Jayasuriya blasts Sri Lanka to Napier win

MELBOURNE, Dec 28 (Reuters) Sanath Jayasuriya blasted 111 off just 87 balls as Sri Lanka chased down a daunting target of 285 with ten overs to spare in the first one-day international against New Zealand at Napier today.

The hosts had looked well set after a fine century in only his third one-dayer from Ross Taylor helped New Zealand to 285 for eight from their fifty overs at McLean Park.

But a thrilling opening stand of 201 in just 24 overs between Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga (68) set the Sri Lankans up for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Taylor spanked an unbeaten 128 off 133 deliveries, featuring 12 boundaries and four massive sixes.

The 22-year-old's final six sailed out of the ground and into a neighbouring property, forcing the umpires to call for a new ball.

New Zealand opener Nathan Astle blazed a quick 83 off 87 deliveries as well as sharing in a record 151-run stand with Taylor for the second wicket before he was run out.

Chaminda Vaas was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 3-50 from 10 overs while off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan took 1-48.

But it was soon clear that the total was not too daunting for a rampant Jayasuriya.

The 37-year-old struck 12 fours and five sixes in his 23rd one-day hundred as he and Tharanga savaged the Kiwi attack.

The duo finally went in the space of two deliveries from James Franklin but run-a-ball efforts from skipper Mahela Jayawardene (34no) and Kumar Sangakkara (36) guided Sri Lanka home from the final ball of the 40th over.

The second match is at the Queenstown Events Centre on Sunday.

Reuters PDS DB1142