New Zealand's Northern Knights beat Sri Lanka's Southern Express by seven wickets in the opening match of the Champions League T20 tournament here today.

The match started late due to wet conditions after heavy rain. It was limited to 10 overs per an innings.

Kusal Perera and Dhanushka Gunathilaka gave a good start for the Southern Express, putting on 55 in 6 overs. But then the team was restricted to 92 for 5.

Kane Williamson's 52 off 29 deliveries sealed the match for Northern Districts, who scored 96 for 3 in 9.3 overs.

Summary:

Southern Express 92/5 in 10 overs (Kusal Perera 37, Danushka Gunathilaka 39; Trent Boult 2/12), lost to Northern Districts 96/3 in 9.3 overs (Kane Williamson 52; Maharoof 2/14).