SL in NZ: Dilshan ton steers Sri Lanka to convincing win as hosts level series 1-1

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 6 wickets in the second game to level the 7-match ODI series 1-1 at Hamilton a short while ago today (15).   Electing to bat first New Zealand were bowled out for 248 in 50 overs and Sri Lanka reached the target after losing four wickets and 14 deliveries to spare.   Opener TM Dilshan struck a valuable ton, 116 off 127 deliveries inclusive of 17 boundaries to steer Sri Lanka to a convincing win before falling to Matt Henry when his team needed 12 more runs for victory.   He partnered a 64-run opening stand with Dimuth Karunaratne, who made 21, and a 52-run stand for the second wicket with Kumar Sangakkara, who hit 38 off 41 balls.   With Mahela Jayawardene, who made a 29-ball 27 with five boundaries Dilshan added 47 runs for the third wicket before getting together with skipper Angelo Mathews to add 74 runs for the fourth wicket.   Mathews remained unbeaten on 39 when Sri Lanka reached the winning target.   New Zealand posted 248 after skipper Brendon McCullum smashed 117 off 99 deliveries inclusive of 12 fours and five sixes.   Four run outs which caused the dismissals of Daniel Vettori, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi and Nathan McCullum in quick sessions pushed New Zealand backwards.   Before the run outs McCullum put New Zealand in a strong position with his hard-hitting knock as the hosts were well placed at 158 for the loss of three wickets when the Kiwi skipper was caught by his own bowling by Jeevan Mendis.   Ross Taylor made 34 off 69 deliveries inclusive of two boundaries.   Spinners Sachithra Senanayake and Rangana Herath captured two wickets each.   New Zealand brought in Daniel Vettori while Grant Elliot, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson were left out due to injuries.   Sri Lanka replaced Shaminda Eranga with Rangana Herath.   The third ODI between the two sides will be played on Saturday (17) in Auckland.   New Zealand 248 all out (50) (Brendon McCullum 117, Ross Taylor 34, Adam Milne 19, Matt Henry 20n.o, Rangana Herath 2/36, Sachithra Senanayake 2/55)   Sri Lanka 252 for 4 wickets (47.4) (Dimuth Karunaratne 21, TM Dilshan 116, Kumar Sangakkara 38, Mahela Jayawardene 27, Angelo Mathews 39n.o, Matt Henry 2/34)