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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in New Zealand 3 ODI Series 2019, 1st ODI - Full Squad
02
nd Innings
Sri Lanka
326/10
(49.0 OV)
RR 6.65
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Niroshan Dickwella
b James Neesham
76
50
8
3
Danushka Gunathilaka
c Tim Seifert b James Neesham
43
62
3
0
Kusal Perera
c Tim Seifert b Trent Boult
102
86
13
1
Kusal Mendis
c Tim Seifert b Ish Sodhi
18
20
2
0
Dinesh Chandimal
c Ross Taylor b James Neesham
10
18
0
0
Asela Gunaratne
c Lockie Ferguson b Ish Sodhi
11
23
0
0
Thisara Perera
c Colin Munro b Lockie Ferguson
4
5
0
0
Seekkuge Prasanna
c Tim Seifert b Lockie Ferguson
16
14
0
1
Lasith Malinga
b Matt Henry
11
7
0
1
Lakshan Sandakan
b Trent Boult
6
7
1
0
Nuwan Pradeep
not out
6
3
0
1
Total
326/10
(49.0 OV)
RR 6.65
Fall of Wickets
1-119 (Danushka Gunathilaka, 17.4 ov), 2-126 (Niroshan Dickwella, 19.1 ov), 3-178 (Kusal Mendis, 26.2 ov), 4-211 (Dinesh Chandimal, 32.4 ov), 5-267 (Asela Gunaratne, 40.3 ov), 6-273 (Thisara Perera, 42 ov), 7-298 (Kusal Perera, 45.2 ov), 8-303 (Seekkuge Prasanna, 46.1 ov), 9-310 (Lakshan Sandakan, 47.3 ov), 10-326 (Lasith Malinga, 49 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Trent Boult
10
0
65
2
Matt Henry
10
0
87
1
Lockie Ferguson
10
0
65
2
Ish Sodhi
10
0
53
2
James Neesham
8
0
38
3
Colin Munro
1
0
7
0
01
st Innings
New Zealand
371/7
(50.0 OV)
RR 7.42
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Martin Guptill
c Lakshan Sandakan b Thisara Perera
138
139
11
5
Colin Munro
c Lakshan Sandakan b Lasith Malinga
13
14
1
1
Kane Williamson
b Nuwan Pradeep
76
74
6
0
Ross Taylor
c Seekkuge Prasanna b Thisara Perera
54
37
6
2
Henry Nicholls
run out (Thisara Perera)
15
12
1
0
Tim Seifert
c Kusal Perera b Lasith Malinga
11
10
1
0
James Neesham
not out
47
13
0
6
Matt Henry
c Thisara Perera b Nuwan Pradeep
6
5
1
0
Ish Sodhi
not out
0
0
0
0
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
Total
371/7
(50.0 OV)
RR 7.42
Fall of Wickets
1-23 (Colin Munro, 4.2 ov), 2-186 (Kane Williamson, 31 ov), 3-274 (Martin Guptill, 42.2 ov), 4-294 (Ross Taylor, 44.2 ov), 5-316 (Henry Nicholls, 46.5 ov), 6-317 (Tim Seifert, 47.1 ov), 7-363 (Matt Henry, 49.4 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Lasith Malinga
10
0
78
2
Nuwan Pradeep
8
0
72
2
Thisara Perera
10
0
80
2
Seekkuge Prasanna
10
0
60
0
Lakshan Sandakan
10
0
64
0
Asela Gunaratne
1
0
5
0
Danushka Gunathilaka
1
0
10
0
02
nd Innings
Sri Lanka
So that's it from the first ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The hosts did really well with the bat as expected but what was nice to see was the response of Sri Lanka with the bat. If this game is anything to go by, we should be in for a good series. The second match will be on the 5th of January at the same ground. It will begin at 1400 local (0100 GMT). See you and till then, take care. You can now switch tabs to catch the action from the Cape Town Test where Pakistan are in all sorts of trouble after being put to bat. Cheers!
Victorious New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that it was a good surface and the outfield was very quick. Also adds that the wind was also a factor. Mentions that both sides played really competitive cricket and admits that it was tough for the bowlers. Feels that they need to get a bit smarter with the ball and hit the right areas and pick wickets to build scoreboard pressure. Further mentions that the effort was there and a lot of credit goes to Sri Lanka for the way they batted. On Guptill returning, Williamson says that he is a world class player and his knock helped them set the platform. Praises the likes of Neesham, Taylor and Nicholls who pushed the total further which was crucial. On Neesham's all-round show, Kane terms it as the match-changing performance.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga says that they didn't bowl too many wicket-taking deliveries and they have to analyze that and come back hard. Adds that they will be playing on the same surface again in the second ODI and they have to work on their variations. Feels that all the players realize that they are not bowling well. He is happy with the batting as they got good partnerships going and hopes to do even better in the next game.
