Angelo Mathews had decided to bat, thinking the Hagley Oval pitch would favour the run-making, but that was not the case and Adam Milne had the visitors at 16 for 2 •Getty Images

Lahiru Thirimanne helped out during a 73-run fifth-wicket partnership•Getty Images

It was a combination of the need for quick runs and New Zealand's electric fielding that ended Jayawardene's innings at 104 off 107 balls •Getty Images

But once he was stumped, the match was back in the balance•AFP

Mahela Jayawardene appeared to set Sri Lanka on course, using his ability to play late to great advantage•AFP

But New Zealand always had a tight hold over the scoring rate, as Nathan McCullum gave away only 38 runs in his 10 overs with a wicket as well •Getty Images

Mitchell McClenaghan claimed the wicket and he was on a hat-trick. He couldn't convert it though and had to settle for a triple-wicket maiden in the 47th over•AFP

The Sri Lanka spinners, led by Sachithra Senanayake, caused some complications as New Zealand slipped to 77 for 4 in the 12th over •AFP

Jayawardene, though, was never troubled and completed his 18th ODI century, taking Sri Lanka to 200 for 4 in the 47th over•Getty Images

Set a target of 219, Brendon McCullum flew off the handle with a 22-ball 51•AFP

But Corey Anderson struck a composed 81 off 96 balls to remedy the wobble and secure the first of seven ODIs by three wickets•AFP