Cricket World Cup 2015: McCullum and Vettori cameos send Sri Lanka tumbling

New Zealand have won the opening game of the ensuing ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka by an overwhelming 98 runs.

The Kiwis won the toss and elected to bat and put up a handsome target of 331 runs on the board at the expense of six wickets. In reply, Sri Lanka were bundled out for a measly 233 runs, with almost four overs to spare.

Corey Anderson and Brendon McCullum were the men in charge for New Zealand, putting in a brilliant performance with the bat, scoring 75 and 65 respectively at different junctures in the innings. Kane Williamson scored 57 and paced the innings alongside McCullum before Anderson took on the Sri Lankan bowlers, who had an off day on the pitch.

Luke Ronchi remained undefeated on 29 at over a run a ball, giving the bowlers a solid margin to defend.

In reply, the team from the subcontinent started well with Lahiri Thirimanne scoring 65 from only 60 deliveries but was let down by his teammates, who fell like a pack of cards following his dismissal.

The likes of Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara fell within five runs of his wicket as Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult ran riot on their middle order. Both ended the game with two wickets and were appreciably helped by Tim Southee and Adam Milne, who also chipped in with two scalps each.

Sri Lanka face Afghanistan next on the 22nd of February while New Zealand play hosts to Scotland.