Sri Lanka set 390 after record stand by NZ

A world record sixth-wicket partnership by Kane Williamson and ABC Watling has wrested the second Test away from Sri Lanka and given New Zealand a sniff of victory heading into the final day.

Williamson scored a maiden double century and wicketkeeper Watling a Test-best score as the pair added a stand of 365 as Black Caps negotiated day four at the Basin Reserve without losing a wicket.

They declared on 5-524 to set Sri Lanka 390 to win from a maximum of 107 overs.

The partnership eclipsed that set at the same ground less than a year ago when Watling and Brendon McCullum combined to add 352 to steer the hosts to safety against India.

Williamson was unbeaten on 242 when the declaration came with Watling 142 not out.

Sri Lanka, who boasted a 135-run first innings lead, were left to rue three dropped chances offered by Williamson in his innings and missed a stumping but only when the 24-year-old had reached 233.

Watling’s chanceless innings surpassed his previous best of 124 set in the great escape against India at the same ground last February.

The visitors began the day with high hopes of claiming the five remaining wickets, but could only induce two false shots from Williamson.

The first came after he reached his ninth Test ton – joining Stephen Fleming in sixth on NZ’s all-time list – with wicketkeeper Prassana Jayawardene failing to hold an edge and he was the guilty party late on to deny spinner Rangana Herath on both occasions.

The Sri Lankans left the field a dejected bunch after toiling for 101 overs without reward.

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