Half centuries from Colin de Grandhomme and BJ Watling have given New Zealand a first-innings lead of 138 against Sri Lanka in the second and final test in Colombo.
The touring side, who need a series-levelling win after Sri Lanka won the opener in Galle, reached 382/5 on another rain-interrupted day.
Watling was unbeaten on 81, while de Grandhomme was 83 not out, after a blistering knock, with his side needing quick runs to set Sri Lanka a target on the final day.
After rain allowed just 66 overs of play on the first two days of the match, the start of the fourth day was also delayed by wet weather and eventually only 48 overs could be bowled on Sunday.
Overnight centurion Tom Latham and Watling continued accumulating runs with ease, and took their side past Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 244.
The pair added 143 for the Blackcaps' fifth wicket, before Latham was finally out, leg before wicket for 154, giving off-spinner Dilruwan Perera his third wicket.
But there was no respite for the hosts' bowlers, as all-rounder De Grandhomme went on the attack, hitting five sixes and an equal number of fours in his 75-ball knock.
He and Watling added 113 for the unbroken sixth wicket, giving hope of victory.
Sri Lanka did not have regular captain Dimuth Karunaratne on field, after he suffered a small tear in his quadriceps, while fielding on day three.
Former captain Angelo Mathews led the side in his absence, and Karunaratne will be unable to open the innings or bat higher than number seven in Sri Lanka's second innings.
Reuters
