Captain Mahela Jayawardene fell nine runs short of a century as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 247 in their first innings with a slim 26-run lead against New Zealand on the second day of the first Test on Sunday.

Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews shared 156 runs for the sixth wicket after Sri Lanka collapsed to 5-50 in the morning facing some aggressive seam bowling by Tim Southee.

Sri Lanka failed to build on the recovery because both the batsmen were dismissed in the final session.

Jayawardene’s 91 runs included a six and 11 boundaries and Mathews hit a six and 12 boundaries for his 79 runs.

Southee returned best bowling figures for New Zealand with 4-46 while offspinner Jeetan Patel returned 3-55.