Man of the Match, Martin Guptill says that he is really happy with the outing he had with the bat. Informs that he played in the T20 Leagues in West Indies and England and has worked hard to get back in the team. States that it's been quite frustrating past few months for him, struggling with injuries but everything has settled down and his body is feeling pretty good. Adds that he lost his rhythm a couple of times today but overall it was a good outing for him and his team.
Earlier in the afternoon, New Zealand got to 372 on the back of a century from the comeback man, Guptill and quickfire knocks from Ross Taylor and James Neesham. The latter was devastating with his cameo of 47 off just 13 balls. He would later come onto bowl and pick up 3/38 as well. Thus, all in all it was a more complete performance from NZ that saw them trump the Island nation here today. Presentation to follow.
The Lankan chase began superbly with a 100-plus run partnership for the opening wicket. Both the left-handed openers did really well but both fell in quick succession. Kusal Perera who came in at number 3 played a magnificent knock and got to his century but it was in a losing cause as wickets were falling around him and he didn't have much help from others. Once he departed, the game was all but over. In the end, the runs conceded in the final few overs of the first innings came to haunt the Lankans. Maybe 30 runs less and the story could have been completely different.
A high-scoring game here! But in the end, you can say the difference between the two teams was the James Neesham burst at the end of the first innings. 372 was always going to be a little too much for the visitors to chase and even though they had good partnerships and top 3 batsmen playing well, one would have always backed the Kiwis because a couple of wickets was all that was needed to sky-rocket the required rate. And that's exactly what happened.
48.6
W
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, OUT! Bowled 'em! It's all over here. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 45 RUNS AND GO UP 1-0 IN THE THREE-MATCH SERIES. A perfect yorker, somewhat like giving Malinga a taste of his own medicine. The Lankan skipper can't keep it out and the ball knocks the stumps. The NZ players are elated and Malinga and Pradeep wait patiently to shake hands. Been a great performance by both teams but the Kiwis were better in the end.
48.5
0
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, Yorker length ball on middle, kept out by the batsman.
48.4
6
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, SIX! Another biggie, this time from the bat of Malinga. Short of a length ball on middle and Lasith pulls it hard over mid-wicket for a maximum. A lady in the crowd seems to have been hit by the ball, hope she's okay.
48.3
2
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, Dropped! Fuller outside off, Lasith Malinga lifts it towards mid off and Nicholls out there cannot take this one moving to his right. Drops it and the batsmen come back for two by the time the ball is returned.
48.2
2
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, Short length ball on middle. Pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a couple by Malinga on this occasion.
48.1
0
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga, Length ball on middle and leg following the batsman, defended off the back foot with a straight bat.
48
over
48 | 6 Runs | HH: 316/9
47.6
6
Trent Boult to Nuwan Pradeep, SIX! What a well timed shot by the no. 11 batsman. Uses the pace of Boult and lifts it over the bowler's head and all the way for six. Brought a smile to his face. Boult ends with 2/65 off 10 overs.
47.5
0
Trent Boult to Nuwan Pradeep, Length ball outside off, driven towards mid off by the batsman.
47.4
0
Trent Boult to Nuwan Pradeep, Fuller outside off, dug out towards cover by Pradeep.
Nuwan Pradeep is the last batsman.
47.3
W
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan, OUT! Cleaned up the no. 10 batsman. Pacy and on target, you miss I hit stuff. Too good for Sandakan who tries to hit it through the covers. Knocks the off stump as he misses. Boult gets his second wicket and mere formalities left now.
47.2
0
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan, Fuller length once more, Lakshan gets an inside edge as he tries to hit it on the off side. That runs to the keeper missing the leg stump by inches.
47.1
0
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan, A play and a miss this time! Angling in from around the wicket, Sandakan goes for the swing but misses.
47
over
47 | 7 Runs | HH: 310/8
46.6
1
Lockie Ferguson to Lakshan Sandakan, Fuller length ball on middle and Lakshan drives it down to long on for a single, keeping strike.
46.5
0
Lockie Ferguson to Lakshan Sandakan, On middle, dropping on a length, Sandakan defends this off the back foot with a straight bat.
46.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to Lasith Malinga, Full toss on middle, Malinga backs away and tries to slash. Gets a thick outside edge to third man for a single.
