All-rounders Doug Bracewell (44) and Scott Kuggeleijn (35) have played pivotal roles in securing the Blackcaps 35 run victory over Sri Lanka in their twenty20 at Eden Park.
Following a batting collapse the pair who batted at seven and eight made sure the home side would set a respectable total.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat the Blackcaps were in serious trouble losing a wicket every over for the first four, finding themselves on the verge of embarrassment at 27-4.
Ross Taylor (33) and Bracewell bought the home side back into the game.
Debutant Kuggeleijn made an impact with bat in hand scoring 35 not out to help get the home side to 179-7 after their 20 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a fast start wth Niroshan Dickwella scoring 10 runs off the first two balls of the innings.
Lockie Ferguson made the breakthrough for the home side, bowling debutant Sadeera Samarawickrama for a golden duck.
Kusal Perera was dismissed next flicking a shot caught at mid-on by Doug Bracewell.
In-form batsmen Thisara Perera (43) tried to get his side over the line but fell thanks to a slower ball from Lockie Ferguson.
The hosts wrapped up the final five wickets for just 26 runs completing the comeback to claim a 35 run victory and send Sri Lanka to Australia not having won a single game on their tour against the Blackcaps.
The Blackcaps will face India next on January 23 at McLean Park.
Newshub.
