1st ODI: New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs

Jan.3 (CRICKETNMORE) - Jimmy Neesham made a dream return to international cricket Thursday as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the first ODI at Tauranga. Scorecard

Guptill smashed 138 runs from 139 balls. He was supported by Skipper Kane Williamson (76) and Ross Taylor (54) who also played useful knocks. Neesham came to the crease at the death overs and smashed 5 sixes in an over to reach 47 runs off just 13 balls. It also took the hosts to a mammoth 371-run in their 50 overs in the end.

In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 326 with six balls remaining. Niroshan Dickwella (76) and Danushka Gunathilaka (43) put 119 runs for the opening stand. After their departure, Kusal Perera took the job in hand and played a destructive knock of 102 runs off just 86 balls.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand - 371/7 in 50 Overs (Guptill 138, Kane 76, Pradeep 2/72)
Sri Lanka - 326 in 49 Overs (Dickwella 76, K Perera 102, Neesham 3/38)