At Auckland, April 1. Sri Lanka won by 51 runs. Toss: Sri Lanka. International debut: C. Mendis.

Gaining first use of a flat, low-bouncing pitch that did not improve, Sri Lanka at last struck something like their best one-day form. They scored at a competitive five an over almost from the start: Gurusinha and Jayasuriya opened with 91 in 20 overs. Gurusinha then added 112 with Arjuna Ranatunga, on the way to his second one-day century, 108 from 149 balls.

With the pitch remaining slow, the Sri Lankan spinners clamped down on New Zealand's batting. Greatbatch, Astle and Rutherford all reached 30 but the first five wickets brought only 139 and the second five a paltry 60; Sri Lanka strolled home when last man Pringle was dismissed with three and a half overs to spare.

Man of the Match: S. T. Jayasuriya.

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