Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were the world’s most prolific batsmen in one-day international cricket last year and have already shown their intent for 2016.
Guptill struck 102 and Williamson 61 at the top of New Zealand’s 294-5, setting Sri Lanka a stiff task to win the fifth and final ODI in Mt Maunganui and square the series.
Holding a 2-1 series lead, the Black Caps’ total is an imposing one on a two-paced Bay Oval pitch after they were asked to bat.
Having lost a scoreless Tom Latham in the opening over, Guptill and Williamson adjusted to the uncomfortable batting conditions against an efficient attack in their 122-run stand for the second wicket.
Guptill, who scored a world-leading 1489 runs in 2015, compiled a belligerent 10th ODI century, striking nine fours off 109 balls before he was caught at long on in pursuit of a fourth six.
It gives the lanky 29-year-old 331 runs for the series at an average of 82.8 and a sizzling strike rate of 139.6.
A relatively subdued Williamson reached 61 off 72 before he was caught behind when the ball ricocheted from glove to thigh when sweeping Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Ross Taylor provided ballast through the second half of the innings with 61 off 67 before he was the third player to offer a catch off seamer Nuwan Kulasekera (3-53).
Luke Ronchi (37 off 31) and Mitchell Santner (21 off 11) provided late, unbeaten cameos.
The chasing team have won all three completed games in the series, with New Zealand comprehensive winners twice in Christchurch before Sri Lanka bounced back in Nelson.
Both teams have made one change from the lineups named for the washed-out fourth game in Nelson on Saturday.
Black Caps seamer Trent Boult is playing his first game of the series, having been rested since the two Tests before Christmas. He replaces Mitchell McClenaghan.
Captain Brendon McCullum remained sidelined with a back injury while seamer Tim Southee is missing again with a foot problem.
Sri Lanka’s change is also at No.11 in the order, where seamer Nuwan Pradeep returned in place of legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, NZN reports.
