The match is Sri Lanka's first ODI series win over New Zealand since 2012. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Sri Lanka has won the one day series against New Zealand after scoring a three wicket victory in the second game in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka chased down their target of 210 with an over to spare in a game that was reduced to 47 overs because of rain.
It gave the home side a 2-nil lead in the three match series.
"It's always a challenge when you're defending a low score," Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner said in the after match interviews.
Santner admitted they needed to set a higher target.
"Kusal (Mendis) played the situation very well, we were trying to get the run-rate up but it never got above five so we knew we had to keep taking wickets.
"We probably left a few runs out there."
After being put into bat, New Zealand were dismissed in the 46th over for 209.
Sri Lankan spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana took three wickets each.
Will Young made 26 at the top of the order, while Mark Chapman gave the side some momentum with 76 and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay added 49.
But with their last five batters all failing to get into double figures their total was a bit light.
The game was reduced to 47 overs because of rain. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In reply it was Kusal Mendis who played the rock for Sri Lanka with a player of the match performance.
Mendis came into bat in the second over and then guided his side home with an unbeaten 74.
Michael Bracewell produced his best bowling figures in ODI's with four for 36.
Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith grabbed one wicket each.
It was Sri Lanka's first ODI series win over New Zealand since 2012.
Sri Lanka won the rain-affected first ODI by 45 runs.
The third and final game is in Pallekele Tuesday night.
