Cricket: Taylor sets Sri Lanka tough target

Ros Taylor. Photo / Phil Walter

New Zealand have set Sri Lanka 286 to win the first of their five-match one-day cricket series at McLean Park in Napier today.

New Zealand amassed 285 for eight off their 50 overs thanks to Ross Taylor's maiden one-day international century and a quickfire 83 from veteran Nathan Astle.

Taylor, playing just his third limited overs international, top-scored with a magnificent unbeaten 128 despite being hampered by leg cramps shortly before he posted three figures.

Astle and Taylor added 151 for the second wicket -- a record for New Zealand against Sri Lanka -- to set the platform for a significant score on what is a perfect batting wicket.

Taylor faced just 133 deliveries, striking 12 fours and four sixes.

His last six over square leg ended up in a neighbouring property and the ball had to be replaced.

Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled throughout to keep down the scoring rate on a relatively small ground though veteran Chaminda Vaas took an admirable three for 50 off 10 overs.

Spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (one for 48) and Sanath Jayasuriya (0-42) were also relatively inexpensive off their 10 overs though pacebowlers Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando copped severe punishment.

Malinga took two late wickets to record two for 66 off 10 while Fernando had to settle for one for 43 off five.

- NZPA