New Zealand had claimed that they are in better shape for the series due to playing match-like situations during the warm-up games and they proved that with the first outing.
Thrust into captaincy, Ross Taylor led the side from front with a classy 95 against India and the team need senior players such as Martin Guptill and Jacob Oram to contribute with the bat if they have to go 2-0 up.
A mix of youth and experience, Black Caps' biggest asset is their fiery pace department.
Daryll Tuffey, Kyle Mills and Oram demolished the strong Indian line up and if the trio can repeat their show, New Zealand will be placed comfortably in the series.
Teams (From):
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (c), Mahela Jayawardene (vc), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dilhara Fernando, Rangana Herath, Suraj Randiv, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Thisara Perera, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Upul Tharanga.
New Zealand: Ross Taylor (capt), Kyle Mills (vice-capt), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Peter Ingram, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.
New Zealand's Daryl Tuffey bowls in the nets during a practice session in Dambulla on Thursday
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