Kiwis on brink

Tom’s ton has

TOM LATHAM’S 10th Test century put New Zealand in a position to push for victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Latham hit an unbeaten 111 during another a rainaffected day in Colombo.

It was his third century in Tests in Asia. Since his debut in 2014, the only visiting batsman with more tons in Asia is Aussie Steve Smith, who has four.

An unbeaten fourthwicket partnership of 70 between Latham and BJ Watling helped the visitors reach 196-4 at stumps on day three.

The Kiwis had been stumbling in replying to the hosts’ first innings total of 244.

Dilruwan Perera took Jeet Raval’s edge as the Black Caps opener fell for a nine-ball duck.

Captain Kane Williamson (20) guided Lahiru Kumara into second slip’s hands as the away side slipped to 34-2.

Ross Taylor (23) was then caught well by the sole slip after coming down the pitch to Lasith

Embuldeniya and an unexpected shower brought the players running off the field.

Once play resumed, Perera accounted for Henry Nicholls (15), only for Latham and Watling to combine.

New Zealand were still 48 runs behind but, with six wickets in hand, they will back themselves to build a healthy lead.

That would all but end the hosts’ hopes of victory, with a draw the most likely outcome.

Earlier, Dhananjaya De Silva’s 109 helped the hosts post 244 before fast bowlers Trent Boult and

Tim Southee quickly removed the tail.

Dhananjaya (above, right) was the first man to make three figures earlier in the day but lost teammates Perera, Suranga Lakmal and Embuldeniya cheaply.