NZ drew with SL | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Test Match

So that is it from this game! Sri Lanka will take a lot of confidence heading into the second Test after this result. New Zealand on the other hand, will know they need to get their best game if they are to seal the series in Christchurch on the 26th of December at 1100 local (2200 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, says he knew the forecast was not too good and he would have loved to pick a few wickets yesterday itself. Credits the way Lanka played. States they expected a little more pace and bounce from the wicket but it was very flat. Mentions the guys were a little tired after the UAE tour but did well to recover for Day 1 of this Test. Ends by saying he is looking forward to the second Test.

Sri Lankan captain, Dinesh Chandimal, says he is really pleased at the moment. Further adds his players have shown great character and determination. Credits Mathews and Mendis for the way they played. Reckons the wicket eased out as the game progressed. Ends by saying they still have a lot to learn and are looking forward to the next game.

Man of the Match, Tom Latham, says it will be nice that they will have a couple of days off. Further adds it is good he has a day off on Christmas. Ends by saying he is looking forward to the second Test.

Sri Lanka, in their second innings, ended Day 3 at 20-3. An innings defeat seemed certain but a determined Angelo Mathews and a flamboyant innings from Kusal Mendis saw the Lankans bat out Day 4 without losing a wicket. Yes, the Kiwi bowlers were not at their best but take nothing away from the effort by the two. The two added an unbeaten 274-run stand and with some fortune (rain) have managed to save this game.

New Zealand then batted almost the whole of two days and took a massive lead of 286, courtesy Tom Latham. He remained unbeaten scoring a brilliant 264. He was well supported by Williamson who was dismissed in the 90s and also Taylor and Nicholls who notched up half centuries.

New Zealand on the other hand, will be disappointed they have not taken the lead here. They were in control of the game right from Day 1. First they restricted the Lankans under 300 on a flat wicket. Southee was the tormentor-in-chief as he picked a 6-fer. For the visitors Karunaratne, Mathews and Dickwella were the star performers with the bat.

The inevitable has happened. The match has been CALLED OFF, which means it ends in a draw. Who would have thought Sri Lanka would be heading into the second Test all level at the end of Day 3. We certainly did not and if you did, you should surely buy yourself a lottery ticket.

1511 local time - Update - We have nothing to update as the rain continues to fall and the most likeliest result seems to be a draw.

We were supposed to get underway by now. The rain has continued to fall after the Lunch break. The covers are firmly placed and we are in for another delay.

... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...

SO LUNCH has been taken a few minutes early than the scheduled time. Another wicket-less session for the Lankans, 4th in a row. However, they only had to face 13 overs in this one. Both Mathews and Mendis continued from where they left off yesterday. The trail is now in single digits and the game is more or less heading towards a draw. Wickets is the call of the hour for New Zealand and if play resumes after Lunch, that is exactly what they will be looking for.

It has started to drizzle again. The umpires get together and have decided to call the covers on.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Floated on off, Mendis drives it to covers.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Tossed up on middle, Kusal defends off the back foot.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Floated delivery on middle, Kusal defends off the back foot.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Flighted delivery on middle, Kusal defends off the front foot.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Tossed up on off, Mendis blocks it well.

Ajaz Patel to Kusal Mendis. Short on off, Mathews plays it to mid off.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Driven straight to the fielder at mid on.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Length delivery on off, Mathewss rocks onto his back foot and blocks it.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Length delivery outside off and Mathews calmly leaves it.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. On the pads, AM flicks it towards the fielder at square leg.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Pulls back the length this time but Mathews is up for the task and defends it off the back foot.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Fuller delivery on off, Angelo pushes it straight to the fielder at mid on.