N Zealand cruise past Sri Lanka to cap best ever year

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Dec 29 (AFP): New Zealand wrapped up a win against Sri Lanka by eight wickets on Monday to cap their most successful year in Test cricket.
Set a meagre 105-run target on the fourth day of the first Test in Christchurch, they took 30.4 overs to complete the victory with Ross Taylor not out 39 and Kane Williamson on 31.
It means New Zealand have won five Tests in a calendar year for the first time after enjoying 2014 series wins at home against India (1-0) and away in the West Indies (2-1). They also drew a series with Pakistan (1-1) in the UAE earlier this month.
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum said the platform for victory had been set by scoring 441 in the first innings after losing the toss and being put into bat on a green, bowler-friendly wicket
"We desperately wanted to bowl but we found a way with the bat to make a score that was going to be competitive," he said.
"Then, when you've got the seamers that we do have, who are swinging the ball in the air and getting bounce off the wicket, you're always going to be in with a chance."