Scott Styris’ battling 141 failed to prevent New Zealand from being beaten by Sri Lanka in their Pool B World Cup match in Bloemfontein.

The Kiwis were all out for 225 in the 46th over in reply to Sri Lanka’s 50-over total of 272 for seven.

Styris was the last man out when he was caught by Chaminda Vaas off Russel Arnold.

Sri Lanka had struck early to leave New Zealand at a desperate 15 for three after six overs in their reply.

Chris Cairns and Styris steadied the innings for a while but Arnold, who finished with three for 47, helped to seal victory for Sri Lanka.