Batting let NZ down: Fleming

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said his side's batting had let them down in their 16-run defeat by Sri Lanka on Wednesday in the first match of the triangular one-day tournament also involving India.

The Kiwis restricted Sri Lanka to 220 but managed only 204 for nine in reply.

"We got a very good opportunity when our bowlers and fielders restricted Sri Lanka to 220," Fleming told reporters. "We couldn't have asked for anything better after Sri Lanka's good start but our batting let us down."

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya was the only Sri Lankan batsman to get a big score, completing his 43rd one-day fifty and going on to make 80, as extras, with 29, were the hosts' second highest contributor.

In reply, New Zealand lost early wickets and were reeling at three for two after just seven balls.

"We lost a lot of quick wickets," Fleming said. "Seamers were always going to be a problem on this wicket but we lost a man too many before the spinners came on. It was certainly a lost opportunity."

The New Zealand captain also slammed his bowlers for the number of extras they conceded.

"Twenty-nine extras is a bit much. They all add up in the end in limited overs internationals and in a close game like this, they make a difference at the end," he said.

Chris Harris (48) and Adam Parore (51 not out) had raised hopes of a New Zealand victory with their 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the tourists lost their way after Harris was dismissed.

"We needed that partnership to go on, or any other later in the match to get us home," Fleming said. "It's good that Adam (Parore) got to spend time in the middle and got his fifty, but I'm sure he'll be disappointed he couldn't help New Zealand win the match. That's what matters in the end."

There was something to cheer, however, for left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, who picked up two wickets making a comeback after a year-long back injury.

"It's great to have Dan back as an attacking option," Fleming said. "He did a good job and so did Harris for his two wickets."

New Zealand play their next match against India on Friday.

All-rounder Dion Nash is expected to make his comeback in that game after recovering from a stress fracture to his back that has kept him out of international cricket for almost a year.

Mail Cricket Editor