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Reuters

New Zealand would need to bring their “A” game back to the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday to dismiss a Sri Lanka side fighting to salvage the test cricket series on a very good batting wicket, according to record-breaking batsman Kane Williamson.
Sri Lanka were 45 for one at the close of play on Tuesday, needing another 345 runs on the final day after Williamson and BJ Watling turned the game in the hosts’ favour with a world record sixth-wicket partnership of 365.
“Obviously the wicket was a very good batting surface,” said Williamson, who scored a career-best 242 not out. Watling ended unbeaten on 142.

	If we can get a couple [wickets] early that will put us in a very strong position but I think patience is key because it is a good surface

	Kane Williamson
“We have got to bring our ‘A’ game to dismiss a strong Sri Lankan batting lineup.
“They showed in the first innings they were more than comfortable on that surface.
“If we can get a couple early that will put us in a very strong position but I think patience is key because it is a good surface.
“But if you get one [wicket] then things can happen quite quickly so who knows how it will unfold.”
Sri Lanka need to win the game to level the two-match series after New Zealand won the first test in Christchurch.

The highest successful run chase batting last on the Basin Reserve is the 277 for three that Pakistan achieved in 2003.
Opener Kaushal Silva will resume on 20 on Wednesday along with nightwatchman Dhammika Prasad, though he gave several hints late on Tuesday his stay at the crease may be short, which will bring Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 203 in the first innings, to the wicket.
“We are going to have to work hard to take nine more wickets,” Williamson added, aware of the threat Sangakkara will pose.
“If we bowl in the right areas like we know we can [we can] create opportunities, but anyone with Kumar Sangakkara in their team can have confidence so I think it’s set up for a good day of test cricket.”


New Zealand have to lift to beat Sri Lanka on final day, says record-breaker Kane Williamson

New Zealand's Kane Williamson shakes hands with Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara as he walks off after making an unbeaten 242 on day four of the second test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Photos: AFP

BJ Watling celebrates his century for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in the second test in Wellington.  

Kane Williamson, BJ Watling keep New Zealand alive in second test

New Zealand's Kane Williamson and B.J. Watling (right)  walk from the field at the end of play on day three of the second international test cricket match against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Photos: AFP 

Kane Williamson bats on day three of the second international test. 


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