Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell made half centuries in a 105-run sixth wicket partnership to help lead New Zealand to an eight-run win over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20 internationals.

Kusal Perera cracked a career-best 101 as Sri Lanka, playing only for pride in the third Twenty20 match against Zealand, posted 218-5 in Nelson Thursday. New Zealand have already wrapped up the three-match series having won the first two games when the Sri Lankan middle order failed to fire.

Sri Lanka were all out for 141 with Duffy taking 4 wickets for 15 runs, including tourists’ top scorers Perera for 48, Nissanka for 37.