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WELLINGTON. — Kumar Sangakkara scored an unbeaten 113 and then returned to break the world record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper in one-day cricket internationals as Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 34 runs in the seventh and final match in Wellington yesterday.

Sangakkara’s 21st one-day hundred anchored Sri Lanka to 287 for six after the visitors opted to bat first on winning the toss. New Zealand, who won the series 4-2, never recovered from losing early wickets in their chase and were all out for 253 in the 46th over.

The hosts were reduced to 42-3 in the 12th over and barring a 74-run stand between Luke Ronchi (47) and Daniel Vettori (35) for the seventh wicket, Sri Lanka always looked in control.

Kane Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with 54 while Kyle Mills hit a 17-ball 30 towards the end.

The 37-year-old Sangakkara, who is expected to retire from international cricket after the World Cup, passed Adam Gilchrist as the most successful wicketkeeper when he caught Corey Anderson off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga. He later added another catch to the tally when he pouched Tim Southee off Thisara Perera, taking his career total to 474 dismissals with 378 catches and 96 stumpings in the 50-over format when he played as a wicketkeeper. — Reuters.