Michael Mason returned his best ODI figures as the BLACKCAPS earned a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Christchurch to take a 2-1 advantage in The National Bank Series.
Mason took four for 24 off nine overs as the tourists were removed for 112 in 35.2 overs, the lowest innings score in a limited-overs international between the sides.
Mason was well supported by Daniel Vettori (2/7 off 5.1 overs), the returning Shane Bond, who opened with a wicket maiden and Mark Gillespie, who went wicket-less but claimed three maidens from his six at a cost of just 12 runs.
Peter Fulton led the chase for a revised total of 110 with an unbeaten 43, with Brendon McCullum contributing a rapid 22, as the New Zealanders chased down a revised target of 110 within 25 overs.
Vettori had again won the toss and chosen to field, with Bond named in place of Andre Adams. Nathan Astle stepped back into the side after recovering from a thigh injury.
Bond opened by bowling Sanath Jayasuriya with the second ball of his spell, leaving the tourists scoreless and a man down.
Marvan Atapattu top-scored with a quick fire 28 from 26 balls, but their was little by way of assistance.
Only five Sri Lankan batsmen made double figures, with McCullum and Ross Taylor taking three catches each and the BLACKCAPS claiming two run-outs.
After three rain delays, the match was reduced to 46 overs per side. The BLACKCAPS reply began before a late lunch break, but received two early set backs.
Astle and Taylor both went without scoring, the latter harshly judged to have been caught at slip.
McCullum hit two sixes and a four for his 22 off 16 deliveries faced, but was caught at point by Chamara Silva off Ruchira Perera.
It was left to Fulton and James Franklin (15 not out) to complete an unbroken 40-run stand for the seventh-wicket and earn victory.
A Fulton six over mid on sealed the win and put the hosts ahead in the five-match series.
