Taylor hundred lifts New Zealand to huge total

MELBOURNE, Dec 28 (Reuters) Ross Taylor blasted his maiden one-day international hundred to lift New Zealand to a daunting total of 285 for eight in the first limited-overs match against Sri Lanka in Napier today.

Taylor, playing in just his third one-day international, 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.

Reuters RL DB0902