DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AFP) - A record batting blitz by Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott set New Zealand up for a 108-run win over Sri Lanka in their fifth one-day international in Dunedin on Friday.
In a stunning display of power hitting, Ronchi (170 not out) and Elliott (104 not out) bludgeoned an unbeaten 267 to lift New Zealand from 93-5 to 360-5 in their 50 overs in a world record, sixth-wicket stand.
"It was an incredible batting performance by Luke and Grant," said New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.
"After being 90-odd for five, getting us through to that total was something not witnessed too often."
Sri Lanka skipper Lahiru Thirimanne said the partnership made a mockery of their game plan on a green wicket.
"We thought we could get them out for under 200 but things went wrong for us," he admitted.
Sri Lanka had their own century-maker in Tillakaratne Dilshan and looked to be in with a chance as long as he was at the crease.
But when he fell for 116, it sparked a spectacular collapse in which Sri Lanka lost eight wickets for just 41 runs in eight overs.
The end came with more than six overs remaining as, for the second game in a row, Sri Lanka showed little fight in the lower order to let New Zealand go 3-1 up in the series.