Pacers rattle Sri Lanka

Trent Boult and Tim Southee led New Zealand’s charge against Sri Lanka on day two of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Friday.

The pacemen claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka reached 144 for six at lunch when rain came down and no further play was possible.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne moved from his overnight 49 to score 65 and provided the only bit of resistance in the morning session, which saw 29.3 overs bowled.

Boult took two early wickets in one over after Sri Lanka resumed the day at 85 for two.

Dhananjaya de Silva on 32 and Dilruwan Perera on five were at the crease.

Southee, like Boult, also delivered a double-wicket maiden as the duo put on a superb display of seam bowling under overcast conditions.

Boult got overnight batsman Angelo Mathews caught behind for two to reach a landmark of 250 Test wickets -- only the third Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat.

“Today’s a special day for Trent. He’s become the third highest wicket-taker for New Zealand,” New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen told reporters.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA: First innings 144 for 6 (Karunaratne 65, Mendis 32, De Silva 32 not out; Boult 2-33, Southee 2-40)