NZ beat SL by 45 runs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st ODI Match - Commentary

Once Guptill departed, Ross Taylor took over as he scored a quickfire fifty but when he got out there were still 5 overs left to play. The Lions did manage to get 2-3 overs quietly but everything changed as James Neesham went crazy. The Kiwis powered their way past 350 and Sri Lanka will certainly feel a lot of pressure now. Should be a really tough chase, considering their form and also the potent Kiwi bowling attack. The good part though, is that the ball isn't doing much and the surface is a beauty. Can Sri Lanka pull this off or will it be all too easy for the hosts? Join us for the chase in a while.

The innings began in a decent way. The visiting bowlers did well at the start to keep it quiet in the Powerplay as they conceded just 58 and got the wicket of Colin Munro as well. But post that, Martin Guptill and his skipper, Kane Williamson just made it look too easy in their 163-run stand, the second-best ever for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Williamson fell short of his 100 once again as has been the case in recent times but the opener who was coming back from an injury layoff made sure he reached the landmark and went on to make 138.

49 runs in the last two overs, New Zealand have finished things on a high! James Neesham, take a bow! What power-hitting! Scintillating stuff. Sri Lanka looked like pulling things back after Taylor got out but Neesham just plundered in the final overs of the innings and looks like he has put this score too far out of Sri Lanka's reach. All the bowlers were carted around the ground. Thisara Perera looked like he was having a good day, but everything changed in the space of 7 balls in the 49th over where he conceded 34.

Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. SIX! A massive shot to end the innings. Short and wide outside off, Neesham makes room and smashes it over deep extra-cover off the back foot. What an incredible shot! Just brute power that. Brilliant end to the innings. Jimmy finishes with 47 off 13 balls. Unbelievable. Sri Lanka have to chase 372 to win this one.

Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. Short ball, pulled away with the swivel towards square leg in the deep by Neesham. The batsmen come back for two. Great running.

Ish Sodhi in at no. 9.

Nuwan Pradeep to Matt Henry. OUT! Caught at short fine leg. The quickfire 46-run stand comes to an end. Thisara Perera will feel a little better at least, after having taken that catch. Short ball on middle, hurried onto Henry who tried to pull this away. The ball goes high in the air and Thisara runs backward and takes a decent catch in the end. The damage has been done though.

Nuwan Pradeep to Matt Henry. FOUR! Henry gets into the act this time. Full and angling in, smashed in the gap between long on and mid-wicket for four.

Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. Slower ball this time, well bowled on the hips. Neesham works it away to square leg for a single. Thinks about the second but it is not available this time.

Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. In the slot and Neesham misses out this time. He mistimes his lift over mid-wicket and the ball runs wide of deep backward square leg. The batsmen come back for two and Jimmy is back on strike.

Nuwan Pradeep to bowl the last over of the innings.

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. It's not a six this time! A full toss on off, Neesham lifts it over the leg side but it results only in a run as the deep mid-wicket fielder cuts it off. 34 from the over! A gigantic one. Just misses out on the record by 2 runs. Perera himself has hit 35 in an over off Robin Peterson. Got the taste of his own medicine.

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Onto the roof! Neesham is smoking hot... 33 from the over, so far. A length ball angling into the batsman, James sizes it up and muscles his heave over mid-wicket for half a dozen of runs. Will we have the sixth six of the over? Come on Jimmy! Malinga having a chat with his bowler. Pressure...

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. Perera switches to 'round the wicket and serves a high full toss outside off. Neesham top edges his pull shot towards long on and rushes back for the second run. No ball called, Free Hit coming up...

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Ho! Ho! Ho! Neesham trolling Perera here. Receives a full toss with open arms and sends it whistling over wide long on for a biggie. Can he get the fifth one?

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Hat-trick of biggies! Neesham putting on a show. Perera tries to get away from James' hitting zone. That's why he puts it on a fuller length wide outside off. But Neesham anticipates it and launches it over the bowler's head.

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! And again... action replay of the previous delivery! Perera goes full this time and targets the middle stump. Neesham clears his front leg and hoists it over the cow corner for a maximum.

Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Gone all the way! A length delivery angling away from the batsman, it's outside off but Neesham still manages to connect with his heave-ho across the line. It finds the sweet spot of his bat and flies over wide long on for a biggie. Pressure on the bowler straightaway.

Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry. Swing and a miss! A length ball around off, slower again, Henry tries to heave it over the leg side but misses. 10-0-78-2, Malinga ends an expensive spell.

Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry. Back of a length delivery outside off, steered towards point for a couple. Excellent running and Chandimal there was very slow in returning the ball.

Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry. The batsman defends it from within the crease.

Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Slower one, turned on the leg side for one.

Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. In the air... in the air... Safe! Nearly a boundary. A length ball outside off, slower in pace again, Neesham is early into his lofted shot and balloons it over the bowler's head. Kusal Perera comes running across to his left from long off but it falls safely. Perera overruns it a bit as the ball sneaks past him and headed towards the rope. Kusal recovers quickly and then puts in a dive to pull it back. A couple taken in the meantime.

Matt Henry is in at number 8, replacing Tim Seifert.

Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. OUT! Sri Lanka doing well at the death! They hunt down yet another wicket. Slower delivery by Malinga has done the job. Seifert fetches it from outside off and tries to club it over long on. Fails to middle his shot and Kusal Perera holds onto the catch easily.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Fullish and on middle, driven straight down the ground for a run.

James Neesham is the next batsman to the crease.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. OUT! Perera hits the bull's eye. Nicholls is run out! Slower delivery, a full toss around leg, Seifert fails to flick and is hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls back towards the leg side and Nicholls is mid-way down the track in search of a run. He is sent back but before he can reach, Perera picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Brilliant work by the bowler.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Fullish and on middle, Tim inside edges his flick onto the pads and it rolls in front of square leg. Good running between the wickets fetches them a couple.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Play and a miss! A touch short around off, Seifert makes space to play the square cut but there is extra bounce due to which he misses.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Goes hard at a length ball and gets an inside edge onto the pads. They cross.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. FOUR! Misfield in the deep! A scrambled seam delivery, on a length around off, Nicholls smacks it across the line and it races away. The long on and deep mid-wicket fielders emerge, the latter puts in a dive but it goes right through him for a boundary. Poor by Gunaratne.

Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. Slower one, on the shorter side and going down the leg side, Henry clips it to deep backward square leg for a run. 11 from the over!

Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. Short and outside off, Nicholls adjusts well to the lack of pace this time and cuts it behind point for a couple.

Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. They pick up a single.

Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. FOUR! Eased away! A high full toss sliding down the leg side, Seifert turns inside the crease and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Let me tell you, that was too high and Malinga is really lucky to get away with it. He has already bowled a couple of beamers in this innings.

Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. In the air... safe! Slower ball again, outside off, Tim is early into the drive and pushes it aerially past the diving cover fielder for a couple of runs. 300 up for New Zealand.

Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. Dropped by Sandakan! A full length ball on middle, slower in pace deceiving the batsman, Nicholls attempts to play a lofted flick shot over mid-wicket but mistimes it towards mid on. Sandakan present there tries to catch it with a tumble but fails to hold on. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Angles in a length ball on off, Seifert flicks on the leg side but finds the fielder inside the ring at mid-wicket.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Shortish and wide outside off, Henry mishits his punch towards mid off and takes a run.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Gets on the back foot and punches it towards widish mid on for a run.

Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Wide called for height! A bouncer around off, it goes well over the head of the batsman.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Forces a length ball from the crease to mid off for a run.

Tim Seifert the debutant is in at number 6, replacing Ross Taylor.

Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. OUT! Taylor holes out! Perera gets his second wicket. Fuller in length outside off, Ross tries to pump it over long off but fails to get the timing right. Ends up having more elevation than distance on his shot and Seekkuge Prasanna at wide long off takes the skier safely. A brilliant knock by Taylor comes to a close, another timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Two new batsmen in the middle at the death.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Good length delivery on middle, Nicholls turns it off his pads to mid-wicket and hands the strike back to Taylor.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Dot ball to end an expensive over, 16 coming off it. On a length outside off, Taylor punches it off his back foot to cover-point, finds the fielder.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Wide! Malinga has lost control. Sprays a length delivery wide outside off, Taylor lets it be.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Malinga is being taken to the cleaners here! Continues to bowl full and wide outside off, Ross chases it and squeezes it past the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. EDGY FOUR! Luck going Rosco's way here as he brings up his 44th ODI fifty! Fullish and outside off, at 136.5 kph, Taylor tries to hammer it once again through the off side but this time the ball takes the bottom edge and races past the stumps to the fine leg fence. A fine knock by Ross, just continues with his good run of form in this format.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Too full again, this time outside off, Taylor drill his square drive past the diving point fielder for a couple of runs.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Easy pickings! Fuller in length and drifting down the leg side, Taylor just picks it off his pads and whips it through backward square leg for a cracking boundary.

Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. An off-pace delivery, full and outside off, Henry strokes it off his front foot and beats the short cover fielder for a run.

Lasith Malinga is back into the attack.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Gets back and pushes it towards mid off for a single.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Beaten! Slants a length ball across the southpaw, Nicholls tries to punch it off his back foot but fails to connect.

Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Straighter in line, Taylor turns it in the gap at mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls. Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Nicholls drives it through covers for a run. Nice timing.

Henry Nicholls is next to the crease.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. OUT! A soft dismissal for Guptill! Perera runs in and delivers a shortish ball on middle at 123.3 kph. It arrives a bit late to the batsman as he is early into his shot. Tries working it on the leg side but it catches the leading edge and flies straight into the hands of Sandakan at point. He makes no mistake and that ends a stunning knock by Martin. A timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka as Guptill was really putting their bowlers to the axe. The 88-run stand is over as well.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Good length ball on off, Guptill sticks back and defends it towards the bowler.

Thisara Perera returns in the attack.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. SIX! Pradeep delivers a full toss again, outside off and Taylor takes maximum toll. Gives it the full whack of his bat and clobbers it over wide long on for a biggie. 19 from the over!

