First Test, Galle (day two)
Sri Lanka 452 v New Zealand 87-2
Match scorecard

Seamer Chris Martin took 4-77

New Zealand fought back over the final two sessions on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The visitors reached 87-2 at stumps after Thilan Samaraweera top-scored with 159 to take Sri Lanka to a first-innings score of 452.

New Zealand opener Tim McIntosh was not out on 36 after Martin Guptill (24) and Daniel Flynn (14) were both dismissed.

Sri Lanka began the day in command at 293-3 but lost their last six wickets for just 66 runs.

Mahela Jayawardene (114) added just six runs to his overnight score before being caught at slip off Iain O'Brien.

"We had a plan to bat at least till lunch but unfortunately it was a bad shot, loss of concentration as well. Disappointed, definitely," said Jayawardene.

"Getting 500 or 550 would have been ideal, but I think from where we are right now we are satisfied with 450 and two wickets this afternoon. Hopefully we can strike early tomorrow."

Seamer Chris Martin (4-77) and spinner Daniel Vettori (4-78) played key roles in preventing the hosts from building a massive total after approaching 400 with only four wickets down.

"The big thing that we wanted was to show some fight today to put ourselves in the position that we have," said skipper Vettori.

"I couldn't really have asked too much more, particularly from the bowling performances. So a pleasing day."

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