New Zealand opt for batting practice against President's XI

New Zealand's opening two-day practice match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI petered out into a predictable draw as the visitors batted throughout the second day.

The Kiwi's, replying to the President's XI 258 yesterday, scored 396 in 107.5 overs before the match was abandoned immediately after the fall of the final wicket.

Opener Matthew Richardson, who added 88 for the first wicket with Matt Horne (48), top scored with a patient 106 from 117 balls, an innings that included 18 boundaries.

There were also half-centuries from skipper Stephen Fleming, a brisk 69 from 91 balls with 13 fours, and allrounder Scot Styris, who was last man out for 64 from 81 balls having hit seven fours and two sixes.

Seamer Dinusha Fernando was the pick of the nine bowlers used by skipper Romesh Kaluwitharana, claiming three wickets in the afternoon to finish with three for 66 from 20 overs.

New Zealand will play another two-day warm-up match at the same venue starting Monday before the first Test on April 25.