A static batting display in tough conditions has seen the Black Caps drop the second game and the series to Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
It was the first series loss to Sri Lanka in ODI's for 12 years for New Zealand after they lost the first game by 45 runs.
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Rain stunted the game with 47 overs set, however the Black Caps elected to bat and were all out in 46th for a total of 209.
In reply the home side scored 210-7 to win by three wickets with six balls remaining under the Duckworth Lewis Stern system.
At bat the Black Caps were inconsistent with Will Young making 26, Tim Robinson was out for four, Henry Nicholls eight before Mark Chapman steadied the innings with a well compiled 76 from 81 including seven fours and three sixes.
Glenn Phillips made 15 but was not the usual free-flowing batter. Mitchell Hay made 49 as scoring became difficult in the conditions.
Of the remaining five batters no one reached double figures, although extras added 12.
Maheesh Theekshana took 3-31 and Jeffrey Vandersay 3-46.
Wicketkeepr and opener Kusal Mendis was the mainstay of the Sri Lankan innings making 74 from 102 while the lower order added plenty of runs with Janith Liyange 22, Dunith Wellalage 18 and Theekshana 27 not out.
Michael Bracewell was the best of the New Zealand bowlers taking 4-36 from his 10 overs while Phillips, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner all took a wicket.
The third ODI is tomorrow night at the same venue.