Colombo: New Zealand clinched a hard-fought yet comprehensive victory against Sri Lanka to level the two-match series 1-1.
The win was achieved with an hour left on day five when Lasith Embuldeniya edged a short delivery from Trent Boult to Kane Williamson at gully.
Sri Lanka were ultimately bundled out for 122 runs after New Zealand declared their second innings on 431 for six with a first-innings lead of 185.
New Zealand's bowlers were hurrying through their deliveries knowing too well that they were racing against time.
The first four days' play had been severely affected by rain, wet ground conditions, and bad light, but surprisingly the final day stayed clear despite a 30-minute delayed start.
Sri Lanka had given away the initiative to New Zealand after losing five wickets for 32 runs before lunch, but a terrific fightback by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella kept their hopes of salvaging a draw.
Tim Southee, Boult, Patel and William Somerville claimed two wickets each while Colin de Grandhomme claimed the big wicket of Angelo Mathews, which handed the Kiwis their first victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.