New Zealand 253 for 4 (Vincent 79*, Fleming 60*, Cumming 47, Vaas 4-69) lead Sri Lanka 211 by 42 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

A different kind of defence from Lou Vincent on his way to 79* © AFP Enlarge

Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming strengthened New Zealand's grip on the second Test on a day that started under clear autumn skies and ended 16 overs early after a thick fog enveloped Wellington. Sri Lanka may hope it lingers because New Zealand, who finished on 253 for 4, are in the driving seat with a 42-run lead and six wickets still in the bag.

However, Sri Lanka never let New Zealand's batsmen cut loose and soon after the lunch break they had clawed back much of the initiative squandered on the first day as Chaminda Vaas, who bounced back from a lacklustre performance in the first Test, pinned Craig Cumming (47) lbw and had Nathan Astle caught at bat-pad first ball. New Zealand were creaking on 153 for 4, and still trailing by 58 runs.

But Vincent, who was promoted to No 4 because of Fleming's bruised knee, bedded down for an innings of unblinking concentration and patience. Unfazed by long periods of no scoring, including a 10-over spell when he was marooned on 64, he chipped away at the Sri Lanka lead and anchored the innings, finishing with 79 from 188 balls.

Chaminda Vaas celebrates the first-ball dismissal of Nathan Astle © AFP Enlarge

Vincent compiled a steadying 83-run stand with Cumming for the third wicket in the morning after an early Vaas double strike and then a crucial, unbroken 100-run partnership with Fleming, who batted at No 6. The pair drained the enthusiasm from Sri Lanka's players and consolidated New Zealand's advantage.

The only real Vincent blemish was a dropped chance by Thilan Samaraweera at slip off Upul Chandana on 64. It was a difficult reflex chance as the ball, delivered from around the wicket into the footholes, travelled low to the right of Samaraweera. One edge also flew perilously close to third slip in the morning session.

Fleming, meanwhile, showed no obvious discomfort from either his knee or injured hand, which hampered him in the last innings at Napier, and knuckled down to regain his touch. His unbeaten 60 from 123 balls was a workmanlike innings blessed with the odd flash of his best form, including a couple of well-timed clips and one spanking cover drive.

Vaas provided the major threat throughout the day, clearly enjoying the traditional swing-bowler conditions. He bent the ball back into the right-handers' pads and occasional nipped it away off the seam and through the air, beating the bat on several occasions and also snapping up the early wickets of the Marshall brothers. James Marshall (28) missed a curling inswinger and Hamish Marshall edged a straighter ball to Mahela Jayawardene at first slip, who clung on despite an initial fumble.

Craig Cumming takes evasive action © AFP Enlarge

Vaas was well supported by Farveez Maharoof, who bowled a tidy spell of nippy inswing at the start of the day, conceding 14 runs from 10 overs. Maharoof might have broken through when Cumming, on 31, looked to have been dropped by Kumar Sangakkara behind the stumps off a delivery that cut back sharply and, according to television replays, brushed the inside edge.

Atapattu - mindful of Astle's valuable contribution with his dibbly-dobblers the previous day - decided to give Jayawardene a bowl after Vaas. Considering that he has taken four wickets in his previous 66 matches, it was a brave but thoughtful gamble. It did not pay off with a wicket but Jayawardene kept it tight - one glorious straight six by Vincent excluded - during a six-over spell.

Vaas's improved form was contrasted by Lasith Malinga, who lacked the sparkle that made him Sri Lanka's trump card at Napier. He did produce a couple of searing yorkers in his final evening spell before the new ball was taken, but he was also the most wayward of the seamers. Atapattu was reluctant to use him as he tried to put a lid on New Zealand's scoring.

How they were out

James Marshall lbw b Vaas 28 (61 for 1)
Played across an inswinger.

Hamish Marshall c Jayawardene b Vaas 6 (70 for 1)
Edged straighter ball while driving on the up.

Craig Cumming lbw b Vaas 47 (153 for 3)
Beaten by an indipper.

Nathan Astle c Kalavitigoda b Vaas 0 (153 for 4)
Caught at short leg after inside-edge onto pad.

Charlie Austin is the editor of Cricinfo in Sri Lanka.