A second-wicket stand of 206 was the bedrock of a comfortable win, with a mid-innings collapse ending New Zealand's challenge in a rain-shortened chase

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka at 55/1 after 9 overs, Avishka Fernando at 18 runs and Kusal Mendis at 19 runs

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando smashed centuries against a new-look New Zealand as Sri Lanka cruised to a 45-run win under the DLS method in a rain-hit first ODI. Mendis smashed a career-best 143 off 128 balls and Fernando made 100 off 115 in Sri Lanka's imposing total of 324-5 in 49.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, right, is congratulated by teammate Avishka Fernando for completing his century during the first ODI cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on November 13, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka,

Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka will begin their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with the first game at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Wednesday, November 13.