Mahela Jayawardene’s century went in vain as Sri Lanka lost the first One-Day International to New Zealand at Christchurch on Sunday.

Sri Lanka 218/9 (50)

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and decided to bat first, which ultimately proved to be the wrong decision as the visitors were restricted to 218-9 in 50 overs. Barring Jayawardene (104), no other Sri Lankan batsman followed the same wave, thanks to a lethal bowling performance from fast-bowler Mitchell McClenaghan (4/36)

New Zealand 219/7 (43)

Chasing a modest total of 219 runs, the kiwis got off to a flying start with skipper Brendon McCullum smashing a 22-ball 51. Despite some successive setbacks in the middle overs, the hosts recovered through a fluent 81-run innings from Corey Anderson that helped them chase down the target with 3 wickets in hand and 7 overs to spare.

With New Zealand leading the 7-match ODI series by 1-0, the two teams now meet in the second ODI at Hamilton on Thursday.

(Image: CricketCountry.com)