Devon Conway struck a brisk half-century to put New Zealand on top at 155/2 when play was abandoned due to bad light on a blustery, rain-hit opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Wellington on Friday.

The opener’s 78 from 108 balls on a grassy pitch gave the hosts a flying start after Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to field.

In-form No.3 Kane Williamson was 26 not out, with Henry Nicholls on 18, the pair having built a 37-run stand for the third wicket before stumps were called about 20 minutes early.

After New Zealand took a 1-0 series lead in a final-ball thriller in Christchurch, the second Test started more with a whimper than a bang as rain washed out the entire first session.

Only 48 overs were bowled and gale-force winds hammered the ground throughout, blowing off the bails and causing the umpires to chase down their hats across the turf.

Brief scores: New Zealand 155/2 (Devon Conway 78) vs Sri Lanka. At stumps, Day I.