New Zealand rattled through the Sri Lankan batting in Christchurch

New Zealand's seamers produced a devastating burst to regain control of the first Test, Sri Lanka closing day two in Christchurch 73 ahead at 125-8.

Having conceded a first innings deficit of 52, the Sri Lankans were 44-1 but lost six wickets for 60 in 16 overs.

Only Kumar Sangakkara defied the home attack, smashing eight fours in an unbeaten 63 from 97 deliveries.

Earlier, Muttiah Muralitharan claimed four wickets as Sri Lanka fought back to dismiss the New Zealanders for 206.

The home side began day two on 85-2 in reply to Sri Lanka's meagre 154, but lost Craig Cumming and Nathan Astle in the same Muralitharan over.

Chaminda Vaas then ousted Jacob Oram and Brendan McCullum in the same over.

Murali now has 661 Test wickets, 33 behind Shane Warne

However, skipper Stephen Fleming shared an important 75 for the seventh wicket with Daniel Vettori, who rode his luck to hit eight fours in a vital innings of 63 - the best effort by a Kiwi batsman.

After Fleming departed for 48 in the 80th over, the final four wickets went for only 18 runs in six overs, Vettori last to fall, mis-timing a lofted drive and skewing to Mahela Jayawardene who ran in from deep extra-cover.

The Sri Lankan second innings began in positive fashion when evergreen Sanath Jayasuriya launched Chris Martin for six in the second over.

However, the 36-year-old left-hander was out of his ground at the non-striker's end in the next over as Upul Tharanga's straight drive was deflected into the stumps by bowler Shane Bond.

606 DEBATE: Is the first Test in the bag for the Kiwis?

Fleming then clung on to a slip catch above his head off Bond at the second attempt to remove Tharanga.

And he then snared key counterpart Jayawardene low to his right as Bond and James Franklin claimed four wickets for two runs.

The captain was satisfied with his team's position with three days remaining.

Sri Lanka have some great variations and some freakish bowling actions Stephen Fleming

"Someone has pressed fast forward on this game, there's no doubt about that," said the 33-year-old, playing his 103rd Test match.

"It's been an interesting Test. We're certainly going forward on right side of it at the moment.

"They are a tough bowling outfit. They have some great variations and some freakish bowling actions.

"We saw the best of one of the world's greatest bowlers (Muralitharan) but our boys did just as good a job."

New Zealand: Jamie How, Craig Cumming, Mathew Sinclair, Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin.

Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, (captain), Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva, Prasanna Jayawardene, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Umpires: BG Jerling and SJ Taufel