McCullum shows form to lead NZ to victory over Sri Lanka

Brendon McCullum launched his farewell tour in rollicking form with a whirlwind 55 to set up New Zealand’s seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their opening one-day international in Christchurch.

Mathews said when he won the toss he wanted to bat to get first use of a pitch that “looks like a belter”.
But the wickets started falling early with a 98-run stand by Milinda Siriwardana and Nuwan Kulasekara for the seventh wicket their one partnership of note.

Sri Lanka were eventually all out for 188 in 47 overs on a wicket that promised runs galore, and New Zealand knocked off the target with ease.

New Zealand were set a modest 189 target after Matt Henry destroyed the cream of the Sri Lankan top order in a brief spell of 16 balls when he took four wickets for two runs.

In a 25-ball stay at the crease, Brenadan McCullum smacked 11 fours and one six to have Sri Lanka on the ropes before he departed with New Zealand only needing a further 81 runs in 40 overs.

Martin Guptill posted his 26th half-century on his way to 79 off 56 deliveries while debutant Henry Nicholls was not out on 23 when the innings ended at the end of the 20th over.