Cricket-Williamson, Nicholls hit double tons as NZ punish Sri Lanka

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Third Test - England v New Zealand - Yorkshire Cricket Ground, Leeds, Britain - June 25, 2022 New Zealand's Kane Williamson in action Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo

(Reuters) - Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls both scored double centuries and shared a partnership of 363 as New Zealand flayed Sri Lanka's bowling to rack up an imposing 580 for four declared on the second day of the second test on Saturday.

The tourists had responded with 26-2 by the close of play at Wellington's Basin Reserve and face an uphill battle to avoid being swept in the two-match series after losing the first test by two wickets in Christchurch on Monday.