Latham, Williamson fifties push Kiwis to 255/4

New Zealand reached 255 for 4 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 305, at the close of the second day’s play in the first Test match at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Opener Tom Latham (70) and Kane Williamson (55) made valuable half-centuries, building useful partnerships that anchored New Zealand’s innings.

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made a solid start, adding 63 runs in 18.4 overs. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis made the first breakthrough, dismissing Conway for 17 off 59 balls.

Kane Williamson joined Latham, and the pair put on 73 runs for the second wicket. Latham, who scored 70 off 111 balls with six fours, was caught by Sadeera Samarawickrama at square leg off Prabath Jayasuriya while attempting a sweep. Williamson reached his 35th fifty, scoring 55 off 104 balls with four fours and a six before being caught by Kusal Mendis off Dhananjaya de Silva. He also added 51 runs for the third wicket with Rachin Ravindra, who made 39 off 48 balls before De Silva claimed his second wicket.

At the close of play, Daryl Mitchell (41) [5 fours and a six] and Tom Blundell (18) added an unbeaten 59-run stand, leaving New Zealand trailing by 50 runs. De Silva finished with 2 for 31, while Jayasuriya and Mendis took a wicket each.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand quickly wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings, dismissing the last three wickets in the morning session. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 305, adding just three runs to their overnight total.

William O’Rourke, the right-arm pacer, took 5 for 55, his second five-wicket haul in four Test innings. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips took two wickets each.

Only 15 minutes of play were possible in the morning due to rain before lunch, with the game resuming at 12:40 PM.