Tom Latham's century provided the highlight of the third day of the second test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
But after rain claimed most of the first two days in Colombo, the visitors are chasing the match and trying to force a result to square the series.
The Blackcaps finished 196/4 at stumps, with Latham (111no) completing his 10th test century just before the close of play. Wicketkeeper BJ Watling was 25 not out, the pair sharing a 70-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Realistically, New Zealand will need two uninterrupted days of cricket - and to bat most of day four - to push for victory.
Sri Lanka still hold a 48-run lead.
Starting the day at 144/6, the hosts made it their mission to bat for as long as possible. Ajaz Patel made the early breakthrough for the Blackcaps, claiming Dilruwan Perera by leg before wicket for 13.
Suranga Lakamal was the next to fall - Tim Southee had him caught behind for just 10.
But the Blackcaps will be regret Trent Boult dropping a sitter of a caught-and-bowled that would've dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva for just nine.
Instead, the all-rounder went on to make 109 and help Sri Lanka reach 244.
Southee had his best test match return in some time with 4/63, while a frustrated Boult ended with 3/75.
In reply, Jeet Raval was the first Kiwi batsmen to go, falling without score, off the bowling of Perera.
Captain Kane Williamson was next to fall. His dab to third man is often used to rotate the strike, but this time, it was his downfall, as he guided one straight to Kusal Mendis at second slip, off the bowling of Lahiru Kumara for 20.
Ross Taylor and Tom Latham started the fightback for the visitors, but Taylor charged the bowlers once too often to fall for 23 runs, off the bowling of Lasith Embuldeniya.
Henry Nicholls chimed in with a modest 15, while spinner Dilruwan Perera was the best of the bowlers with 2/76.
Newshub.
