Kamindu Mendis continued his phenomenal start to Test cricket notching up a fourth Test ton but a couple of late wickets at the end of play ensured that New Zealand were not completely out of it after an engrossing opening day's play in the first Test, which began in Galle.

That one of those wickets was that of Kamindu will have brought the visitors particular joy, though the nature of the wicket - with it spitting out of the rough outside the left-handers off stump, to catch his glove - might give New Zealand's left-hand heavy batting line-up some pause.

Kamindu's 114 off 173 was part of two key partnerships. The first was worth 72 with Angelo Mathews and the second for 103 with Kusal Mendis as the home side reached 302 for seven at stumps.

Around those New Zealand did what they do best. They put their best foot forward, set up solid plans, and threw themselves at everything.

It meant Sri Lanka were unable to take complete control of the game having won the toss and elected to bat first on an unusually grass-strewn surface.

Will O'Rourke was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing three wickets, including that of both Sri Lanka openers within the first hour of the morning session while Glenn Phillips was the pick of the spinners with figures of two for 52.

Mitchell Santner was wicketless, though that was less a reflection of his efforts and more a case of bad luck.

Ramesh Mendis was unbeaten on 14 off 42 at stumps alongside him was Prabath Jayasuriya, but this was a day that belonged to Kamindu. (Agencies)

SCOREBOARD:-

• P. Nissanka b O'Rourke 27
• D. Karunaratne c Blundell b O'Rourke 02
• D. Chandimal c Bracewell b Southee 30
• A. Mathews c Blundell b O'Rourke 36
• Kamindu Mendis c Mitchell b Patel 114
• D. de Silva b Phillips 11
• Kusal Mendis c Southee b Phillips 50
• R. Mendis not out 14
• P. Jayasuriya not out 00

Extras: (b4, lb10, nb4) 18

TOTAL (For 7 wkts, 88 overs) 302

Fall: 1-20, 2-69, 3-88, 4-106, 5-178, 6-281, 7-302

Bowling: Tim Southee 14-2-48-1, William O’Rourke 17-4-54-3, Ajaz Patel 18-3-58-1, Mitchell Santner 19-2-64-0, Glenn Phillips 18-0-52-2, Rachin Ravindra 2-0-12-0