Sri Lanka bowled well on Day 3. The spinners were consistent with their line and length and got the reward however it got a bit frustrating in the end as they had to work hard for that final wicket. New Zealand on the other hand will be happy with how they have batted. Tom Latham gave them a blistering start, Kane Williamson followed and kept troubling the Lankan bowlers. Daryl Mitchell then notched up his fifty but once he fell the onus was on Phillips to score as many as possible with wickets tumbling at the other end. It feels New Zealand will be more than happy with how their hard-hitting batter has performed with the tail enders. Right then! New Zealand lead by 35 runs. The cracks have opened up and it won't surprise if New Zealand use spinners straightaway. Sri Lanka have to show a lot of character now. Let's see how they bat. 

Glenn Phillips' excellent innings has helped New Zealand lead by 35 runs. At one stage, it felt New Zealand would only be able to match their first innings score as they kept on losing wickets on a pitch which have opened up considerably. However, Glenn Phillips played a little cameo of immense maturity with not more than two wickets in hand to help them get ahead in the game.