New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs in World Cup opener

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 98 runs on Saturday in their World Cup opener at Hagley Oval.

The Black Caps made 331 for six batting first with Corey Anderson hitting 75, Brendon McCullum 65 and Kane Williamson contributing 57.

For Sri Lanka, leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis took two wickets for five runs off0 two overs and Suranga Lakmal two for 62.

In reply, Sri Lanka were well-placed at 124 for one before they lost their way.

Opener Lahiru Thirimanne top-scored with 65 while Kumar Sangakarra made 39, taking him past former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting as the second highest run scorer in one-day international history.