46.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Lakshan Sandakan, Another one that is played down to third man. This time with the angled bat to a full length delivery.
46.2
4
Lockie Ferguson to Lakshan Sandakan, FOUR! Full outside off, Sandakan makes room and swings. Gets an outside edge that runs fine to third man for a boundary.
46.1
W
Lockie Ferguson to Seekkuge Prasanna, OUT! The third umpire signals it and Seekkuge Prasanna has to leave. What a catch from the debutant! That is his fourth catch today. A length ball on middle and Prasanna who was looking to slog it on the leg side gets a faint under edge that sneaks between the batsman and the leg stump. The ball goes low to the keeper's left and Seifert takes it inches above the surface. Well done! Sri Lanka all but done now.
There is an appeal for caught behind. Prasanna is the man in question. The umpire is unsure and has taken in upstairs. The soft signal has been given as out.
46
over
46 | 6 Runs | HH: 303/7
45.6
1
Trent Boult to Seekkuge Prasanna, Short and on middle, Prasanna tries to pull but gets a top edge wide of the keeper for a single.
45.5
2
Trent Boult to Seekkuge Prasanna, On the pads, eased away through backward square leg for a couple.
45.4
0
Trent Boult to Seekkuge Prasanna, Sharp delivery, short and wide outside off, Prasanna tries to cut but misses.
45.3
2
Trent Boult to Seekkuge Prasanna, Turns a length ball behind square leg and collects a couple.
Lasith Malinga is in at no. 9.
45.2
W
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, OUT! Kusal Perera departs and with that Sri Lanka's hopes also if there was any left. Boult dishes out a fuller length ball wide outside off, Kusal Perera hangs back to heave it square of the wicket on the leg side but it takes a big top edge and flies behind. Seifert moves across to his left and takes the simplest of catches. The centurion is on his way. Top knock but he needed more support. New Zealand smelling a win now.
45.1
1
Trent Boult to Seekkuge Prasanna, Full toss outside off, hit to covers for a single.
45
over
45 | 10 Runs | HH: 297/6
44.6
1
Lockie Ferguson to Seekkuge Prasanna, Appeal for an lbw! Not given. A sharp delivery, full and on middle, angling down, Seekkuge fails to flick and is rapped on the pads. The appeal comes but the umpire shakes his head. Missing leg in all likelihood. They cross for a leg bye.
44.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Fires in a full ball on middle and leg, Perera tries flicking but misses. It goes off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.
44.4
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Shortish and outside off, played down from the crease to point.
44.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Wide! Short and sliding down the leg side, Kusal turns, sees the line and then lets it to the keeper.
44.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Seekkuge Prasanna, Full and on middle, forced down to long on for a run.
44.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Seekkuge Prasanna, Beaten! On a length and outside off, Prasanna throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
44.1
6
Lockie Ferguson to Seekkuge Prasanna, SIX! Gone the distance. The length is short and outside off, Prasanna picks it up early and pulls it massively over mid-wicket for a biggie.
44
over
44 | 10 Runs | HH: 287/6
43.6
1
Matt Henry to Seekkuge Prasanna, Plays it down to covers and crosses to the other end. 10 from the over.
43.5
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, A length ball outside off, Kusal cracks it down through mid off for a run.
43.4
4
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Hundred number 4 for Kusal Perera in ODIs! Outstanding knock by the southpaw. Fuller and wider outside off, Perera drills his drive through the line and the sweeper cover fielder fails to stop with a valiant dive near the fence. He is fighting a lone battle for Sri Lanka and is running out of partners. How much closer can he drag this game?
43.3
4
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Short and on the hips, swivels and pulls it away above fine leg for a boundary. Moves onto 97 now.
43.2
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Just outside off again, and on a fuller length. Perera lets it go and expects a wide to be signalled. It isn't and the batsman is furious. But it was a perfect call from the umpire to a perfectly executed delivery.
43.1
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Outside off and just inside the tram line, Perera cannot make connection on this one.
Matt Henry back on for his last two overs maybe.
43
over
43 | 4 Runs | HH: 277/6
42.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Turns it off his pads to the leg side, finds the gap at mid-wicket and crosses to retain strike.
42.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna, Tossed up ball around off, Seekkuge goes down and slog sweeps it towards cow corner for a couple of runs.
42.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Short delivery and outside off, punched through covers for one.
42.3
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Play and a miss! Full around off, Kusal tries to play the reverse sweep but fails to connect.
42.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna, Goes on the back foot and slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.