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. No ball called for a waist-high full toss. Taylor pulls it across the line at the last moment. The umpire has stretched his right hand meaning the next ball will be a Free Hit. Also, a warning for Nuwan.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Another heave by Rosco, this time a boundary. Just swings his bat at a good length ball on middle and hammers it in front of square leg. The fielder in the deep puts in a dive but fails to pull it back.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. No run.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. SIX! Taylor plays his favourite heave shot on the leg side. As soon as he receives a length delivery in his half, he swings his big bat across the line and gets the connection right. Sends it flying over the square leg fence and a spectator in the crowd takes the catch calmly.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Angles in a length ball on middle, Guptill hits it down to long on for a single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Begins this spell with a short and wide outside off, Taylor slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.

Nuwan Pradeep is back on.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Senses the charge and hence bowls a fuller one on the pads. Guptill still does well to force it down to wide long on. A good stop in the deep and they get a brace. 10-0-64-0, Sandakan too failed to impress like his spin partner, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Taylor has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. The batsman plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. SIX! Clears long off with ease yet again. Tossed up ball outside off, Guptill picks his area and smashes it over the fielder in the deep for a biggie. No stopping this one.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Oohhhh... this one stays very low. Lands it on a short around off, Guptill goes back to punch but it nearly goes under his bat. Did well to keep his eyes on the ball till the last moment.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Full and flighted on off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.

Powerplay 3 time. Now a maximum of 5 fielders are allowed outside the ring. Sandakan to bowl out...

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Shortish and on middle, on the slower side once more, Guptill gets back and drops it with soft hands to the leg side for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Shot! Malinga delivers a slower short delivery at 117.9 kph, Guptill stands back, fetches it from outside off and pulls it with disdain to the deep mid-wicket fence.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Wide! Drifting down the leg side, Taylor tries to flick but misses.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Shortish and around off, played past the bowler for one.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. A low full toss on off, pushed out towards mid off for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Helped on its way! Yet again Malinga has served a high full toss, going down the leg side, Ross does well to just help it on its way towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. This is the second beamer that Slinga has bowled but the umpire hasn't taken him off the attack. Maybe, the reason is that both his beamers were down the leg side and not harmful. 50-run stand comes up. No ball is given, Free Hit time...

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Play and a miss! Short in length and around off, at 132.8 kph, Taylor tries to pull but fails to connect.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the back foot by Guptill.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. SIX! Guptill hits his fourth biggie! A floated one landing full and wide outside off, Martin gets the chance to open his arms as he spanks it over long off for a maximum.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Shout for an lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Full and on the pads, Rosco tries to whip it across the line but misses. He is hit on the pads but it has pitched outside leg. The batsmen meanwhile run a leg bye.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Beaten! Turning away from the batsman as it lands full around off. Taylor goes hard at it as he tries to hit it through the line but misses.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Shortish and on middle, Guptill gets down and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Continues to bowl slower. The length is short around off and it's been eased straight down the ground for a run. 4 from the over, 9 in the last two, a quiet period for the Kiwis.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Shortish and on middle, Taylor tickles it through backward square leg for a single.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Slower again, on a back of a length outside off, Martin punches it down the ground to long off for one.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Takes the pace off this one again. Good length and around off, Guptill defends it off the higher half of his bat.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Fuller and slower outside off, Taylor drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Bouncer around leg, Taylor ducks underneath it.

Lasith Malinga is back on.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Leans forward to a full ball but drives it straight to the fielder at covers. A couple of dot balls to end a 5-run over.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Tossed up ball on middle, worked away with the spin to mid-wicket.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Once again the length is short and line outside off. Taylor goes deep inside the crease and helps it wide of short third man for a single.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. A touch short and outside off, Taylor slaps it through cover-point for two.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Loopy and on middle, turning in, Guptill pushes it through mid off and rotates the strike.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Flighted and fuller outside off, it's driven down to long off for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Turning down the leg side, Taylor tries flicking but misses this time. It goes off his pads to backward square leg and they cross for a leg bye. 10-0-60-0, Prasanna is done for the day, wasn't too impressive as his figures suggest.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. A loopy wrong 'un on middle, Taylor gets forward and works it off his pads to mid-wicket.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Flatter and shorter on off, punched down to long off for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Lovely stop, Malinga! A poor delivery, short and wide outside off, Martin slaps it square of the wicket on the off side where the Lankan skipper makes a tumbling stop. Gets up and smiles.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. SIX! Boom! That has gone into the stand where the ice-cream bar is... A googly landing full around off, Guptill goes down on one knee and swings it mightily over mid-wicket. Has hit it with the wind and the spin. Safe shot.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Flighted and around off, Taylor taps it in front of point and collects a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Short and wide outside off, cut away by the batsman for a run as he keeps strike for the next over.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Wide outside off and full, Guptill drives this hard but straight to the deep cover fielder for a single.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Length ball on the middle stump, pushed back towards long on for a single by Ross.

A stumping appeal against Taylor. Dickwella seems interested but the batsman doesn't look worried. Let's see what the replays have to say.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. NOT OUT! The foot was firmly inside the whole time. Beautiful wrong 'un from Sandakan. Taylor does not pick it and gets beaten on the outside. Dickwella whips off the bails but the batsman was inside.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. FOUR! A nothing ball outside leg, Taylor duly dispatches it away towards the fine leg fence by sweeping it. No fielder present there.

Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Flatter ball on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket.

Lakshan Sandakan has been called on to bowl.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Good ball to end the over. Airy outside off and defended into the ground.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Wide outside off, cut away but straight to the point fielder.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Flatter ball on the pads, pushed towards mid on.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. FOUR! That brings up the century for Guptill on his comeback. His 14th in ODI cricket. Never for a moment in this innings did he look rusty or like he came from an injury break. Has been attacking from the onset and got to the landmark without breaking much of a sweat. Coming to this ball, it was wide outside off and sweetly driven to the cover fence.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Skidding down, Guptill helps it off his pads to the leg side.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the front foot.

Drinks have been called for. It has been all too easy for the Black Caps. Guptill and Williamson have just plundered runs at will and set the platform for the big hitting at the end. Sri Lanka got lucky as they got the NZ skipper out of nowhere. Otherwise, it has all been one-way traffic.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Length ball outside off, patted down to third man for a run by Guptill and he keeps strike.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle and off, Martin comes ahead and pushes it back to the bowler.

Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Fuller length ball on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Another bouncer! Guptill jumps and pulls a little uncomfortably towards deep square leg for a single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Length ball outside off, driven towards mid off. Cover comes in and stops the ball, preventing a single. Throws at the non-striker's end and hits the stumps. Ross Taylor never went out though.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Bouncer on middle, Guptill ducks under and evades.

Called a dead ball. Guptill moves away at the very last moment and pats the ball away. The sight screen had not changed and the batsman doesn't want to play.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Coming down the wicket, Taylor pads this ball bowled down the leg side by the bowler. Prasanna was trying to plan a stumping there but Ross does well.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Another flatter one on middle, Martin pulls this one towards mid-wicket and wants to get a couple but, slips at the non-striker's end as he turns for the second. Has to settle for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Flatter ball on middle, Guptill punches it back down.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Flighted outside off, Taylor is down the ground on his first ball as he drives this to long off for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Slightly outside off, Guptill opens the face of the bat to play it towards point and pick up single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Slower one on middle, defended on the front foot.

Ross Taylor is the next batsman in, at number 4.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. OUT! Chopped on! A wicket out of nowhere, against the run of play. Williamson is distraught, nothing in that ball and somehow he has managed to get out to it. Short length ball on top of middle and off, Williamson tried to run it down to third man again but the ball was too close to the body and there was no width on that one. Looked like Pradeep had rolled his fingers over the ball there and that brought the ball closer to the stumps. The NZ skipper can only play it onto his off stump and watched in dismay as the bails came off. There was a 100 for the taking but Kane has missed out today. Sri Lanka have a reason to smile here. The marathon stand worth 163 runs is broken.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Short ball on middle, Guptill is on his toes as he controls the pull towards the square leg fielder for another single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Length ball just outside off, played with soft hands wide off point for a run.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Another short ball but down the leg side, Martin goes for the hook but doesn't connect well as it goes down towards deep square leg for just a single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Bouncer! Effort ball on off and middle, Guptill ducks under and evades it.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Length ball on the pads, worked down fine on the leg side for a single.

Lasith Malinga ringing in the changes thick and fast here. Nuwan Pradeep is back on.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Short and wide outside off to end the over, cut away to the sweeper for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Flatter and quicker on off stump, Guptill comes ahead and defends this one.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Williamson pushes this back down the ground to long on for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Outside off, pushed off the back foot towards long off. It is slightly in the air but well away from the bowler. Single taken.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Short, very short. Guptill rocks back and easily pulls this away in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary. He goes into the 90s with this shot.

Seekkuge Prasanna comes onto the attack.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Martin Guptill. Flatter on the pads once more, worked down the leg side using the wrists. Single taken, strike retained.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Martin Guptill. Wayward and down leg but gets away with it. Guptill chases after the ball and flicks it to the square leg fielder in the circle. Seems disappointed after that.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson. Flatter and quicker at the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single. 150-run stand up between these two.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Williamson is just choosing and picking where he wants to hit the ball now. Slightly flighted on middle, Kane yet again makes room and lifts it wide of mid off for another boundary. Danushka not having the best first over so far.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson. Flatter on middle, Kane plays it back to the bowler.

Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson. FOUR! A good welcome to the part-time off-spinner. Looped up on middle, Williamson runs down the track, makes room and lofts it over cover for a boundary. No fielder present there.

Danushka Gunathilaka comes on for a bowl.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Too easy this! 6 runs off the over with 6 singles. Length ball on middle, pushed down to long on off the back foot.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. 5 singles off 5 balls. Punched off the back foot by the batsman and a run taken.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Full and on the pads, driven down to mid on for another single.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Short and wide outside off, cut away hard but straight to sweeper cover. Only a single.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Shorter length ball outside off, Kane stands tall and pushes it to deep cover for a run.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Length ball outside off, Guptill pushes it wide of cover for a single.

Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill. Length ball outside off, guided to third man by MG for a run and he keeps strike. 5 runs off the first Asela over.

Asela Gunaratne to Kane Williamson. Too easy this, just picking up the singles and farming the middle overs. This length ball on middle is driven down the ground for a single.

Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill. Another easy single down to long on for Guptill.

