New Zealand took three quick wickets before the rain came

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand claimed three wickets late in the day to gain the upper hand over Sri Lanka on the first day of the second Test in Hamilton.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum would have been pleased with his decision to bowl first as they dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis early on.

Dinesh Chandimal and Udara Jayasundera stabilised the innings with a 71-run partnership before Jayasundera was run out by Mitchell Santner for 26.

Chandimal followed soon after for 47 before Milinda Siriwardana and skipper Angelo Mathews put together a 138-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Siriwardana was caught by Ross Taylor off the bowling of Trent Boult.

Siriwardana’s excellent knock of 62 came off 81 balls and included five boundaries and three sixes.

Siriwardana scored his second Test fifty

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand continued to take the attack to Sri Lanka after Siriwardana was back in the pavilion and were rewarded with the wickets of Kithuruwan Vithanage and Rangana Herath before the heavens parted and the players were ushered off the field.

With the rain refusing to relent, the umpires had no choice but to bring play to an end earlier than expected.

Mathews remained undefeated on 63 off 111 deliveries, which included five boundaries and three sixes.

Mathews hit five boundaries and three sixes during his unbeaten knock of 63

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Boult and Tim Southee picked up two wickets apiece, while Doug Bracewell chipped in with one.

Sri Lanka ended day one on 264/7 and will continue batting on Saturday at 10:00 local time, 21:00 GMT (Previous day).