya at the other end.

Sri Lanka 115 for 8

172 12

Build up

Well, after that nerve-wracking finish in Headingley yesterday, it's only fair we expect more today as Sri Lanka and New Zealand approach an interesting final day's play. Rain needs to stay away for any chance of that happening though as they have already caused enough damage to the Test match. New Zealand currently lead by 138 runs and have two set batsmen out in the middle. Colin de Grandhomme had already smashed five sixes yesterday and will look to add more to his tally so that his side can go past 200 and declare quickly to have a crack at the hosts.

He has BJ Watling for company at the other end and Sri Lanka will know that one quick wicket here will tilt the balance massively in their favour. With plenty of rain overnight, mopping up work is being done. But there is optimism that play will start pretty soon. Welcome to the live blog for the final day's play of this second Test. Hopefully, an exciting finish is on the cards.