Sri Lanka was in a commanding position at the end of the third day of its four-day cricket match against the Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI.

The tourists sliced open the NT XI's top order after earlier closing their first innings at 7(dec)-378.

The home side declared late in the day at 9-145, forcing Sri Lanka to bat the final three overs of the day.

The ploy was successful with Glenn McGrath bowling Sanath Jayasuriya (1) on the final ball of the day to leave the tourists at 1-6 at stumps.

Sri Lanka needs another 181 runs to win the match, which serves as a warm-up to the two-Test series against Australia starting next week.

Captain Mahela Jayawardena (4no) was unbeaten with Tilan Samaraweera due in next.

Sri Lanka earlier ripped through the NT batting line-up, with skipper Justin Langer falling for a golden duck, bowled by Rangana Herath.

Herath, the best of the Sri Lankan bowlers, had figures of 4-45 off 20 overs.

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