Angelo Mathews and Mahela Jayawardene lifted Sri Lanka from a precarious position by scoring half-centuries in an unbroken 140-run partnership for the sixth wicket at tea on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Sri Lanka reached 5-190 at tea having been poorly placed at 5-50 after Kiwi seam bowler Tim Southee grabbed four quick wickets in the morning.

Mathews was unbeaten on 76 at the break off 134 deliveries, hitting a six and 12 boundaries.

Jayawardene faced 129 deliveries and hit a six and eight boundaries for his 68 not out.

Southee had the best bowling figures, 4-43.

New Zealand were bowled out for 221 in their first innings on Saturday.