KEY MAN …

Michael Mason starred for the Kiwis against Sri Lanka.

Mason key as Kiwis sink Sri Lanka MICHAEL Mason returned career-best One Day International figures as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in Christchurch to move 2-1 ahead in the National Bank Series. The Black Caps earned a four-wicket win after Mason had taken 4-24 off nine overs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 112 in 35.2 overs.The home side then successfully chased down a revised target of 110 after three rain delays, with Peter Fulton leading the way with an unbeaten 43.Only five Sri Lankan batsmen reached double figures with Marvan Atapattu the top scorer with just 28 off 26 balls.Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor took three catches apiece and New Zealand claimed two run-outs as the tourists struggled with the bat.Daniel Vettori finished with figures of 2-7, Shane Bond opened with a wicket-maiden as he returned to the team having been rested for the first two matches and Mark Gillespie bowled three maidens in his six overs.New Zealand began their reply after a late lunch and suffered two early setbacks as Nathan Astle and Taylor departed without scoring.McCullum thrashed two sixes and a four as he made 22 from 16 deliveries before being caught at point by Chamara Silva off Ruchira Perera.It was left to Fulton and James Franklin (15 not out) to complete the run chase with an unbroken stand of 40 for the seventh wicket.Fulton smashed a six over mid-on to take New Zealand past their target and put them ahead in the five-match series.Sky SportsThe Black Caps earned a four-wicket win after Mason had taken 4-24 off nine overs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 112 in 35.2 overs.The home side then successfully chased down a revised target of 110 after three rain delays, with Peter Fulton leading the way with an unbeaten 43.Only five Sri Lankan batsmen reached double figures with Marvan Atapattu the top scorer with just 28 off 26 balls.Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor took three catches apiece and New Zealand claimed two run-outs as the tourists struggled with the bat.Daniel Vettori finished with figures of 2-7, Shane Bond opened with a wicket-maiden as he returned to the team having been rested for the first two matches and Mark Gillespie bowled three maidens in his six overs.New Zealand began their reply after a late lunch and suffered two early setbacks as Nathan Astle and Taylor departed without scoring.McCullum thrashed two sixes and a four as he made 22 from 16 deliveries before being caught at point by Chamara Silva off Ruchira Perera.It was left to Fulton and James Franklin (15 not out) to complete the run chase with an unbroken stand of 40 for the seventh wicket.Fulton smashed a six over mid-on to take New Zealand past their target and put them ahead in the five-match series.Sky Sports