Former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal have combined for 147 to earn Sri Lanka a 202-run lead against New Zealand after three days of the first test in Galle.

Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a 147-run partnership to propel hosts Sri Lanka to a lead of 202 on day three of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday.

A thrilling day of Test cricket unfolded in Galle on Friday, as both New Zealand and Sri Lanka battled fiercely for dominance. By the end of day three, the hosts reached 237 for four, boasting a lead of 202 runs with six wickets in hand on a rapidly deteriorating pitch.