A second-string Black Caps have lost the first T20 International in Sri Lanka by four wickets on a spinning pitch in Dambulla.
The visitors scored 135 all out in the 20th over with Michael Bracewell making 27 from 24 and down the order Zakary Foulkes 27 from 16 balls.
LATEST HEADLINES:
In fact Foulkes and Ish Sodhi's 39-run partnership is New Zealand's highest for the 9th wicket in T20Is, breaking the record of 38 between Santner and Ish Sodhi
Earlier Will Young made 19, Glenn Phillips 13 and captain Mitchell Santner 16 with Sodhi 10.
Dunith Wellalage took 3-20 while Nwan Thushara had 2-14, Wanidu Hasaranga 2-20 and Matheesha Pathirana 2-25.
At bat Sri Lanka were solid throughout with Charith Asalanka making 35 and three others contributing with over 20.
The best of the New Zealand bowlers was media pacer Foulkes taking 3-20 off three overs.
Game two is Monday morning NZT.