Trent Boult put New Zealand firmly on the front foot in the second Test against Sri Lanka – taking six wickets in 15 balls as the tourists collapsed.

Angelo Mathews and Roshen Silva started day two at the crease, chasing a 90-run deficit on 88 for four after bowling New Zealand out for 178.

Five overs into the day and Boult had his first victim, Silva holing out for 21.

Three more wickets fell in the 39th over of the innings, Niroshan Dickwella caught by Tim Southee for four before Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal fell lbw on consecutive balls.

The hat-trick ball was negotiated but Dushmantha Chameera’s dismissal sealed a five-wicket haul and Lahiru Kumara was caught lbw as the tourists only put on ten runs for six wickets – four of which came off the bowling of Boult.

Jeet Raval and Tom Latham (74 no) then helped the Black Caps stretch their lead out, combining for a partnership of 121 before Sri Lanka struck just after tea dismissing Raval for 74.

Kane Williamson (48) fell just short of a half-century and the home side will resume on 231 for two.