New Zealand has won the opening Twenty20 cricket international against Sri Lanka by just three runs in an exciting finish in Mount Maunganui.
Batting first New Zealand made 182-4 in their 20 overs, with openers Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson getting the home side off to a flying start as they put on 101 for the first wicket.
Both scored half centuries, with Guptill making 58 off 34 balls and Williamson 53 off 42 deliveries.
Martin Guptill clubbed 58 off 42 deliveries. Photo: Photosport
But despite the strong start the Black Caps were not able to maintain the momentum.
Colin Munro with 36 off 26, Ross Taylor was 22 not out off nine balls and Grant Elliott ten not out off six deliveries were the other major contributors.
Corey Anderson - on his return to international cricket - made 2 runs.
The most successful of the Sri Lanka bowlers was Nuwan Kulasekara who took two wickets.
While a challenging target 183 was not beyond Sri Lanka, and the visitors went into the final over needing 13 to win and with three wickets in hand.
It fell to Grant Elliott to bowl the final over. Elliott held his nerve to take a wicket and the Black Caps also achieved a run out as the Sri Lankans scored ony five runs off Elliott's first five balls.
A boundary off the final delivery was too little too late as Sri Lanka finished at 179-9.
Trent Boult who took three wickets for the Black Caps was named player of the match.
Game two of the two match series is in Auckland on Sunday.
Look back on the match commentary here:
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