Fast bowler Matt Henry wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batsmen as New Zealand raced to an easy seven-wicket win over the tourists in the first one-day internationals in Christchurch on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka failed to build a commanding score as New Zealand seized the advantage with Adam Milne and Henry early in the absence of pace spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult.
New Zealand were reeling at 27 for five within ten overs before Milinda Siriwardana (66) found an able ally in Nuwan Kulasekara (58) as the duo pushed the score past 150 by constructing a 98-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 188 in 47 overs as Henry, who was adjudged as the Man of the Match, was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with four crucial scalps.
In reply, Martin Guptill (79) and captain Brendon McCullum (55) started on a blistering note as the opening 108-run stand quashed any chances of a comeback by the tourists.
New Zealand chased down the paltry score easily thereafter within 21 overs despite losing the openers and Tom Latham (18).
With the win, New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and will next play against each other at the same venue on Monday.
