New Zealand too good for Sri Lanka

New Zealand cruised to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their first one-day international on Saturday.

Matt Henry (4-49) did the early damage in Christchurch as the tourists were dismissed for 188 after electing to bat first at Hagley Oval.

Martin Guptill (79) and Brendon McCullum (55) ensured there were no dramas in the chase as the Kiwis reached 191-3 in 21 overs.

The huge win gives New Zealand, who were without star batsman Kane Williamson, a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with game two on Monday at the same venue.

Henry set up the victory with his spell.

After Adam Milne (1-30) dismissed Danushka Gunathilaka (8), Henry removed Tillakaratne Dilshan (9) with a short ball the opener top-edged.

Lahiru Thirimanne (1) and Angelo Mathews (0) fell in the same over as Sri Lanka were reduced to 23-4 in an awful start.

Dinesh Chandimal was given a life before edging Henry to Ross Taylor at slip for five.

Milinda Siriwardana (66) and Nuwan Kulasekara (58) provided some resistance, including with a 98-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

But the top-order’s failure would prove costly, with Doug Bracewell (3-37) and Mitchell McClenaghan (2-40) the other multiple wicket-takers for New Zealand.

Only early wickets were going to give Sri Lanka any chance, but Guptill and McCullum quickly ended their hopes.

McCullum put on a show with a 23-ball half-century as they reached 99-0 after nine overs.

Siriwardana (2-45) removed the openers, but his team were never in the hunt.