Matt Henry claimed four wickets and Will Young scored an unbeaten 90 on Sunday as New Zealand coasted to a nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international.
The tourists never recovered after slumping to 23 for four inside 10 overs, dismissed in the 44th over for 178 after being asked to bat in Wellington.
In response, Young was barely flustered during a fluent 86-ball knock, putting on 93 for the opening stand with Rachin Ravindra, who scored 45.
Mark Chapman was not out 29 as the home side reached the target from 26.2 overs in an emphatic start to the three-match series.
Coming off a productive test series against England, Henry was a handful with the new ball in seam-friendly conditions, taking the key wicket of opener Pathum Nissanka for nine in the fifth over.
When it's your day, it's your day! Unorthodox from Will Young who moves to 83 LIVE and free in NZ on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+ 📺 LIVE scoring | https://t.co/SiWQCLssBD #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/hHM1ELnzXs
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2025
The relentless seamer returned to help mop up the tail, finishing with 4-19 off 10 overs.
Seamers Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy snared two wickets each, capitalising on bouncy conditions offering some sideways movement at the Basin Reserve.
Opener Avishka Fernando rode out the early storm to top score with 56 off 63 balls, hitting six fours and a six.
He put on 87 for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage, who departed for 36, caught in the deep from offspinner Mitchell Santner.
Captain Santner also took three catches and produced a sharp run-out of danger man Kamindu Mendis, hitting the stumps from side-on when a risky single was attempted.
One bounce, four! Pulled this time in front of square by Will Young. The opening partnership with Rachin Ravindra (44*) moves to 84 LIVE and free in NZ on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+. #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/ZYJ0ew6xDz
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2025
Tailenders Wanindu Hasaranga (35) and Chamidu Wickramasinghe (22) scored late runs before both were caught off Henry.
Batting conditions improved later in the day, allowing right-hander Young to continue his resurgent form.
The 32-year-old was named player of the series following the 3-0 test sweep in India before scoring 42 and 60 in his only appearance during the home test series loss to England.
Pulled behind square by Will Young for his first boundary of the day. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ DUKE, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/SiWQCLssBD #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/eSZumUqi29
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2025
Young punished Sri Lanka's attack through the leg side in particular, scoring 10 of his 12 fours there.
Wickramsinghe took the only wicket when Ravindra was caught on the deep square leg boundary.
Seamer Eshan Malinga made an ineffective international debut, conceding 41 runs from his five overs.
The second game is in Hamilton on Wednesday.
New Zealand won the preceding Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka 2-1.
NEW ZEALAND: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Mitchell Santner (capt), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke
SRI LANKA: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando