The New Zealand 'A' cricketers have thrashed Sri Lanka 'A' again in the rain-affected fourth and final one day match, this time winning by 172 runs at Lincoln.
Mitchell Santner of New Zealand 'A' batting against Sri Lanka 'A' at Bert Sutcliffe Oval Photo: Photosport
Northern Knights all-rounder Mitchell Santner justified his Black Caps call-up for the Australia Test series with the top score with the bat for the New Zealanders.
Santner hit an unbeaten 70 off 43 balls and also took a wicket as the Sri Lankans, chasing 300 off 45 overs, were all out for just 127 in under 26 overs.
The hosts take the series 3-0. There was one draw.
New Zealand 'A' won the toss and opted to bat, managing to post an imposing 299 for five.
Then the loss of regular wickets saw the Sri Lankans' pursuit wobble early on and they failed to arrest the host's momentum.
Led by Michael Bracewell's 53 and George Worker's 47, the hosts' top order produced a strong platform from which to launch - a task which Santner excelled at.
Santner, who was on Monday named to replace the injured Corey Anderson in the Test squad to tour Australia, came in with his side 168 for four in the 32nd over.
The 23-year-old began his innings scoring at a run-a-ball, but finished with fireworks, teeing off four sixes in his 70 not out.
The two sides now turn their attention to the longer format, with the first four-day match set to begin on Saturday at Hagley Oval.
