NZ batters with 90-plus scores in 4th innings vs SL
What's the story
Albeit in a losing cause, Rachin Ravindra scored a resilient 92 in the fourth innings of the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle.
He fought a lone battle for the Kiwis, who needed 275 to win.
However, he missed out on a well-deserved hundred.
Here we look at NZ batters with the highest fourth-innings scores versus SL in Tests.
#1
Daniel Vettori - 140 in Colombo, 2009
Daniel Vettori is the only Kiwi batter with a fourth-innings Test ton on SL soil.
Chasing a mammoth 494 in the 2009 Colombo Test, NZ were 176/6 when Vettori arrived to bat.
The NZ skipper dominated a 124-run stand with Jacob Oram, taking his side past 300.
However, Muthiah Muralidaran eventually ended his resistance as NZ perished for 297.
Vettori made a 189-ball 140.
#2
Kane Williamson - 121* in Christchurch, 2023
Kane Williamson clocked a sensational century in the 2023 Christchurch Test against SL.
Chasing 285, NZ had a race against time as they crossed the line on the final ball of the match.
Williamson batted with remarkable intent as he made 121* off 194 balls.
He held his fort despite the fall of wickets from the other end as NZ prevailed by two wickets.
#3
Kane Williamson - 108* in Hamilton, 2015
NZ lost both openers cheaply while chasing 189 in the 2015 Hamilton match against SL.
Williamson, however, played the rescue act yet again as the scorecard kept ticking.
While none of his teammates could even touch the 40-run mark, Williamson returned unbeaten on 108 off 164 balls as the hosts triumphed by five wickets.
#4
Rachin Ravindra - 92 in Galle, 2024
Ravindra's aforementioned 168-ball 92 is next on this list. He arrived with the scorecard reading 51/2.
However, the Lankan spinners posed a significant threat in the middle overs as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Ravindra held one end and carried NZ's hopes single-handedly. Prabath Jayasuriya eventually trapped him lbw as the Kiwis lost the contest by 63 runs.