Openers put New Zealand in control v Sri Lanka

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar 9 (Reuters) New Zealand put their World Cup preparations firmly back on track after a surprise defeat by Bangladesh when they posted an imposing target for Sri Lanka in their final warm-up game today.

On the face of it, 1996 winners Sri Lanka posed a far stickier problem for the Black Caps at the 3Ws Oval than Bangladesh three days earlier, but this time New Zealand attacked the bowling from the off in their 285 for eight from 50 overs.

They were helped by an extremely solid platform established by opening pair, captain Stephen Fleming and Lou Vincent who made 131 for the first wicket.

Fleming was the first to depart, attempting one hoist over mid-off too many and he was comfortably caught by Farveez Maharoof off Nuwan Kulasekara's bowling for 65.

Vincent carried on the assault on the Sri Lankan attack and had advanced the score to 175 when he was undone by a direct hit from the covers by captain Mahela Jayewardene to be run out for 70 from 105 balls.

Peter Fulton was quick to take up the cudgels for the Kiwis and he needed just 47 balls to knock up a quickfire 59 which included three sixes and ensured they did not lose momentum through the middle order.

None of the Sri Lankan bowlers, who had made such short work of Scotland on Monday, came off the field with much credit.

Their main threat spinner Muttiah Muralitharan took more than his fair share of punishment in a 10-over spell which went for 64 with only one wicket to show for his efforts.

Reuters PDM VP0005