DUNEDIN: Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne obstinately defied New Zealand's bowlers for much of the second day of the first test at University Oval in Dunedin on Friday though the hosts still have the upper hand.

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In stark contrast to New Zealand's run rate of 4.49 runs per over in their first innings total of 431, Sri Lanka inched their way to 197 for four at the close of play at a comparatively sedate 2.43.

Chandimal was on 83 and within sight of his sixth test century while Kithuruwan Vithanage, who was dropped by Kane Williamson at short cover on six, was on 10 with their side still 234 runs behind the hosts' first innings score.

Nuwan Pradeep had earlier mopped up the New Zealand tail by capturing the last two wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 431, having added 22 runs to their overnight total.

Doug Bracewell was the last man out for a career-best 47, when he was trapped lbw by Pradeep, who finished with figures of 4-112.

Opener Martin Guptill (156), Kane Williamson (88) and captain Brendon McCullum, who belted a scintillating 75 off 57 balls, scored the majority of New Zealand's runs.