New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

New Zealand and Sri Lanka begin their final tune-ups to the ICC Cricket World Cup with a seven-match ODI series in New Zealand. After their 0-2 defeat in the preceding Test series, Sri Lanka will enter more comfortable territories in the limited-overs series, a format they have done well in the recent time.

Both the teams begin the series on the back of ODI series wins. New Zealand won a tightly-fought series against Pakistan in UAE despite resting many of their key performers, including captain, Brendon McCullum. Sri Lanka, after being blanked by India, completed a series win themselves when they thrashed England 5-2 at home. With Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan returning to the side, the visitors, led by Angelo Mathews would look to begin their 2015 ODI campaign brightly.

New Zealand, in accordance with their rotation policy, will rest Ross Taylor and Tim Southee for the first game at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Angelo Mathews won his third consecutive toss on the tour of New Zealand and decided to bat first in the 1st ODI. Jeevan Mendis, the leg-spinner was included in the playing eleven even for the visitors. In the absence of Lasith Malings, on his way to making a full recovery, Nuwan Kulasekara led the pace attack for Angelo Mathews' side.

New Zealand skipper, Brendon McCullum opined that he would have fielded first anyway. For the hosts, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee sat this game out while Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne featured in the playing eleven in a three-prong seam attack along with Trent Boult. Corey Anderson slotted in as the all-rounder.

Pitch and Conditions:

The conditions in Christchurch were ideal for ODI cricket with some nip in the air assisting swing early on. However the pitch was expected to flatten out and become better for batting as the match went on.