Christchurch: Shane Bond had New Zealand strongly positioned to wrap up the first Test against Sri Lanka inside three days as he destroyed the tourists second innings here today.

At stumps, Sri Lanka were 125/8, an overall lead of 73, the only resistance coming from Kumar Sangakkara, who was unbeaten on 63.

Bond took 4-38 and was also instrumental in two run-outs, including Sanath Jayasuriya. Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vass earlier bowled Sri Lanka back into the Test dismissing the hosts for 206. Stephen Fleming and Daniel Vettori were the mainstays of New Zealand’s 52-run first-innings lead, adding 75 for the seventh wicket. Muralitharan finished with 4-65.