New Zealand’s 2015 preparations for the World Cup they will co-host from next month started with a three-wicket one-day international win over Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The Black Caps are enjoying a stunning English winter, following a shared Test series with Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates by beating the same opponents 3-2 in a one-day rubber.
Having won both Tests versus Sri Lanka over Christmas and new year, Brendon McCullum’s side began this seven-game series with a fairly comfortable victory achieved with seven overs in hand.
McCullum, in the batting form of his life, was instrumental as his 19-ball fifty, which equalled the New Zealand record he already jointly held with Ross Taylor, ensured a flying start in pursuit of 219.
McCullum’s blast, featuring three sixes and six fours, utterly dominated a stand of 62 with Kane Williamson after Martin Guptill was out in the reply’s first over.
Although McCullum fell soon after for 51 in just the seventh over, Corey Anderson’s 81 took New Zealand to the brink of victory.
Mahela Jayawardene’s 18th ODI ton was the sole meaningful contribution in Sri Lanka’s 218 for nine.
Angelo Mathews perhaps regretted his decision at the toss as left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan claimed 4-37, including Jayawardede’s wicket for 104.
The tourists’ next-best contributions were a pair of 23s from Lahiru Thirimanne and Jeevan Mendis.