The Black Caps have work to do after day one of their Test in Galle after, despite a promising start by the Kiwi team, Sri Lanka clawed its way back to reach 302-7 at stumps guided by a Kamindu Mendis century.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, most likely the preferred option for both sides as rain is anticipated to impact the latter days of the Test.
Will O'Rourke was a standout early for the Black Caps seamers, taking two wickets off two overs in his opening spell, before taking a wicket just shy of tea moving him to 3-54 from his 17 overs.
“This is my first experience of playing in Asia at test match cricket and conditions were quite tough as it was hot and humid. I just tried to run in hard and hit the deck hard,” O'Rourke told AP.
“Things are pretty even at the moment. Yes we wanted to bat first as well on that wicket, but to get seven wickets for 300 runs is not bad.”
Black Caps captain Tim Southee (1-48) only managed one wicket on day one coming in his first over after lunch, with Dinesh Chandimal dismissed for 30 runs.
It was then Kamindu's time to shine, as he built partnerships with Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis to get Sri Lanka a foothold back in the Test. Kusal also eased his way to a half-century off 68 deliveries.
Glenn Phillips was the pick of the Black Caps spinners, finishing on 2-52 off his 18 overs.
The Black Caps will look to put a swift end to the Sri Lankan innings, with tail-enders Ramesh Mendis (14*) and Prabath Jayasuriya (0*) at the crease for the start of day two.
The Black Caps were supposed to play a Test in preparation for the Sri Lanka series, but suffered a historic Test abandonment against Afghanistan last week.
This Test is part of the World Test Championship where the Kiwis are currently in third place.
The Test continues in Galle for day two set to start at 4.30pm this afternoon.
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