42.1
0
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna, Tossed up ball on middle, flicked on the leg side but not in the gap.
Seekkuge Prasanna will bat at number 8.
42
over
42 | 2 Runs | HH: 273/6
41.6
W
Lockie Ferguson to Thisara Perera, OUT! Thisara falls and it's a big blow to Sri Lanka. The power-hitter is gone without doing any damage. Ferguson bowls it on a length and wide outside off. Thisara chases it away from his body and tries for a big shot over the off side. But it catches the outside half of his blade and he ends up slicing it in the air over backward point. Munro runs back and across from short third man and grabs the catch with ease. 99 needed off 48 balls, getting increasingly difficult with the fall of continuous wickets.
41.5
0
Lockie Ferguson to Thisara Perera, Good bouncer, nicely directed around middle, Thisara ducks underneath it.
41.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Back of a length delivery outside off, at 135.7 kph, it's pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
41.3
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Another slower short ball at 114.7 kph, angling down, Kusal fails to properly connect with his pull shot yet again.
41.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Ouch! A nicely-disguised slower one, cutting back into the batsman from around off and Kusal is way too early into his pull shot. Fails to connect and is hit on the stomach. Feeling the pain.
41.1
1
Lockie Ferguson to Thisara Perera, Fuller and sliding down the leg side, it's flicked behind square leg for a run.
Lockie Ferguson is onto bowl now.
41
over
41 | 5 Runs | HH: 271/5
40.6
3
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera, Angling down the leg side, Thisara glides it fine down the leg side for three runs. A throw at the bowler's end would have made things interesting.
40.5
0
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera, Nearly chips back a return catch. Flighted and on middle, stopping a bit onto the batsman, Thisara is forward as he pushes it back a shade uppishly.
40.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Tossed up ball around leg, Kusal gets back and taps it in front of square leg for a run.
Thisara Perera is at the crease now. He will be hurting after conceding 34 in an over while bowling but he can more than make up for it if he takes his team over the line here. Will he?
40.3
W
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne, OUT! Straight down the throat of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The 56-run stand is broken. Tossed up ball landing full on middle, Gunaratne sits down on one knee and tries to slog sweep it into the stand at mid-wicket. But he fails to get enough behind the shot and Ferguson takes the catch safely. 105 needed off 57 balls as the Kiwis continue to chip away at the wickets at regular intervals.
40.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Short and outside off, cut through point for a run.
40.1
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flighted and full on middle, defended back to the bowler.
Powerplay number 3 begins. 106 needed off 60 balls. New Zealand can now have an extra player outside the ring, which means five personnel manning the rope.
40
over
40 | 11 Runs | HH: 266/4
39.6
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Lands it on a length and outside off, Perera slaps it down to widish mid off for a run. Fine over for the tourists, 11 from it.
39.5
1
Trent Boult to Asela Gunaratne, Back of a length delivery angling away from the batsman, Asela stands back and deflects it down to third man for a run.
39.4
0
Trent Boult to Asela Gunaratne, Gunaratne has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
39.3
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Digs in a short ball, it's pulled over square leg and Ferguson in the deep stops it on one bounce. A single taken.
39.2
4
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, FOUR! No half measures there! A full toss on the pads, Perera picks it up and whips it behind square leg for a cracking boundary. Kusal playing a gem here.
39.1
4
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Good start to the over for Sri Lanka! Not in control of the shot though. A length ball outside off, Kusal swings his bat across the line and the top edge flies down to third man for a boundary.
Trent Boult is back on for another burst.
39
over
39 | 9 Runs | HH: 255/4
38.6
0
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne, On middle, helped to short fine leg. Dot ball to end a 9-run over, 117 needed off 66 balls.
38.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne, Wide! Short and going down the leg side, the batsman fails to pull and the keeper also fails to connect. Although he has done well to parry it straight to short fine leg.
38.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Tries flicking but misses and it goes off his pads to the leg side. They cross for a leg bye.
38.4
4
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Wonderful innovation! A flighted delivery down the leg side, Perera picks the line very early and reverse sweeps it with authority over point for a boundary. 250 up for Sri Lanka. They are still hanging in.
38.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne, A low dipping full toss on off, Gunaratne gets down and across before sweeping it to deep square leg for a single.
38.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, A googly on leg, on the shorter side, Kusal hangs back and pulls it down to long on for a run.
38.1
1
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne, Flighted on middle, worked wide of mid on for a run.
Ish Sodhi is back on.
