N Zealand-Sri Lanka one-dayer called off due to rain

Hambantota: Bad weather forced the first one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka to be abandoned in Hambantota on Sunday, cutting short an impressive display by the hosts.

New Zealand were 13-1 from 4.2 overs in reply to Sri Lanka`s 288-9 when heavy rain lashed the southern port city and wiped out the rest of the match. Earlier, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews hit half-centuries to lead Sri Lanka to a big total after the home team was asked to take first strike. Stand-in captain Kyle Mills gave the tourists a flying start when he trapped opener Dimuth Karunaratne leg-before with the first delivery of the innings. Dilshan and Sangakkara, however, settled in to pulverise the Black Caps during a second-wicket partnership of 137. Sangakkara made 79 off 81 balls with nine boundaries and two sixes, while Dilshan scored 81. Left-arm spinner Anton Devcich dealt a double blow when he removed Sangakkara and former captain Mahela Jayawardene in the space of four deliveries to reduce Sri Lanka to 139-3. But Dilshan put on 58 for the fourth wicket with skipper Mathews, who smashed nine fours and a six in an unbeaten 74 off 64 balls. Mills, who was named captain for the tour after regular skipper Brendon McCullum was rested, was New Zealand`s most successful bowler with three for 49. Mitchell McClenaghan and Devcich claimed two wickets each. When the Black Caps batted, Devcic was bowled in Lasith Malinga`s first over, before Tom Latham and Rob Nicol denied the hosts further success. The second of the three one-dayers is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Tuesday.