Mathews proves saviour again as Sri Lanka defy New Zealand

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Sri Lanka v South Africa Ð Sri Lanka Team's Practice Session - Galle, Sri Lanka Ð July 11, 2018 Ð Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews looks up as the rain starts during a practice session ahead of their first test cricket match against South Africa. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Former captain Angelo Mathews continued his role as saviour on Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand as he and Kusal Mendis struck unbeaten hundreds to thwart the host's push for victory on the fourth day of the first test at the Basin Reserve on Tuesday.

Mathews was on 117, while Mendis was 116 not out as they took their side to 259 for three at stumps, having batted together all day and created Sri Lanka's highest partnership for any wicket against New Zealand with a marathon 246-run stand.