38
over
38 | 11 Runs | HH: 246/4
37.6
1
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, Another half-tracker and Asela pulls it down to fine leg for one. End of an eventful over, 11 runs from it and also a couple of scary moments for Kusal.
37.5
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Short ball and it's pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
37.4
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, A terrific yorker. Right in the blockhole. Perera does well to dig it out but it takes the bottom edge and rolls behind to go over the stumps. Kusal was ready to push it away but that wasn't needed. Surely for a moment, his heart would have been in his mouth.
37.3
6
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, SIX! But Southee nearly took a ripper! He is on as a substitute and almost left his impact. Henry's short ball has been pulled in front of square leg and Southee at the edge of the boundary line jumps to attempt for the catch. But he fails to do anything miraculous and falls beyond the rope along with the ball. Good attempt though.
37.2
2
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Follows the batsman down the leg side with a shortish delivery, Perera hangs back to swing his bat but fails to middle his shot properly. It squirts to deep backward square leg and they get a couple.
37.1
1
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, Short and around off, Gunaratne jumps out of the crease and pulls it over mid-wicket. Will get only a run though.
37
over
37 | 4 Runs | HH: 235/4
36.6
1
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Full toss on middle, it's been worked through square leg for a run. They need to put at least the bad ones away, the asking rate is already touching almost 11.
36.5
0
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Too early into the shot! A slower delivery outside off, it's short and Asela tries to pull but fails to connect. Truly got foxed there. This is smart bowling.
36.4
0
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Slower ball, on a length around off, it's defended from the crease to the leg side.
36.3
0
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
36.2
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, On one bounce to the deep square leg fielder. Neesham delivers it on a length outside off, Kusal heaves it over the leg side for a run.
36.1
1
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Straighter delivery, it's flicked behind square leg for a run.
36.1
1
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Wide! Down the leg side, Asela fails to take any advantage of it.
36
over
36 | 3 Runs | HH: 231/4
35.6
1
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, A cutter on the slower and shorter side, Gunaratne gets inside the line and tickles it fine down the leg side for one. 141 needed off 84 balls.
35.5
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it down to mid off for a run.
35.4
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Swing and a miss! Henry delivers it short and wide outside off, Kusal jumps out of the crease and tries to power it over the off side. Fails to connect though.
35.3
1
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, On the pads, Asela works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
35.2
0
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
35.1
0
Matt Henry to Asela Gunaratne, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Matt Henry is back on.
35
over
35 | 5 Runs | HH: 228/4
34.6
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Cuts the batsman in half. Excellent movement on this one. A touch short around off and nipping back in. Perera is caught in awkward position inside the crease as he tries to work it away. Fails to get bat on ball as it sneaks through the gap between his willow and body.
34.5
1
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Play and a miss! Slower one, fetching extra bounce from the surface, Gunaratne tries to cut but misses. Seifert gets some bad bounce and they steal a bye.
34.4
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Back of a length ball on middle, Perera taps it down to square leg and rotates the strike.
34.3
2
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Angling down the leg side, Perera plays it with soft hands in front of square leg and scampers back for the second run.
34.2
1
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, On middle and leg, Asela rotates his wrists and flicks it behind square leg for one.
34.1
0
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Fullish and on off, pushed off the front foot to covers.
34
over
34 | 8 Runs | HH: 223/4
33.6
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, A full toss on the pads, it's hit straight to mid-wicket.
33.5
4
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Uses the pace on offer. The length is on the shorter side and it's angled into the batsman. Kusal swivels on the back foot with the pull shot and nails it to fine leg for a boundary. Kusal continues his merry way. Under 150 needed now.
33.4
2
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. Two runs added to the total.
33.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Asela Gunaratne, Works it off his pads to the on side, finds the gap and takes a run.
33.2
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Slips a full ball on middle and leg, Kusal tickles his flick shot off the inside half to square leg. A single taken.
33.1
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
33
over
33 | 6 Runs | HH: 215/4
32.6
4
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Four leg byes! Easy runs for Sri Lanka. Neesham loses his radar this time and slips a length ball down the leg side. Asela fails to flick and it takes his pads on its way to the fine leg fence. End of a successful over for Neesham though.
32.5
0
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne, Pitches it up and outside off, at 141.1 kph, Gunaratne gets forward and drives it to covers.
Asela Gunaratne comes in at number 6, replacing Dinesh Chandimal.
