Read the article of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st Match Triangular Series 1986 - John Player triangular one-day international tournament of the 1st ODI match played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Khettarama Stadium, Colombo in 05th April 1986.
Three-wicket hauls from Debutant Willie Watson and Martin Snedden before Openers John Wright and Ken Rutherford steers to New Zealand convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a low-scoring game of the first match of a Triangular Series.
* New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the first match of a John Player one-day international cricket match at Colombo.
* New Zealand restricted Sri Lanka to 137 for nine in 43 overs and then cruised to victory by six wickets in their one-day cricket international.
* The New Zealanders scored 140 for four off 36.3 overs after skipper John Wright and Ken Rutherford gave them a solid start with a 62-run opening stand in only 15 overs.
* Earlier, accurate bowling had Sri Lanka struggling for runs after they were put into bat. Overcaution by their openers saw only 39 runs come from the first 17 overs and they slid to a dismal 96 for six in 36 overs trying step up the tempo.
Sri Lanka scored 137-9 in the alloted 43 overs with top scorer by Duleep Mendis 24, Brendon Kuruppu, Arjuna Ranatunga each scored 23-runs and Ravi Ratnayeke 22 not out.
New Zealand best bowler by Debutant Willie Watson - who took 3-wickets for 15-runs in 9-overs including two maidens on his debut ODI match - with economy rate of 1.66.
Martin Snedden picked up 3-wickets and one for John Bracewell.
New Zealand chased 140-4 in 36.2 overs with top scorer by Ken Rutherford cracked a 34 off 50-balls including 4-fours.
Tony Blain scored a unbeaten 26 off 42-balls including 2-fours, John Wright hit 24 off 50-balls included 4-fours, Jeff Crowe 20 and John Bracewell 16 not out.
Sri Lanka best bowler by Arjuna Ranatunga took 2-wickets and one for Ravi Ratnayeke.
Martin Snedden named Player of the match for his brilliant bowling performance to picked up 3-wickets for 26-runs in 9-overs including a maiden with economy rate of 2.88.
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