Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene both managed half-centuries as Sri Lanka set New Zealand a target of 277 in this morning's fourth ODI in Nelson.
Sangakkara registered 76 after 83 balls before being removed by Adam Milne, who denied the legendary figure in his bid for an 18th ton in this format.
Meanwhile, Jaywardene finished six short of a 19th one-day century when he was dismissed on 94 as the tourists finished up on 276-10.
Sri Lanka, vying for a 2-1 lead in the series, eventually found their groove as Tillakaratne Dilshan pulled off a respectable 44 after opening partner Dimuth Karunaratne (5) was removed early on.
Sangakkara and Jaywardene then proved stubborn customers at the crease in a partnership that yielded precisely 170 runs from 165 balls.
Tim Southee, who earlier sent Karunaratne packing, completed his treble of wickets later on, as Thisara Perera (5) and Ajantha Mendis (12) fell by the wayside.
Shane Callaghan