32.4
W
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal, OUT! Third wicket for James Neesham. This man is making his comeback truly memorable. A slower one deceiving the batsman. He hurls in a 116.6 kph short ball around off, Chandimal tries to pull but it arrives a bit late and takes the top edge. It balloons in the air, goes in the night sky and by the time it comes down at mid-wicket, Taylor is ready with his bucket-hands to catch it. With this catch, Taylor also goes past Stephen Fleming as the person with most catches in international cricket for New Zealand. Another developing partnership is nipped in the bud. 161 needed off 104 balls.
32.3
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Fetches a short delivery from outside off and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
32.2
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Slower one this time, mixing up his pace smartly. Angles in a length ball on off, Kusal defends it after picking the variation a bit late.
32.1
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Beaten all ends up! Neesham clocks 139 kph and bowls a length delivery outside off. Perera sticks back to punch it through the line but is beaten for pace, probably.
32.1
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Wide down the leg side, Perera tries his best to pull it off his hips but fails to get any wood behind it.
32
over
32 | 4 Runs | HH: 209/3
31.6
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Puts it full and outside off, Kusal goes hard at it and gets it away off the inner half of his bat. It travels to long on and they collect a run.
31.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Dinesh Chandimal, Fullish and on middle, change in pace, Dinesh adjusts well and clips it in front of square leg for a run.
31.4
0
Lockie Ferguson to Dinesh Chandimal, Short and wide outside off, cracked off the back foot but straight to the point fielder.
31.3
0
Lockie Ferguson to Dinesh Chandimal, In the air but drops short of short cover. Effort delivery, rising onto the batsman on off, Chandimal is hurried up as he tries to fend. Gets a leading edge which falls safely.
31.2
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Bowls it quick and full on the leg stump line, Perera is beaten by pace as he fails to flick. It goes off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.
31.1
1
Lockie Ferguson to Dinesh Chandimal, Angles in a full length ball on middle, Chandimal bunts it in front of mid on and rushes across to the other end as the fielder scores a direct hit. No harm done.
Drinks Break. Sri Lanka are still alive in this game. They need 167 runs in 114 balls now. Kusal Perera has rode his luck on the way to a half-century and has Dinesh Chandimal for company. NZ, on the other hand, have exhausted their review and worse news is that Ish Sodhi has limped off the field with some cramps. The physio was seen giving him some stretches outside the boundary but Ish didn't look too good. Lockie Ferguson to bowl now after the break.
31
over
31 | 3 Runs | HH: 205/3
30.6
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Another one that goes just beside the stumps. Perera is a really lucky man today. He is early into the drive to this length ball outside off. The ball seemed to have stuck a bit in the surface after landing. Gets an inside edge and onto the pads once more and the ball rolls just wide of leg stump. Tidy over from James, just 3 off it in the end.
30.5
1
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal, Length ball on middle, pushed down the ground to long on for a single by Chandimal.
30.4
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Short of a length ball on the hips, Perera swivels and pulls it away fine for a single. This brings up the fifty for Kusal Perera, his 12th in ODIs. He celebrates with a small fist bump and a point towards the sky but nothing extravagant. Knows the job on hand is a huge one and he has to go on. 168 runs required off 116 balls now.
30.3
1
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal, This time Chandimal gets good connection to this length ball as he flicks this away for a single to the deep fielder on the leg side.
30.2
0
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal, Almost played on! Shorter slower one outside off, Chandimal tries to pull it away on the leg side but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pads. Lucky for SL.
30.1
0
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal, Wonderful stop! Short and wide outside off, Chandimal cuts it away to the right of point where Guptill makes a diving stop. Saving just a single maybe but still the kind of stuff that can lift a team when they're under the pump.
James Neesham is back on.
30
over
30 | 11 Runs | HH: 202/3
29.6
1
Trent Boult to Dinesh Chandimal, Short delivery, Chandimal pulls this away to deep square leg for a run.
29.5
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, On the hips once more, the bowlers just have not got their angles right here today. The southpaw flicks it away for a single.
29.4
4
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Easy pickings for Perera. The ball is full and drifting on the pads, flicked away fine and beats a diving Seifert to go for a boundary.
29.3
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Length ball on off stump, slightly shorter than the previous one. Defended off the back foot by KP.
29.2
4
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Just picks it up and deposits it over the head of mid on for a boundary. Looked very easy on the eye. Length ball on off and middle, Perera has no problem in hitting this across the line and over the infield.
29.1
1
Trent Boult to Dinesh Chandimal, Aimed on the pads, flicked away wristily by Chandimal towards square leg for a single.
29
over
29 | 6 Runs | HH: 191/3
28.6
2
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, On the pads and full, pushed towards the deep square region which is vacant. A double is taken by the batsmen. Good running, putting pressure on the fielder.
