A swashbuckling century from Kumar Sangakkara lifted Sri Lanka to 268 all out before New Zealand slumped to 66 for four as wickets tumbled on the opening day of the second Test in Wellington on Friday.
Schedule: Sri Lanka in New Zealand
Sangakkara finished unbeaten on 156, his 12th Test century and second of the series, helping the touring side recover from 41 for three before their last five batsmen fell for 29 runs to hand the advantage back to New Zealand.
The hosts then lost four quick wickets before the close on a seaming pitch to give Sri Lanka hope of squaring the series.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and chose to bat but seamer Chris Martin took three wickets in a terrific opening spell to reduce the tourists to 41 for three.
The 29-year-old Sangakarra continued his rich vein of form, however, and received good support from Chamara Silva who made 61 in only his second Test.
The pair added 121 for the fifth wicket before Silva was caught by Stephen Fleming off James Franklin.
Sangakkara was at the centre of the controversy that marred the first Test in Christchurch, when batting partner Muttiah Muralitharan was run out when he went to congratulate his team mate on reaching his century.
But he put that behind him to reach three figures again from 113 balls, including 17 fours and a six.
Prasanna Jayawardene scored an entertaining 25 before he was trapped lbw by spinner Daniel Vettori and the Sri Lankan tail collapsed, fast bowler Shane Bond claiming two wickets and Vettori another two.
The left-handed Sangakkara ran out of partners having hit 21 fours and a six from 192 balls faced.
New Zealand started their reply confidently and Craig Cumming and Jamie How added 30 before Cumming was bowled by Farveez Maharoof for 13.
How fell in the next over for 26, lbw to the whippy Lasith Malinga, and Fleming lasted just six balls before he was caught by wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene off Malinga.
Nathan Astle struck three fours in his 17 but was bowled by Malinga in the last over of the day, leaving Mathew Sinclair unbeaten on six.
