Styris stars in Kiwis' amazing win against Sri Lanka in first US T20 tie

Florida, May 23(ANI): A three-wicket haul by New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris led the Black Caps to a remarkable 28-run win against Sri Lanka in the opening Twenty20 international in Lauderhill, Florida.

It was the first international game between two full members of the International Cricket Council on United States soil.

Styris' haul of three for 10 sparked a Sri Lankan collapse, which saw them lose eight wickets for 30, as they slumped to 92 in 19.4 overs while chasing a paltry target of 121 at Broward County Cricket Stadium.

The 34-year-old dismissed big-hitting Angelo and Chamara Kapugedera in consecutive balls in his second over and then sent Thissara Perera packing in his next over to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 69 for six in the 15th over.

Other significant contributions from New Zealand bowlers came from fast bowlers Kyle Mills and Andy McKay, who scalped two wickets each, and skipper Daniel Vettori, with one for 11.

"It was not much of a total, but the pitch was a little bit difficult and we bowled very well, particularly led by Kyle Mills who was outstanding," Stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as having told ESPN.

"We understand bowling on this sort of wicket and the size of the boundaries really help. It's difficult to hit sixes and get that momentum going. We made the most of the conditions in the second innings," he added.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, but were restricted by tight bowling, with Ross Taylor top scoring with only 27.(ANI)