WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Rain has delayed the start of play on the final day of the first cricket test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka Wednesday, lifting the tourists' hope of a hard-earned draw.

Kusal Mendis (116 not out) and Angelo Mathews (117 not out) compiled centuries and batted throughout the fourth day Tuesday to leave Sri Lanka 259-3 by stumps, only 37 runs behind New Zealand after trailing by 296 runs on the first innings.

It was the first time in New Zealand that a wicket had not fallen in a full test match day and the first time anywhere in the world in almost 10 years.

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