Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in second Twenty 20

Melbourne, May 24 (ANI): Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 cricket international played in the United States.

New Zealand could not defend their inadequate target of 81 runs on a poor batting surface at Lauderhill in Florida as Sri Lanka cruised to victory in the 16th over.

Tillakaratne Dilshan led the way for Sri Lanka with a fine 33 not out off 49 balls while Thissara Perera made 24 off 17, The Age reports.

New Zealand, who won the first match in the two-match series by 28 runs on Sunday, were struggling on a low, slow and inconsistent pitch.

They could make just 81 runs off 17.3 overs after being bowled by seamers Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga and spinner Ajantha Mendis.

Kulasekara was reduced New Zealand to 13 for five inside the opening five overs as their top order collapsed.

He finished with the outstanding figures of three for four off three overs before Malinga collected three for 12 and Mendis two for 19.

Only two New Zealand batsmen reached double figures, with Nathan McCullum topscoring with an unbeaten 36 off 39 balls and skipper Daniel Vettori making 27 off 24

South Africa thrash Windies by 66 runs in ODI

ORTH SOUND, Antigua (Reuters) - South Africa eased to a 66-run victory over West Indies thanks to centuries by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers and some aggressive bowling in the first one-day international on Saturday.

West Indies' batsmen wilted to 215 all out from 44.1 overs as they chased the tourists' total of 280-7 from 48 overs which was powered by Amla and de Villiers who both scored 102.

Amla registered his second career ODI century while de Villiers struck his third ODI ton on the trot as they put on 129 for the third wicket to lay the foundation for a big total.

Amla struck eight fours at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds from 109 deliveries while de Villiers hit five fours and two sixes off 101 balls.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo bowled with control to finish with figures of three for 40 from 10 overs.

In the run chase Chris Gayle top scored for the hosts with 45 from 39 balls including eight powerful fours while Kieron Pollard blasted 44 from 37 deliveries with five fours and a six.

Their efforts were not nearly adequate enough to threaten South Africa's total as lanky pacer Morne Morkel captured three for 40 from eight overs. He was supported by Dale Steyn and Ryan McLaren (both two for 37) and Johan Botha (two for 47).

The second game in the five-match series will take place on Monday at the same venue before the teams move to Dominica for a double header and Jamaica for the final game.