Mitchell McClenaghan continued his fine form with the ball to help New Zealand overcome Sri Lanka by three wickets in a One-Day International in Christchurch today.
The paceman, who played for Worcestershire during the second half of last season, finished with the impressive figures of 4-36 from 10 overs.
He was not only his side's most successful bowler but also their most economical as the Sri Lankan batsman found it hard to score off his back of a length deliveries.
The 28-year-old, who was Worcestershire's leading wicket-taker in the Royal London One-Day Cup, struck three times in the space of four balls in the 47th over.
He accounted for Jeevan Mendis, century-maker Mahela Jayawardene and Thisara Perera to end Sri Lanka's hopes of a late run spree to bolster their final total.
The Black Caps were wobbling at 101-5 in replay before 81 from Corey Anderson helped them reach their target with seven overs to spare.
McClenaghan, who is part of New Zealand's World Cup squad, had taken 11 wickets in three matches for Auckland in the Ford Trophy ahead of the ODI.
The six match series will continue in Hamilton on Thursday.
McClenaghan replaced Saeed Ajmal as the county's overseas player for the RLC and LV = County Championship cricket in mid July.
Meanwhile fellow Kiwi Colin Munro, who was Worcestershire's NatWest T20 Blast player last season, maintained his good form for Auckland in the Ford Trophy but finished on the losing side away to Central Districts.
Munro top-scored for Auckland with 50 off 56 balls with three sixes and one four out of 225 all out in 50 overs.
He has now scored 185 runs in five innings in the competition at an average of 61.66.
But Central Districts reached their target to win by five wickets with 26 balls to spare.
