New Zealand are chasing 275 runs in their second innings for victory over Sri Lanka on the fourth day of their first test at Galle.
Resuming the contest after a 'rest day' for the Sri Lankan presidential elections, the Black Caps had the home side at 237/4, still requiring six wickets to set themselves a target, with allrounder Angelo Mathews and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva both on 34 overnight.
Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel led the charge with the ball, taking five of those six wickets, as they fell for 72 runs in the morning session.
De Silva ventured out of his crease to Patel and was stumped by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell for 40, while Kusal Mendis was bowled by Patel and Daryl Mitchell's safe hands welcomed Mathews' edge in the slips.
Ramesh Mendis was trapped leg before wicket, while later that same over, Lahiru Kumara was caught by Kane Williamson.
Allrounder Mitch Santer took the final wicket of Prabath Juyasuriya, caught by Will O'Rourke.
Patel ended with 6/90 off his 30 overs, taking his career total to 70 Test wickets and five five-wicket bags.
The New Zealand run chase was off to a bad start, when out-of-form opening batter Devon Conway was bowled by Asitha Fernando for four in the second over, just before lunch.
Sri Lanka 305 & 309 (Kraunaratne 83, Chandimal 61, Mathews 50; Patel 6/90) New Zealand 340 (Latham 70, Mitchell 57, Williamson 55; Jayasuriya 4/136)
Sri Lanka lead by 274 runs on the fourth day
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