Thisara's monster hits

Jan 08, 2019

Lasith Malinga found his rhythm early to send back both New Zealand openers•Getty Images

Kane Williamson was calm and collected as ever as he made a fifty...•Getty Images

While Williamson was nipped out for 55, Taylor went on to notch up his 20th ODI century - the most by a New Zealand batsman in any format•Getty Images

Niroshan Dickwella got Sri Lanka's chase off to a blazing start•Getty Images

Danushka Gunathilaka ducks into a Lockie Ferguson bouncer•Getty Images

Thisara Perera showed off some athleticism on the field•Getty Images

... and rebuilt in the company of Ross Taylor•Getty Images

Nicholls was equally belligerent in making his maiden ton as New Zealand punished Sri Lanka at the death•Getty Images

Kusal Mendis was adjudged run out by a dodgy call from the third umpire, triggering a familiar middle-order collapse•Getty Images

Perera stood tall amid the ruins again, waging a lone battle with a superb half-century•Getty Images

Henry Nicholls makes a dash for the crease•Getty Images

With bright and blue skies, the Saxton Oval provided pristine conditions for cricket•Getty Images

Thisara Perera once again unfurled an array of astonishing strokes to lead a rearguard fightback•Getty Images

But a brilliant catch from Marthin Guptill off Ferguson helped New Zealand avoid any rude surprises again and seal a 3-0 sweep•Getty Images