New Zealand have beaten Sri Lanka by 167 runs on the last day at P Sara Oval to end a nine-Test winless run since January.
Sri Lanka, needing 363 to win, were 47-4 in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day of the second and final Test against New Zealand at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Wednesday.
Samaraweera was unbeaten on 76 as the hosts reached 225-6 in their first innings at stump on day three in reply to New Zealand's 412 at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.
Tim Southee rattled Sri Lanka with two wickets off three balls to put New Zealand in command on Day 2 of the second and final Test at the P Sara Oval.
Ross Taylor cracked an impressive 119 not out to help New Zealand reach 223/2 at stump on the opening day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first in the final Test at the P Sara Oval.
New Zealand will be keen to put in an improved batting performance against Sri Lankan spin in the second and final Test in Colombo from Sunday to halt their losing streak.
Herath starred with the ball in both innings (5-65 and 6-43) as Sri Lanka won the match on the third day by 10 wickets against New Zealand in Galle on Monday.
New Zealand led Sri Lanka by 9 runs at close of play on a see-saw day 2 at Galle which saw fortunes fluctuating from one team to the other.
Rangana Herath bagged a five-wicket haul to put Sri Lanka in a strong position on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Galle.
