Set up by a quick-fire half-century from skipper Brendon McCullum, and anchored by a measured 81 from Corey Anderson, New Zealand stuttered their way to a three-wicket win in Sunday’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

In a distinctly stop-start performance, the Black Caps chased down Sri Lanka’s 9-218 with 42 balls to spare in the first of seven limited-overs matches as they warm up for next month’s World Cup.

McCullum looked to have steadied New Zealand’s innings with his 22-ball 51 after opener Martin Guptill was dismissed without scoring on the second ball he faced.

The skipper was in imperious form, belting six fours and three sixes on the way to his 27th one-day half-century in 233 matches for New Zealand.

However, his swashbuckling innings was brought to a grinding halt two balls later when he charged down the wicket only to miss Sachithra Senanayake’s tossed-up delivery and leave Kumar Sangakkara with the easiest of stumpings.

The Black Caps still looked comfortable at 2-63 midway through the seventh over, but the loss of Kane Williamson (15) and Grant Elliott (1) within the space of an over left them teetering at 4-77 after 11.1 overs.

Tom Latham (15) and Luke Ronchi (17) both made starts, but it was left to allrounder Anderson to provide the middle order anchor in a 94-ball innings to see New Zealand home.

Anderson left with the job all but done when he was trapped in front trying to sweep Tillakaratne Dilshan two balls into the 41st over, with New Zealand requiring 10 runs from 58 balls.

Nuwan Kulasekara and Senanayake both finished with 2-43 off 10 overs, while Dilshan picked up 2-23 off six.

Earlier, a triple-wicket maiden from Mitchell McClenaghan late in the match helped restrict Sri Lanka to 9-218.

The visitors lost early wickets after winning the toss, but Mahela Jayawardene anchored their innings with his 18th ODI century, stroking 104 off 107 balls, including 12 fours and a six.

However, McClenaghan put the brakes on a storming finish, removing Jeevan Mendis for 23 two balls into the 47th over, then accounting for Jayawardene two balls later when he holed out to Anderson in the deep.

Thisara Perera lasted just one ball, guiding a thick outside edge to keeper Ronchi for a comfortable catch as Sri Lanka lost three wickets without adding to their score.

McClenaghan finished with figures of 4-36, backed up by Adam Milne’s 2-37. Anderson and Nathan McCullum also picked up a wicket apiece.

The second ODI is in Hamilton on Thursday.