Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera grabbed his first five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka staged a dramatic comeback to leave New Zealand reeling at 232 for nine at the close of play on day two of the second Test in Hamilton on Saturday.
New Zealand are still 60 runs behind with Doug Bracewell unbeaten on 30 and Trent Boult set to join him on Sunday morning. Despite making a solid start, the hosts failed to counter Chameera's short-pitched deliveries as they struggled to build any healthy partnership with Martin Guptill (50) remaining the top scorer for his side.
Chameera's vital dismissals include reliable Kane Williamson (1), veteran batsman Ross Taylor (0) and opener Tom Latham (28).
Mitchell Santner (38) and BJ Watling (28) tried to steady the ship as the duo constructed a 40-run stand for the sixth wicket before both fell to decisions that required television assistance, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Earlier, Sri Lanka could only add 28 more runs after resuming their first innings at 264-7 with captain Angelo Mathews top scoring with 77 off 125 balls.
Pace spearhead Tim Southee was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 3-63, while Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell took two wickets apiece.
New Zealand are leading the two-match series 1-0 after defeating Sri Lanka by 122 runs in the first Test in Dunedin.
