Lanka 85/2 vs New Zealand on Day 1

Colombo: Sri Lanka reached 85/2 after losing the wickets of Lahiru Thirimanne and Kusal Mendis on a rain-truncated opening day in the second and final Test against New Zealand. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne continued his rich vein of form to remain unbeaten on 49 with Angelo Mathews yet to score as only 36.3 overs of play were possible due to rain and bad light. The hosts made a watchful start after Karunaratne won the toss and opted to bat after a lengthy delay in the morning. New Zealand’s seamers had no joy with the new ball and it was left to off-spinner William Somerville to strike the first blow when he dismissed Thirimanne for two. Karunaratne and Mendis kept the touring side at bay with a partnership of 50 for the second wicket before the latter fell for 32 to seam bowling all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme. REUTERS

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 85/2 (Karunaratne 49*; de Grandhomme 1/14) vs New Zealand