Kane Williamson puts New Zealand in command

Dunedin: Kane Williamson joined the elite 1,000 runs-a-year club on Saturday as New Zealand built a commanding 308-run lead over Sri Lanka with two days remaining in the first Test in Dunedin. 

 

Only the threat of rain and a flattening pitch loomed as possible barricades for New Zealand, who closed day three on 171 for one with nine wickets in hand. Tom Latham was on 72 with master batsman Williamson on 48. 

 

Williamson, who started his innings with 992 runs for the year, reached 1,000 driving Rangana Herath elegantly over mid-off to the boundary. Williamson’s class shone as New Zealand ramped up their dominance over Sri Lanka, removing their last six wickets on Saturday to have the tourists all out for 294, 137 runs in arrears. 

 

Guptill and Latham set about building on New Zealand’s advantage, moving swiftly to 79 before Guptill’s was bowled by a shooter from Rangana Herath for 46. 

 

New Zealand 431 & 171/1 in 48 overs (T. Latham batting 72, M. Guptill 46, K. Williamson batting 48) vs Sri Lanka 294 in 117.1 overs (D. Karunaratne 84, D. Chandimal 83, M. Siriwardana 35. Boult 2/52, Southee 3/71, Wagner 3/87, Santner 2/37.)