Thushara-Murali Help SL Take 153-run Lead Over Kiwis

Galle: Pacer Thilan Thushara and off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan shared eight wickets between them as Sri Lanka bowled New Zealand out for 299 in the first innings to take a 153-run lead on day four of the first Test here on Friday.

New Zealand, who resumed the fourth day on 281-8, lost their last two wickets without adding much to their total.

Muralitharan scalped tail-ender Iain O'Brien early before Thushara bowled captain Daniel Vettori for 42. Opener Tim McIntosh top-scored with 69.

Murali, who on Thursday became the bowler with most maiden overs in Test cricket, took 4-73 from his 42 overs while Thushara took 4-81 from his 23.

New Zealand suffered another blow to their innings as Brendon McCullum was unable to keep wickets because of a stomach illness. Back-up keeper Jesse Ryder was also suffering with the same flu as the visitors were allowed to field substitute Reece Young as wicketkeeper.

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