A contentious decision by video umpire Bruce Oxenford to dismiss Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara has opened the door for New Zealand as they chase victory in the second Test.

Oxenford overturned the on-field decision of Richard Illingworth to rule that Sangakkara, who made a double century in the visitors’ first innings, had got the faintest of edges to a ball from Trent Boult.

The hotspot appeared inconclusive while the snicko showed a slight blip as the ball passed the bat.

Sangakkara was clearly displeased with the decision, and the 37-year-old walked off the Basin Reserve for probably the last time in his career shaking his head in disbelief.

His dismissal left the tourists at 110-5 at lunch on the final day, with them needing 280 more runs to win the Test and square the series. But losing four wickets in the session means they are now locked in a battle for survival.

Resuming on 45-1, nightwatchman Dhammika Prasad lasted just 10 balls of the session before slashing Boult to third slip.

Sangakkara’s departure left them shaking at 61-3 and when opener Kaushal Silva went shortly after bringing up his first half-century of the series they were in a battle to save the Test.

Mark Craig clung on to a low catch off Doug Bracewell to get rid of Silva on 50 and when Kane Williamson grabbed Angelo Mathews at the second attempt just before the break they had lost four wickets for 49.

At the interval Lahiru Thirimanne was unbeaten on 11 with Dinesh Chandimal yet to join him.

Bracewell had figures of 2-23 with Boult taking 2-39.