Sri Lanka well-placed after day 2 against NZ XI

Associated Press

NAPIER, New Zealand (AP) — A century opening stand between Dunashka Gunathilaka and Lahiru Thirimanne steered Sri Lanka into a solid position at stumps Sunday on the second day of a three-day tour match against a New Zealand XI.

Gunathilaka made 83 and Thirimanne 45 in a 116-run stand which gave Sri Lanka 60-2, an overall lead of 100 runs with eight second-innings wickets in hand.

Earlier, the New Zealand XI made 270-8 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 210-9 declared, led by Sandeep Patel with 69. Peter Younghusband (31) and Max Chu (33) increased the total with an unbroken 48-run stand for the ninth wicket.

Diluran Perera was the best Sri Lanka bowler with 2-30 from 12 overs.

The match at McLean Park ends Monday and the first test begins in Wellington on Saturday.

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