28.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Wide! Very wide ball outside off and Perera lets it go. Wide signalled.
28.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal, Short and lots of time for Chandimal to rock back and pull this one. He puts it straight in the direction of the fielder though. Could have got a few more there had he placed it better.
28.4
0
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal, Quicker and fired in near the off stump line, pushed back down to the bowler by DC.
28.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flatter one at the pads, worked away towards deep square leg for one.
28.2
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flatter one on middle, Perera punches it out to cover. Lots of 'Lovely Ish' calls from behind the sticks.
28.1
1
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal, Lots of air on this one outside off, driven down the ground to long off for a single by Dinesh Chandimal.
28
over
28 | 4 Runs | HH: 185/3
27.6
1
Trent Boult to Dinesh Chandimal, Stays back to a shortish delivery and punches it behind square on the off side for a run.
27.5
0
Trent Boult to Dinesh Chandimal, Boult switches to 'round the wicket and hurls in an effort delivery. Bends his back to generate extra pace and bounce on his shorter delivery around off, Chandimal rises on his back foot and then leaves it alone.
27.4
1
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Digs in a short ball on off, Perera is a week early into the pull shot and hence fails to connect. It hits him on the body and deflects in the gap on the off side. They steal a leg bye.
27.3
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, On a good length and outside off, Perera plays it with an angled bat to point.
27.2
0
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, Perera has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
27.1
2
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera, A length delivery angling down the leg side, Perera tickles it off his pads through backward square leg and takes a couple of runs.
Trent Boult is brought back into the attack. 191 needed off 138 balls.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 181/3
26.6
0
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal, NOT OUT! The original decision remains as the ball is seen to be missing the leg stump on the Ball Tracker. New Zealand lose a review. The ball was a flatter one pitching around leg and straightening a little bit but not enough it felt like. Chandimal missed his flick and got rapped on the pads. There was an appeal from the bowler and keeper but no interest was shown by the umpire. Sodhi and Seifert then suggested it was going down leg too and the leggie seemed to be walking back to his bowling mark but that was when Kane Williamson suddenly decided to take it upstairs. No one knows exactly why??? Could have been a miscommunication of sorts. Anyhow, NZ lose their review and Chandimal survives.
An appeal for LBW against Chandimal. The umpire says no but the Kiwis have taken it upstairs. Looked like it was missing the leg stump to the naked eye.
26.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flatter ball on length and at the pads, flicked away for a single to deep square leg.
26.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Well down the leg side, Perera tries to sweep it but misses. The ball is signalled as a wide.
26.4
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flatter length outside off, punched to cover by Perera.
26.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal, Off the mark straightaway. Chandimal flicks it away off the pads to deep square leg for a run.
Dinesh Chandimal comes in finally at number 5, replacing Kusal Mendis.
26.2
W
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis, OUT! Inside edge onto the pads, lobs up in the air and is taken by the keeper. Ish Sodhi has broken the 52-run stand. Lovely drift on this ball, delivered from a good height. There was good pace on the ball too. Mendis comes ahead to defend but the ball takes the inside edge on to the pads and lobs up for an easy catch for Seifert to his left. A really crucial juncture in the game.
26.1
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Flatter ball on middle, pushed down the ground off the back foot to long off for a single.
26
over
26 | 7 Runs | HH: 177/2
25.6
4
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Deliberately played this time! Outside off and Mendis plays it very late and guides it fine to third man for a boundary. Runs are flowing here. Good batting from Kusal square.
25.5
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Outside off and pushed towards point.
25.4
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Goes on to the hips once more, worked away to deep backward square leg for a run.
25.3
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Slower ball! Beats Perera who was trying to feel for it. Length ball on off and the ball turns in the last moment to beat the willow of the southpaw on the outside.
25.2
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Another one drifting down the pads, Mendis works it away to deep square leg and gets another run.
25.1
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Length ball at the pads, flicked away to square leg for a single by Kusal.
25
over
25 | 4 Runs | HH: 170/2
24.6
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis, A defense from within the crease to end the over.
24.5
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Perera is surviving like a cat with nine lives. Another very close run-out call. Perera pushes it to cover and goes for a quick single. Nicholls picks it up and has a shy at the one stump he can see at the non-striker's end. Misses else KP would be a goner.
24.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis, Another quicker one on the pads, worked away for a single.
24.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, A little air on this one and turning in slightly. Perera flicks it away for a single again.
James Neesham has gone off the field. Tim Southee is in his place.
24.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis, Coming straight down once more, flicked away to deep square leg for a single.
