McCulllum hails Hanry and Milne after New Zealand win

Brendon McCullum lauded Matt Henry and Adam Milne after the pace duo's devastating opening salvo set up New Zealand's seven-wicket one-day win over Sri Lanka.

Henry (4-49) and Milne (1-30) reduced Sri Lanka to 27-5 inside the opening 10 overs in Christchurch on Saturday, with the tourists eventually being dismissed for 188.

New Zealand's top order made short work of that target, with Martin Guptill (79) and captain McCullum (55) putting on 108 for the first wicket before the hosts cruised home in just 21 overs to move 1-0 up in the five-match ODI series.

And McCullum was delighted with Henry and Milne's work with the new ball, while also reserving words of praise for Doug Bracewell (3-37) and Mitchell McClenaghan (2-40) with Test-opening bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee rested.

"I think both Adam Milne and Matt Henry with the new ball back in their hands were outstanding for us," said the New Zealand skipper.

"I thought Mitchell McClenaghan and Doug Bracewell were outstanding as well.

"We have two outstanding bowlers in Trent Boult and Tim Southee, who are vastly experienced and have been the kingpins for us for a long time.

"For them not to be in this line-up and for the guys to have stepped up like they did today was very pleasing for everyone.

"We are lucky at the moment that we are building some depth and the boys are going okay.

"Nobody would want to be rotated out of the squad."

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, meanwhile, rued losing the toss.

"Winning the toss was crucial. Unfortunately, we kept losing wickets in 10 over...they bowled well and we couldn't handle it. It was just that we could not negotiate the 10 overs," he said.