Thisara's 140 goes in vain Kiwis seal series

A maiden century by Sri Lanka's Thisara Perera went in vain as New Zealand wrapped up the ODI with a 21-run victory in the second ODI yesterday.

With Sri Lanka chasing the hosts' 319 for seven, they were on the ropes at 128 for seven when Perera opened up.

He faced 74 deliveries and cracked 13 sixes and eight fours before he was the last wicket to fall and Sri Lanka were out for 298 with 22 balls remaining.

Sri Lanka reached 112 for two when Ish Sodhi captured the wicket of Kusal Mendis for 20 to trigger a collapse which saw five wickets fall in six overs.

SCORES IN BRIEF

NEW ZEALAND: 319 for 7 (Munro 87, Taylor 90, Neesham 64; Malinga 2-45)

SRI LANKA: 298 all out in 46.2 overs (Gunathilaka 71, Perera 140; Henry 2-52, Sodhi 3-55, Neesham 2-48)

Result: New Zealand won by 21 runs and lead the 3-match series 2-0.

Player-of-the-match: T Perera.