New Zealand recorded an authoritative 98-run win over Sri lanka in the World Cup's opening game on Saturday, with Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson (in pic below) producing the destructive batting the co-hosts hope will carry them to the title.
Sri lanka sent New Zealand in to bat, but soon regretted that decision as McCullum made 65 from 49 balls and shared a 111-run opening partnership with Martin Guptill (49) which set up the victory.
Kane Williamson scored 57 to hold together the middle order and Anderson blasted 75 from 46 balls with eight fours as two sixes to lift New Zealand to 331-6.
Sri lanka was never likely to challenge that total and was bowled out for 233 in 46.1 overs in reply.
"We led into the tournament with some confidence and some good wins under out belt but we knew that it all meant nothing come today so to put in a performance such as that is really good," said Anderson, who also took 2-18 to be named Man of the Match.
"We're excited for the win. We know its early stages of the tournament, as well. It's our first game and we've still got a long road to go down before we can start thinking of making the quarterfinals.”
McCullum went on the attack from the outset, reaching his half century from 35 balls with eight fours and a six. He particularly targeted lasith Malinga, returning to the Sri lanka bowling lineup after an ankle injury and playing in his first official one-day international since August.
McCullum struck four fours and a six - 23 runs in total - from the last over of Malinga's opening spell. Malinga, Sri lanka's most dangerous bowler, finished with 0-84 from his 10 overs.
New Zealand's run rate slowed substantially after the dismissal of McCullum and Guptill. Williamson took time to establish himself, then moved steadily to a half century.
Williamson and Ross Taylor (14) fell in succession to the leg spin of Jeevan Mendis who took 2-5 from his two overs.
New Zealand's innings stuttered briefly before Anderson took up the onslaught in the final overs. He took full advantage of a let-off, when he was dropped by Mendis on 46, sweeping on to a half century from 36 balls.
Anderson's last partner, luke Ronchi who finished 29 not out, was also reprieved when he was bowled by Malinga from what television replays later showed was a no ball. After lifting New Zealand past 300 with a six and adding 61 runs in last five , Anderson was out to the last ball.
BRIEF SCORES:
New Zealand: 331/6
(Anderson 75) beat Sri lanka: 233 all out (Thirimanne 65).