Sri Lanka beat New Zealand

Hosts Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 97 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium today in the opening match of the tri-nation series, which also features India.



Thilan Samaraweera\'s maiden limited-overs century helped save Sri Lanka from a disastrous start and lift them to a competitive 216 for 7 off their allotted 50 overs.



Samaraweera slammed 104 off 124 balls and was supported by Anjelo Matthews who scored 51. Shane Bond was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with three for 43.



Chasing a victory target of 217, New Zealand were bowled out for 119 in 36.1 overs against the bowling of Lasith Malinga four for 28.



Grant Elliot top scored for New Zealand with 41.