Asela Gunaratne to Kane Williamson. Another ball on middle and leg, Kane works it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle, pushed to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle, the ball seems to be coming so slowly at the batsman. Guptill waits and defends it back down the ground.

Asela Gunaratne to bowl now.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Fuller length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg. The fielder out there attacks the ball to prevent the second but in that attempt, misfields and almost allows the third but the Kiwis are wise and don't go for it.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. In the air but well controlled. In fact, Guptill would feel he missed out there. The ball was short and wide outside off, Martin stands tall and cuts it in the air towards sweeper cover. Single taken as the ball goes straight to the fielder.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Another shorter one outside off, Williamson stands tall and pushes it to deep cover for a single. 150 comes up for the hosts. Look set for a massive total.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Shorter outside off, punched for a run towards sweeper cover by the batsman.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle, driven towards mid on off the back foot.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Poor start to the second spell. Full and very wide outside off. Guptill just goes after it and slashes hard in the air. The ball flies just to the right of point who jumps valiantly but the ball beats him and once that's happened, there's no stopping the ball from reaching the fence. Too easy for the Kiwis right now.

Thisara Perera back into the attack.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fuller and quicker outside off, prods ahead and pushes to long off for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Flatter one on middle, Martin comes ahead and pushes it back down the ground.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Very full, Guptill had preempted the sweep and goes for it. Almost gets yorked but does well to play it away to square leg in the circle.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Slower through the air and on middle, Kane rocks back and pushes it to long on for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Guptill pushes this flatter one on off down the ground for another run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Full toss outside off, Williamson comes down and takes it on the full as he drives this to long off for a single.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Slower delivery, full and outside off, Williamson comes ahead, opens the face of the bat and pushes it in the gap at cover-point for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Drops it full and outside off, Martin goes hard at it and drills it down to long on for one.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Slower length ball on off, Williamson taps it down towards short third man and pinches a single.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Saves a certain boundary there, Malinga! Fullish and on off, a delightful straight drive played by the Kiwi skipper and the Lankan skipper sticks his right boot out. He stops the racing ball and deflects it towards covers.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. A cracking yorker, right in the blockhole, Kane brings down his bat in time to keep it out on the leg side.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Wide! Attempts a slower one but loses his direction. Ends up serving a full toss down the leg side. Williamson fails to get any bat behind it.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Fractionally short and on off, Guptill gets back and helps it past the mid-wicket fielder inside the ring for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Guptill drives this one down to long off for a single as he retains strike for the next over.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. This one is flatter and quicker outside off, the batsman pushes it towards mid off but cover comes around and stops it, preventing the single.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. A looped up delivery on middle and leg, defended by coming ahead.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fuller outside off, Guptill drives hard but straight to the cover fielder.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Flatter ball on the pads, chopped towards point. No run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. FIFTY FOR KANE WILLIAMSON! On his home ground. 34th for the NZ skipper in ODIs. A full toss on the pads, Williamson flicks it away wide of long on and in the gap. The ball seems to be running to the fence before long on dives and stops it. Saves a run for his team but cannot prevent Kane from getting to a chanceless fifty.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Length ball outside off to end the over. The NZ skipper pushes it wide of mid off and gets to the other end, retains strike for the next over.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Fuller length on the leg stump, Williamson defends it back down the ground on the front foot.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Gets the single this time though. Was trying to do the same as the previous ball, this time he gets it away from the keeper and is off for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Length ball, slower one too. Martin Guptill tries to drop it onto the off side with soft hands and get a quick run but it is not available.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Short and wide outside off, Kane places it towards third man for another single.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Wide! Bouncer but it is going down leg. Williamson wants to pull but misses his connection. Wide signalled.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Full length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single by Guptill.

Lasith Malinga is back into the attack.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fullish and on middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run. 9 from this over, Sri Lanka have lost the control in the middle overs.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. SIX! High and handsome! A friendly full toss around middle, Guptill kneels and nails his slog sweep over square leg for a biggie. The century stand comes up and New Zealand are motoring.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fullish and around leg, a firm sweep shot by Guptill but he finds the square leg fielder.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Tossed up ball on middle and off, Williamson tries pushing it on the off side but it takes the inside edge and rolls in front of square leg for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Loopy and full, down the leg side, it's clipped in front of square leg for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Floated and full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Googly on middle, Martin hangs back and hits it to mid on for a run. 8 from this over, 26 in the last three.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Quicker on off, punched back to the bowler.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Too full in length on off, driven firmly down to mid off where the fielder made a fine diving stop.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Full and floated on middle, Williamson lunges and turns it in the vacant area at mid-wicket for one.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Shortish and outside off, guided past short third man for a couple of runs.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. FOUR! After a quiet period, runs are flowing now. This time Williamson uses his feet and lifts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. FOUR! This is poor bowling by the spinner. Drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off. Guptill doesn't need second invitation as he camps back and whacks it through point. The sweeper tries to cut it off with a dive but fails in his attempt.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. A full toss this time, on off, Kane eases his drive down to long off for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Fullish and on off, driven through the line but straight to short cover.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fullish and on middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Turning away from the batsman, Guptill plays it down to point.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Knocks a full ball down to long on for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. SIX! Reaches his fifty in style, his 35th in ODIs. A leg spinner landing full outside off, Guptill takes a stride forward and lofts it nonchalantly over covers for a biggie. Not a natural shot for him as he usually is strong on the leg side and down the wicket. Fine knock by him on his comeback and he would like to get a big one here.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Turns it off his pads through mid-wicket for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. A touch short and outside off, Guptill gets back and pats it down wide of short third man for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Flatter and shorter on middle, punched down the ground to long on for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Williamson has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Slower and fuller outside off, Kane gets forward to drive it past the bowler to long off. Another run in the over, 5 from it.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fullish and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Tossed up ball on off, forced down to long off for one.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Extra flight on this occasion but Sandakan lands it full and wide outside off. Guptill strokes it easily down to long off for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Fuller and around middle, Williamson makes room and drives it past extra cover for a run.

