A crowd of almost 18,000 watched the Black Caps defeat Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup in Christchurch at the weekend, Radio New Zealand reports.
All 20,000 seats for the game sold out, but on the day just 17,288 people turned out in cold and overcast weather.
There was plenty to be pleased with from the New Zealand perspective and it certainly generates some momentum.
Skipper Brendon McCullum showed he wants to dominate the tournament and was in imperious form in making 65 from just 39 balls while there's relief as Martin Guptill is finding form again.
The New Zealand batting order showed just how well balanced it is with Kane Williamson notching up another half century and the finishing prowess of Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi continues to impress.
Australia trounced England in the other World Cup opener while India confidently beat Pakistan and South Africa defeated rival Zimbabwe.
