Sri Lankan team has defeated New Zealand by 97 runs in the first ODI match of the tri-series at Colombo on Tuesday. T Samaraweera was declared man of the match for his brilliant inning of 104 runs.

Chasing target of 217 runs, New Zealand team returned to pavilion for just 119 runs on the board. Kiwi batsmen got to a bad start and they lost wickets at regular intervals. Only four batsmen were able to reach in double figures with G Elliott (41) top scorer for New Zealand.

S Malinga took four wickets while K Kulasekara and S Jayasuria chipped in with two wickets each. T Thusara took wicket of J Ryder (0) in the second over of the match.

New Zealand will now play against Indian team on 11th September. New Zealand will have to win this match to stay in the series.