Sangakkara ton lifts Sri Lanka to 287-6

Kumar Sangakkara became the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in One-Day Internationals as his century helped the visitors to an imposing 6-287 against New Zealand in Wellington.

Classy left-hander Sangakkara scored 113 not out off 105 balls in compiling his 21st ODI century to dominate Sri Lanka’s innings after they elected to bat first on Thursday.

Trailing 4-1 heading into the seventh and final game of the series, Sangakkara and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (81 off 98) have given the tourists every chance to win on a slow Westpac Stadium pitch.

Sangakkara has scored 13,434 runs for his country, surpassing the former record of 13,364 held by Sanath Jayasuriya.

The 37-year-old, who has also scored additional ODI runs for Asian and World XI teams, needs just 12 more runs to pass Australian Ricky Ponting (13,704) on the all time ODI list. That would leave him behind only Indian great Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).

He struck 14 fours on Thursday, mostly on the leg side, and dominated a 104-run partnership for the second wicket with Dilshan after captain Lahiru Thirimanne had departed for 30.

Tim Southee took 2-50 off 10 overs, while allrounder Corey Anderson claimed 3-59 off nine.

New Zealand made two changes from the side that won the sixth game at Dunedin on Sunday.

Southee replaced Trent Boult while Tom Latham was promoted in place of rested captain Brendon McCullum, with Kane Williamson taking over as skipper.

All four of Sri Lanka’s changes were made to their bowling lineup.

Jeevan Mendis, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, and Suranga Lakmal made way for Seekkuge Prasanna, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga and debutant Dushmantha Chameera.

It is the teams’ last meeting before they clash in the opening game of the World Cup in Christchurch on February 14.

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