Chasing an imposing target of 162 runs, the Kiwis win was built around quick-fire half centuries by all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and middle order batsman Tom Bruce, both of whom led a recovery for the Kiwis after they were tottering at 38 for 3, losing their openers Colin Munro rather early. While Colin de Grandhomme scored a breezy 46-ball 59 , Tom Bruce scored a whirlwind 53.
New Zealand Skipper Tim Southee led the efforts with a ball, picking up 2 for 18 in his four overs and bagging the Man of the Match Award.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lankan skipper Lasith Malinga won the toss and elected to bat . The Lankans got off to a breezy start with opener Kusal Mendis scoring a quick-fire 26 runs laced with two towering sixes. However the Kiwis struck back quickly to dismiss both the Lankan openers.
Avishka Fernando (37) then stitched a solid partnership with Niroshan Dickwella (39) to help the Lankans get past the 100-run mark. However, seasoned campaigner Tim Southee dismissed Fernando and Rance trapped Niroshan Dickwella leg before to get the Black Caps back into the game.
Shehan Jayasuriya then scored a 13-ball 20 to provide the late impetus to the Lankan innings. Wanidu Hasaranga and Isuru Udana added a couple of valuable runs lower down the order to help Sri Lanka post a challenging 161-run total.