ST. GEORGE'S (Grenada), April 13 (AP): Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya hit half centuries Thursday to lead Sri Lanka to a surprisingly easy six-wicket victory over New Zealand and a share of the lead in the World Cup Super 8s.

Sangakkara hit 69 not out, and Jayasuriya made 64 to help earn Sri Lanka the two points that took it to eight in the standings, the same as the Kiwis and tournament favorite Australia.

Sri Lanka reached 222 for 7 wickets at Grenada National Stadium and made almost certain of its place in the semifinals. New Zealand is still likely to make the last four, but has matches against Australia and fourth-place South Africa to come.

New Zealand had been aiming for its national record-equaling 10th straight win but struggled to 219-7. Several dropped catches and a raft of unnecessary extras at the start of Sri Lanka's reply then contributed to the defeat.

Scott Styris had hit 111 not out for his fourth one-day century in an otherwise disappointing batting performance by New Zealand.

Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan each took three wickets for Sri Lanka, the former removing Stephen Fleming and Ross Taylor in the first three overs.

Fleming had won the toss and chose to bat. But the decision looked to be a poor one when Vaas dismissed the New Zealand captain and Taylor on his way to figures of 3-33.

With Fleming having apparently misread the pitch, Sri Lanka made light of the absence of pace bowler Lasith Malinga, who was out after damaging left ankle ligaments in training.

Sri Lanka was then 13-0 before scoring a run with the bat after five wides, four byes and four leg byes in the first nine balls.

Sangakkara hit the winning runs with a four.