Cricket: Sri Lanka cruise home

Sri Lanka celebrate the run out of Nathan Astle. Photo / Getty Images

Sri Lanka won the first of five one-day matches against New Zealand by seven wickets in Napier this evening.

New Zealand scored 285 for eight in their 50 overs with Ross Taylor scoring 128 (from 133 balls) not out and Nathan Astle 83. Chaminda Vaas took three for 50.

Sri Lanka passed their target in the 40th over and with seven wickets intact following a quickfire century from veteran Sanath Jayasuriya (111 from 82 balls) and 68 from his opening Upul Tharanga.

The second match is on Sunday in Queenstown.

- NZPA