BLACKCAPS wrap up Test win

The BLACKCAPS wrapped up a five-wicket victory in the first National Bank Test against Sri Lanka in three days at Christchurch’s Jade Stadium.

, with an unbeaten 14 from eight balls, and , unbeaten on 12, concluded a chase after openers and (11) put on 58.

Cumming emulated his first-innings 43 before being caught behind off Chaminda Vaas, who also claimed the key wicket of lbw without score two overs later.

(four) followed soon after, caught by Kumar Sangakkara off Muralidaran at square leg.

The BLACKCAPS were set 119 after Sangakkara’s 11th Test century - and first against the BLACKCAPS, gave the tourists a second innings total of 170.

On the third and final day, the converted wicketkeeper added 27 to his overnight score, but his partner Lasith Malinga went without score, caught behind off .

Sangakkara continued to provide resistance, denying them an early chance to finish the match.

But Muralidaran, who scored eight in a determined last wicket stand of 27, strayed from his crease after Sangakkara‘s 100th run.

, at fine leg, provided Brendon McCullum with a run-out to close the innings, and set up a manageable run chase.

A successful home run chase completed in 33 overs by the hosts, either side of a delay for rain.

Earlier in the match, Christchurch natives Martin and help the BLACKCAPS remove Sri Lanka cheaply.

Martin took two wickets - the first his 100th in Tests - and Bond marked his first Test appearance at Jade Stadium with three wickets as the tourists were dismissed for 154.

The BLACKCAPS posted 206 in reply, Vettori top scoring with 63. Cumming (43), Fleming (48) and Sinclair (36) also contributed, while Murali put on a master class to take on four for 66.

Eight Sri Lankan wickets fell later on day two, as Bond claimed four for 63 to leave his side within sight of victory.

Sangakkara’s stand delayed the inevitable, but the BLACKCAPS extended their unbeaten home Test record to six matches.