By BV Swagath
The opening ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Hambantota was abandoned after rain had the last laugh in the second half of the contest. Sri Lanka asked to bat first posted an impressive 288 for 9.
The hosts had a terrible start losing a wicket off the very ball to New Zealand Captain Kyle Mills. But a solid 137-run stand for the 2nd wicket between the experienced Dilshan and Sangakkara set the platform nicely for the Lankans. Tillakaratne Dilshan top scored in the Lankan innings with 81 from 114 balls with 9 fours. Kumar Sangakkara scored a busy 79 from 81 balls (with 9 fours and 2 sixes). The Sri Lankan total was boosted by a superb knock of 74 not out from 64 balls with 9 fours and a six from Skipper Angelo Mathews. For the Kiwis, their Captain Kyle Mills bowled well for his 3 for 49.
New Zealand were 13 for the loss of Devcich in 4.2 overs before there was no further play at Hambantota.