Half centuries by Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson carried New Zealand to a three-wicket win in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval today.
Chasing 219 to win, they reached the target with seven overs to spare. Nathan McCullum finished on 25 and Adam Milne on seven.
McCullum slapped 51, equalling his own national ODI record for the fastest 50, 19 balls.
However New Zealand lost their way and needed Anderson to strike form. He did, being dismissed shortly before the end for 81.
It was his first score above 25 in his last seven ODI innings.
Offpinner Sachithra Senanayake had New Zealand's batsmen in a fuddle, removing McCullum and Kane Williamson in quick order and when Grant Elliott and Tom Latham went soon after, New Zealand were looking dicey at 101 for five.