Kiwis kept at bay by Samaraweera

---

THILAN Samaraweera defied the discomfort of an injured hand and the threat of the New Zealand attack to ensure Sri Lanka retained a foothold in the second cricket test in Colombo yesterday.

Samaraweera, who had three stitches inserted into the webbing on his right hand on Monday after dropping a catch, made an unbeaten 76 to help steer the home side very slowly to 225 for six by the close of play on the third day. It meant Sri Lanka still trailed by 187 runs following New Zealand's first innings total of 412, but it was a vast improvement when it had slipped to 128 for six.

---