Drinks time. New Zealand going on smoothly after the loss of Munro's wicket. Williamson and Guptill are showing good form and the Lankan bowlers need to separate this pair as soon as possible. They have bowled some quiet few overs to create pressure, let's see whether it brings any positive result to them or not after the break.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Short in length and outside off, Williamson pushes his weight on the back leg and punches it in front of square on the off side for a run. 23 in the last 5 overs, Sri Lankan pulling things back a bit.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Once again Martin uses his feet and this time flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Walks down the track and strokes it with the spin to wide long off for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Strides forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Tossed up ball on middle, driven down to long on for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Gets back and punches it down through mid on this time. A single is taken. 4 from Sandakan's first over. A tidy start.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Full and around off, easily driven down through mid off for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Fuller on middle, turning down, Guptill helps it off his pads to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill. Flighted and on middle, defended off the front foot by Guptill.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Fullish and on middle, Kane makes room and drives it down to long off for a run.

Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson. Tossed up delivery, landing full and on middle, Williamson leans forward to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. It takes a little leading edge and rolls back to the bowler.

Lakshan Sandakan is introduced into the attack now. A slip in place.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. A muted appeal again for an lbw. Tossed up ball on middle and leg, this time Martin fails to connect with his sweep shot. Going down the leg side and hence the appeal is not entertained.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Full and flighted on off, Guptill advances down the track and tries to defend it with his bat and pad together. Fails to connect and is hit on the pads. The bowler puts in a stifled appeal only for an lbw.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Googly on off, Guptill stays back and keeps it out towards extra cover.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Goes short again, bowls it on off, Kane gets back and plays a controlled punch shot down to long on for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Loopy and full on off, that's a better line and length. Williamson prods forward in defense.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Flatter and shorter on off, punched off the back foot to extra cover.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. An off cutter around off, Guptill allows it to come back in and then defends it close to the pads.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Good length ball on off, defended off the front foot.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Risky run, direct hit would have made things interesting. A fullish ball around off, Williamson bunts it down to mid off and rushes to the other end. Gunaratne attacks the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The replays later on show that Kane was just in.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. A length ball around off, Williamson gets back and punches it down to mid on. The fielder is up inside the ring so it's a dot ball.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Edgy! On a length and outside off, Guptill tries to hit it through covers but it takes the outside edge and runs down to third man for one.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Serves a length ball on the pads, it's nudged to fine leg for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Nicely played to bring up the 50-run stand. Guptill goes down and across to fetch a full ball from outside off. Then, he neatly sweeps it fine down the leg side for a brace. Good going from the Kiwis. 11 from this over.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Shout for an lbw! Tossed up delivery landing full on middle and not spinning, Guptill tries flicking but misses. They appeal but it's missing leg.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Probably a googly but it's on the shorter side. Williamson moves back and punches it through covers. Chandimal in the deep makes a good stop near the fence to save a run for his team.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Strides forward to a full ball and drives it with the spin to long off for a run.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Poor delivery and punished! Prasanna goes short and outside off, Guptill immediately is on the back foot as he slaps it with the spin through the gap between point and cover-point. The outfield does the rest.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Full and flighted on off, Williamson drives it down through mid on for a run.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Beauty to end the over. An outswinger around off, curving away off the seam after landing on a length around off. Martin feels for it inside the line and is beaten. Once again Perera comes back well after giving away a boundary early in the over.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Fuller this time, on middle and leg, Guptill flicks it in front of square leg and shouts 'wait'... The fielder at mid-wicket makes a tumbling stop and the wait call becomes no...

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle, straightening just a touch, Guptill brings down a straight bat in defense.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Shortish and sliding down the leg side, Kane glances it off his hips to deep square leg and picks up a run.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Good length ball is angled into the batsman, it's around middle and off, Williamson defends it back this time.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Timing of the highest quality! Slightly short in length and outside off, Williamson gets back and strokes it elegantly through backward point. Plays it late to get away from point and third man. Top class placement and the quick outfield does the rest.

