Kane Williamson hit a century and Luke Ronchi smashed 24 runs off one explosive over when the match was still in the balance to steer New Zealand to a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI in Nelson. Sri Lanka set New Zealand a target of 277 to win after being bowled out for 276 in 49.3 overs and the Black Caps reached the mark with 11 balls to spare for the loss of six wickets.

Williamson continued his rich run of form with the bat, scoring 103 off 107 deliveries to provide the backbone of New Zealand’s innings. He was well supported by Corey Anderson, who made a quickfire 47 before being run in the 46th over with the home team still needing 32 for victory. New Zealand required 25 off the last 18 balls when Ronchi tied the scores in the blink of an eye, blasting three sixes, a boundary and a two off the 48th over from Thisara Perera. Lanka’s big three batsmen made significant contributions but the tourists did not get enough runs. Jayawardene fell just six runs shy of a century and Sangakkara made a swift 76 after Dilshan gave the side a solid platform with 44. Fast bowler Adam Milne was the pick of New Zealand’s attack with 2/28 from seven overs, while opening bowler Tim Southee finished with 3/59.

Brief scores: SL 276 in 49.3 overs (M Jayawardene 94, K Sangakkara 76, T Dilshan 44; T Southee 3/59, A Milne 2/28, M McClenaghan 2/58); NZ 280/6 in 48.1 overs (K Williamson 103, C Anderson 47, G Elliott 44, L Ronchi 32 n.o).