Mount Maunganui: New Zealand batting all-rounder James Neesham smashed five sixes in an over against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of their ongoing three-match series on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who was playing his first international match since June 2017, bombarded the sixes in the 49th over of the match which was bowled by Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.

The left-hander hit four consecutive sixes off Perera off the first four balls. The fifth ball was a no-ball which Neesham played for two runs. He hit the free-hit for six. On the final ball, he could manage only one run. As many as 34 runs were plundered in the 49th over.

Neesham's unbeaten score of 47 runs of 13 balls helped his side put a solid total of 371 on the board. The left-hand batsman narrowly missed the chance to break the record for the fastest ODI century as New Zealand completed their 50-over limit.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand got a good start as opener Martin Guptill hit 138. Skipper Kane Williamson and middle-order batsman Ross Taylor contributed a respective total of 76 and 54 to further strengthen their position in the match.

The last-minute cameo by Neesham further deflated the spirits of Sri Lanka.

During his innings, Guptill also completed his 6,000 runs in ODI cricket. He became the fifth player in New Zealand to cross this figure.

In the run chase, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 326, handing the Kiwis a 45-run win. Guptill won the Man-of-the-match award.