The rain aided Kusal Mendis (right) and Angelo Mathews’ gritty knocks by ensuring the first Test ended as a draw

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

After Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews and batsman Kusal Mendis batted through the entire fourth day, their rescue act was capped off when rain washed out a majority of the final day in Wellington.

Starting off the day on 259/3, Mathews and Mendis continued to frustrate New Zealand as they added another 28 runs to their team’s score before the rain came.

Since it refused to relent, the umpires had no choice but to call off play for the day, which resulted in the match ending as a draw.

Mendis finished on 141, which came off 335 balls and included 16 boundaries, while Mathews remained undefeated on 120, which came off 323 deliveries and included 11 boundaries.

Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Trent Boult claimed one.

New Zealand opener Tom Latham was named Man of the Match for his career-best knock of 264 not out.