Cricket: Black Caps on cruise control

Ross Taylor. File photo / Hawkes Bay Today

The Black Caps have cruised to a three-wicket one-day win over a Sri Lanka Board President's 11 in Colombo overnight.

The President's team chose to field first, but struggled with the Black Caps' pace attack, cricket website cricinfo.com reported.

Down and all but out at 63 for six, the President's team fought back to finish at 219 for nine off their 50 overs.

Honours were shared among the New Zealand bowlers as Daryl Tuffey, Andy McKay and Tim Southee picked up two apiece.

The Black Caps started their chase unconvincingly, with BJ Watling gone for four in the fourth over.

However, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor righted the ship, adding 65 for the second wicket.

Taylor hit seven fours and a six in his 67, while Scott Styris clubbed 57 from 62 balls.

The Black Caps eventually eased away for the win, reaching 220 for seven in 38 overs.

They have a second warm-up match against Sri Lanka A tomorrow at Pallekele international cricket stadium before beginning their one-day Tri-Series against India at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium next Tuesday.

SCORES:

Sri Lanka Board President's XI 219-9 (Thisara Perera 62, Milinda Siriwardana 41, Farveez Maharoof 39; Daryl Tuffey 2-34, Andy McKay 2-38) lost to New Zealand 220-7 (Ross Taylor 67, Scott Styris 57; Kosala Kulasekara 2-24, Thilina Kandamby 2-20) by three wickets.

- NZPA