A sparkling century by Tom Latham powered New Zealand's first innings reply after Sri Lanka posted 244 on day three of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Saturday.
Latham, on 111, put together an unbeaten 70-run stand with B.J. Watling, on 25, to thwart the Sri Lankan bowling attack that had made early inroads into the Kiwi batting.
The tourists were 196 for four at stumps, still trailing Sri Lanka by 48 runs.
Earlier Dhananjaya de Silva made 109 to lift Sri Lanka after they resumed the day on 144 for six following their decision to bat first.
But Latham made the day his own as he registered his 10th Test hundred -- fourth against Sri Lanka -- to hold the New Zealand innings after they lost key wickets including skipper Kane Williamson for 20.
Latham combined the right dose of caution and aggression as he hit 10 boundaries in his 184-ball stay at the wicket so far.
"Tom is getting better and better every season. He had a great summer back home," New Zealand paceman Tim Southee, who claimed four wickets in the Sri Lankan innings, told reporters.
"Great to see him kick on and continue that form overseas especially to come here and play the way he has played on conditions that are tough."
"Very pleased with the effort I put in today. I have not been able to come up with a big score for quite some time now."