Powerplay 2 is signalled. The field can relax a bit now with a maximum of 4 fielders allowed outside the ring till the 40th over.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. A lot of air outside off, KW comes ahead and defends with soft hands towards the point fielder who is at the edge of the circle. A single is stolen. 58/1 at the end of the Powerplay, good one for NZ you would think, and Munro was lost to good thinking from Malinga. No demons in the pitch at all.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson. Wide outside off and short length, Williamson rocks back and cuts it away but straight to the cover-point fielder.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Guptill uses his feet this time as he comes to the pitch of the ball and flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Some air on off stump again, Martin comes ahead and defends it into the ground.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. The straighter one this time! The ball holds its line and Guptill who was looking to flick misses the ball to get rapped on the pads. The ball was going down leg and there was no chance of a LBW there. The bowler was the only one appealing too.

Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill. Served up with some air outside off, Guptill is drawn into the drive towards cover.

Seekkuge Prasanna is into the attack now.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Length ball just outside off, Kane comes ahead and defends.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Slightly shorter in length this time but the line is just on top of off stump. Williamson gets on top of the bounce and defends.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Good line and length from Perera, KW defends this one back down the ground.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. Oooh! This one jags in a bit off the length, Williamson is ahead to defend but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle and Guptill plays it with soft hands onto the leg side and gets a quick single.

Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson. On the pads off a good length, worked away to fine leg for a single by Williamson.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Gets to 6000 runs in ODIs with style. Well outside off on a length and Guptill pounces on the ball as he cuts it away hard to the point boundary. He is the fifth NZ player to reach the milestone. 12 runs off this over, a good one for the Black Caps.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Beats a diving Malinga at mid off to his right and another boundary is picked up. Full and outside off, Guptill swings at this one and drives this down the ground all the way for four runs. 5999 runs now for Guptill in ODIs.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Another defensive stroke off the back foot by Guptill to this one on a length.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle, the batsman pushes ahead and drives this to mid on. Wants the quick single but then decides against it seeing the ball go too quickly to the fielder.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Outside off, Martin doesn't time this cut too well as the ball rolls to point.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Shot! Stylish from Guptill. Looks like he was never on a break and was playing all along. Full ball at the pads, the right-hander just lifts it over mid-wicket nonchalantly for a boundary. Makes it look all too easy and holds the pose as well.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Fullish and on off, driven down to the right of the mid off fielder for a quick single. A good comeback by Thisara after conceding a boundary early in the over.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Angling into the batsman, Guptill plays it out off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. On and around off, once again defended by Guptill after covering the line.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Better this time, on a length around off, Guptill gets forward and taps it down to cover-point.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. FOUR! You don't feed room to this batsman. Perera errs and serves it full and wide outside off, Guptill latches onto it and powers his inside-out drive over covers for a cracking boundary.

Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill. Good length delivery to start the spell. It's landing around off and Guptill is watchful in his back foot defense.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. On a length on middle, pushed coming half forward towards mid on.

Thisara Perera is introduced into the attack.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Streaky boundary! Outside off on a length, Williamson gets an outside edge but soft hands ensure that the ball goes on the bounce and wide of a diving slip for a boundary fine to third man.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Bouncer follows! Kane ducks and evades it.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. This one doesn't carry through to the keeper. The ball is on a length outside off and at a decent pace of about 138 clicks, Kane lets it go outside off and is surprised as he sees the ball go on a bounce to Dickwella.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Pushes it a little fuller on middle, Kane defends it towards mid-wicket.

Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Length ball on middle, tucked away by Williamson towards square leg for a couple.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Fuller and on off, Williamson remains inside the crease again and quietly runs it down to third man for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Fine timing! Williamson already showing great form. Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away a bit, Kane stays back and steers it square of the wicket on the off side. The third man fielder fails to cut it off and the Kiwi skipper earns his first boundary.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. A good length ball on middle and off, Williamson covers the line and offers a straight bat in defense.

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Excellent delivery. Keeps it very full and wide outside off. Williamson tries squeezing it out by throwing his bat at it but the ball takes the bottom edge, bounces once and goes past the diving keeper. A couple taken and Kane is off the mark.

Free Hit coming...

Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Whoa! A beamer down the leg side. Malinga probably wanted to bowl a yorker first up but loses it completely. No ball is signalled and it's a Free Hit...

Kane Williamson, the skipper is in at number 3.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. OUT! No conclusive evidence to change the on-field decision says Richard Illingworth, the TV umpire. Munro has to go. A Malinga-special slower ball does the trick in the end. Drops it at 115 kph outside off and Colin is early into the shot as he looks to push this on the off side from the back foot. But the ball goes off the outer half and just about carries to Lakshan Sandakan at backward point. It dips in the end and the fielder does well to come ahead a bit and cup the ball in the end. The umpire wants to have a look upstairs (giving the soft signal as out) and when the replays roll through, it does seem like that the fingers were under the ball. The decision will remain and Sri Lanka draw first blood. Munro was looking dangerous there but we won't see more of him with the bat today.

