Sri Lanka made an unconvincing start with the bat to its New Zealand tour, declaring at 173 for nine on the opening day of a two-day warm-up match against the Chairman's XI in Queenstown yesterday.
But the home side found batting just as tough and slumped to 26 for three by stumps.
Shaminda Eranga struck a double blow for the visitors and Suranga Lakmal nicked out Auckland's Anaru Kitchen to finish the day on a positive note.
Earlier, there was little to cheer about.
The touring side elected to bat and was under pressure with opener Kaushal Silva dismissed for 14 and the team's premier batsman, Kumar Sangakkara, spending just three deliveries at the crease.
Canterbury's Ben McCord picked up the prized wicket of Sangakkara and struck again, removing fellow danger-man Angelo Mathews for a six-ball duck.
A bustling medium-pacer, McCord finished the day with three for 30 from 15 overs.
Lahiru Thirimanne helped Sri Lanka recover from 47 for four before he offered a catch on 49 from the bowling of Canterbury spinner Tim Johnston.
Prasanna Jayawardena chipped in with 24 in an otherwise lacklustre effort.
Canterbury's Cole McConchie took two late wickets, while Albion seamer Michael Snedden took none for nine from four overs.
