SL in NZ: Williamson ton helps hosts take ODI series lead 2-1

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets and took the lead of the 7-match ODI series 2-1 after the fourth match played at Nelson today (20).   Electing to bat first Sri Lanka were bowled out for 276 runs with three more deliveries remaining and New Zealand reached the winning target losing 6 wickets and with 11 deliveries to spare, after man-of-the-match Kane Williamson’s knock of 103 off 107 balls paved the way to a possible win.   Williamson hit six fours and a six while Grant Elliot (44), Corey Anderson (47) and Luke Ronchi (32n.o.) made useful contributions for the victors.   Seasoned campaigners Mahela Jayawardene (94), Kumar Sangakkara (76) and TM Dilshan (44) shone for the Sri Lankans while the middle order failed to click on a possible batting track.   Both teams won a match each and after the third ODI was abandoned on Saturday (17) due to rain the series was locked at 1-1 making a win crucial for the contenders.   The fifth ODI will be played at Dunedin on Friday (23).   Sri Lanka 276 all out (49.3) (TM Dilshan 44, Kumar Sangakkara 76, Mahela Jayawardene 94, Lahiru Thirimanne 19, Jeevan Mendis 12, Tim Southee 3/59, Adam Milne 2/28, Mitchell McClenaghan 2/58)   New Zealand 280 for 6 wickets (48.1) (Martin Guptill 20, Kane Williamson 103, Grant Elliot 44, Corey Anderson 47, Luke Ronchi 32n.o.)