Munro seems gone! It's a low catch taken. The umpire wants to have a look at it and goes upstairs. The soft signal is out.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Oooh! Very full outside off, Munro looks to drive but the ball goes off the under edge to the slip fielder.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Good ball on a length outside off, it takes a thick edge but runs away in the gap behind point. Lakshan Sandakan who is at a fine third man position comes around just in time and returns it to the keeper. Saves two runs for his team.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Fuller on this occasion, Guptill just plays it away with an angled bat towards deep mid-wicket for an easy couple.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Goes short of a length, the batsman hangs back and defends it onto the ground.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Vintage Martin Guptill. A half-volley outside off, lovely transfer of weight as Guptill trudges onto the front foot and drives this beautifully in the gap through the covers.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Slightly short of a length, defended off the back foot.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Length ball just on top of off stump, Guptill comes ahead and pushes it to cover.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Quick single to end the over. Guptill plays this one with soft hands towards the leg side and runs through.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Slightly fuller outside off and swinging away, defended back to the bowler.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Much better to the right-hander, Guptill gauges the swing and pushes it towards the point fielder.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Another full ball on the pads, flicked away to fine leg for a run.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Drifting down on the pads, Colin clips it towards square leg in the circle.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. SIX! The umpire changes his original decision and gives this as a six. The first biggie of many to come maybe. A nice half-volley on middle and with not too much pace, Munro lifts this over mid-wicket. The ball goes very high but has just enough distance as it lands on the ropes. The umpire initially signals it four but later checks and reverses his decision as he gives a maximum.

This has been given as a four but the umpire wants to check. Seems to have landed on the ropes directly.

Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Good ball on length, Guptill awkwardly defends to end the over.

Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Slightly short of a length, Munro punches it away wide of mid off and gets to the other end with a quick single.

Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Short of a length outside off, cut away but it goes to the point fielder. Not well-timed either.

Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Fuller outside off, another well-timed push but straight to mid off this time. Was slightly in the air and would have been scary especially with a short cover in place.

Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. FOUR! How has that gone for a boundary? The ball has simply raced away off the outfield. Length ball outside off and Munro just punches this through the covers. Chandimal dives and tries to stop it but cannot. Mid off gives chase but the ball just keeps running away from him and beats him to the fence.

Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Length ball just on top of off stump, Munro defensively pushes it to cover.

Nuwan Pradeep to bowl from the other end.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Around the wicket for the last ball, it is served up very full but Munro flicks it away to fine leg for a single. Off the mark and keeps the strike.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Very full yet again and coming in with the air, Colin pushes it out towards mid-wicket.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Perfect yorker! A Malinga-special. Munro does really well to dig it out. The ball is also swinging into the left-hander a bit.

Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Goes full first up to Munro, the ball is taken on the full and the lefty drives it with amazing timing but straight to the cover fielder.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Slightly shorter outside off, Guptill feels for the ball as he guides it down to third man for a single and the first runs of the game.

Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Length ball on middle and leg to start off with, a front foot defensive shot follows from Guptill.

We are done with both sides' National Anthems and the players are taking their positions on the field. Lasith Malinga will open the bowling for the Lankans, while Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will open for the Kiwis. Guptill to take first strike.

PITCH REPORT - Craig Cumming with the report on the surface. He first says that the sun is just coming out and the clouds are clearing out with wonderful pleasant conditions to play cricket. Adds that there are big outfields here at this ground. Coming to the surface, he feels it has a good covering of grass that will hold the pitch together. Takes a touch and reckons that it is hard and the only worry will be if the ball holds up in the pitch. Doesn't expect it to turn a lot but have good carry throughout. A 275-280 wicket he feels.

Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga feels that the conditions are suited for the seamers with a fresh wicket and overcast overhead conditions. Says he is happy to bowl first. Adds that it is a very important few months ahead of them. Feels they have not been consistent in the last two years and it shows in their ranking. Finishes by saying that they will look to do better in 2019.

TOSS - KANE WILLIAMSON HAS WON THE TOSS AND ELECTED TO BAT FIRST. He feels that the surface is quite hard and the outfield is quick here. Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell miss out today. Says that bowling second will come later and they will see how the game goes before deciding their options, even says he might roll his arm over. Looking to bat well first. Signs off by saying that the game will be played with the 2019 World Cup in perspective.

The Lions from Sri Lanka don't inspire much confidence from their performance in the past year, having last won an ODI series in January 2018. Lasith Malinga has come back looking fitter than ever, but even then one wouldn't say that NZ will be in trouble. A turn of the year and a turn of the fortunes is what they will be looking at. As for the hosts, they have a certain Martin Guptill returning from an injury lay-off and looking to get into some form before a mighty Indian line-up comes to the Kiwi shores. Tim Seifert will audition for the reserve wicket-keeper role for the World Cup. He comes in with a good reputation as a finisher. The rest remains the same and New Zealand surely hold the cards in this one. But any person will be smart enough to know the game is not played on paper. Hopefully, a cracking contest is on the cards on what is being touted as a belter of a surface. Toss and Pitch Report to follow.

Welcome 2019! Welcome to the year of the World Cup. Just a little shy of 6 months before these two take on each other in the first match of their campaign at the mega tournament. That underlines the importance of this series and each game. The home team is the favourite nonetheless, but if the visitors' skipper Lasith Malinga's words are anything to go by, they will fight bravely. The first One-day International of the year will be played at a venue in which the Black Caps have a win percentage of only 25. The pitch generally plays true and good for batting whilst slowing down towards the end of the second innings. The most recent ODI game played here saw the England team win by 6 wickets, comfortably chasing 223 in less than 38 overs. Today though, should be a totally different ball game.