Ton-up McCullum takes fight to Sri Lanka

The Blacks Caps, who lead the seven-match series 1-0, appeared set for a mammoth total when McCullum smashed 117 after winning the toss but Sri Lanka piled on the pressure to have them all out for 248 at the end of 50 overs.

Sharp fielding and consistent bowling from Angelo Mathews' men on a tame Seddon Park wicket forced four run-outs and a stumping as New Zealand lost their composure without skipper McCullum at the crease.

They threw away wickets chasing suicidal singles, squandering the opportunity to put the match beyond Sri Lanka's reach.

The visitors struck early when opener Martin Guptill departed for 10 trying to loft Nuwan Kulasekara over mid-off, sending the ball straight to Mathews to continue an indifferent run of form at international level.

McCullum responded to the setback with typical aggression, bringing up his second consecutive 50 in 39 balls, including eight boundaries.

Source: Cricket News Today and Cricket Live Score

New Zealand cruise past Sri Lanka in 1st Test to cap best ever year

It means New Zealand have won five Tests in a calendar year for the first time after enjoying 2014 series wins at home against India (1-0) and away in the West Indies (2-1). They also drew a series with Pakistan (1-1) in the UAE earlier this month.

Although Williamson and Taylor steered New Zealand home, the victory was built on Brendon McCullum's swashbuckling 195 first innings knock and the lethal swing and seam bowling of Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

After Sri Lanka were forced to follow on 303 runs in arrears of New Zealand's 441, they ground out a gritty 407 but the size of the first innings deficit meant New Zealand were never under any serious threat.

Source: Cricket Live Score  and view more  Cricket News Today