24.1
0
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis, Length ball and fired at the hips, Mendis turns it away but finds the short fine leg fielder.
Ish Sodhi comes back for another spell.
24
over
24 | 11 Runs | HH: 166/2
23.6
4
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Two in two for Perera! Short ball outside off and the southpaw pulls it from there to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Cracking sound off the bat. 11 off the over, a great one for the visitors.
23.5
4
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Mendis won't mind, Sri Lanka won't mind. French cut for four. The ball is on a length outside off and the left-hander goes for the slash through covers but gets an inside edge and the ball runs away for a boundary towards fine leg.
23.4
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, This one is on a length outside off, pushed to the point fielder from within the crease.
23.3
2
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera, Length ball at the pads, flicked away to the vacant square leg region. Double taken.
23.2
1
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Outside off on a length, guided to third man for a single with the angled bat by Mendis.
23.1
0
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on top of off stump, defended back from within the crease.
Matt Henry into the attack.
23
over
23 | 12 Runs | HH: 155/2
22.6
4
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Fetch that! Power shot from Perera. Length ball outside off, Perera lofts it over covers powerfully for a boundary.
22.5
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Fuller length ball on off, KP tries to drive it back down the ground. Gets a thick inside edge onto the pads.
22.4
4
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, FOUR! This is another short ball and Perera is already expecting it. He pulls it wide of mid on in the air but well away from the fielder. All the way to the fence after beating the diving mid on fielder.
22.3
2
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Another short ball served to the lefty, pulled away in the air slightly towards deep mid-wicket. Double taken.
22.2
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Mendis, Close! That would have been mighty close if it had hit. Length ball on off stump, Mendis drops it on the off side and sets off for a quick single. Guptill at cover reaches the ball really quickly and has a shy at the striker's end. The ball misses the stumps and Perera is safe. Replays show he would have been a goner had the ball hit.
22.1
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Effort ball first up on middle, pulled away by Perera to deep square leg for a run.
22
over
22 | 5 Runs | HH: 143/2
21.6
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Short length ball and coming in with the angle, Perera does well to ride the bounce and play it with soft hands on the off side and pick up a quick single.
21.5
1
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on middle and leg, worked away to the square leg region for another single.
21.4
0
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, Length ball on the money from Neesham. Watchfully defended back to him by Mendis.
21.3
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Short of a length delivery, KP gets on top of the bounce. Drops it on the off side and gets to the other end.
21.2
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Outside off on a length, Perera flashes and flashes hard but does not make any connection with the ball.
21.1
1
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, On the pads once more, worked in the mid-wicket region for a single.
21.1
1
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, Wide! Going well down the leg side. It is signalled as a wide by the umpire as Mendis fails to flick.
21
over
21 | 5 Runs | HH: 138/2
20.6
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Another ball outside off, 147.4 kph. Perera hangs his bat out there and the ball goes off the middle with good timing but straight to point.
20.5
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera, Around the wicket and outside off, driven straight to cover by the left-handed Kusal.
20.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Mendis, Short ball aimed at the hips, flicked away to deep backward square leg for a single.
20.3
4
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Exquisite timing! Using all the pace on the ball. Kusal Mendis just flicks this away wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Lovely to watch.
20.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Mendis, Another one bowled from wide of the crease and coming in with the angle, Mendis defends.
20.1
0
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Mendis, Length ball, pacy on middle. Mendis closes his bat too early. The ball goes off the leading edge and rolls towards cover.
Lockie Ferguson is back for another spell.
20
over
20 | 7 Runs | HH: 133/2
19.6
1
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, On a length and outside off, Mendis pushes it in the gap at covers and takes a quick single.
19.5
1
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Lands it on a length and outside off, Perera stays back and hits it in front of square on the off side for one.
19.4
4
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Pulled away in style! Neesham digs in a short ball around middle, Perera stands tall inside the crease, turns and pulls it powerfully behind square leg for a boundary.
19.3
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.
19.2
1
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis, Drifting down the leg side, Mendis eases it off his pads to deep backward square leg for a run. Off the mark.
The other Kusal, Kusal Mendis walks in at number 4.
19.1
W
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, OUT! Drags it on! What a game Neesham is having! Quickfire runs with the willow and now he has dismissed both the set openers. Nice and full, wide outside off. Dickwella hangs back to punch it through the line but it takes the inside edge and goes onto the stumps. Niroshan is disappointed with himself and this game has turned on its head. New Zealand are again in the front seat with two new batsmen in the middle, 246 needed off 185 balls.
19
over
19 | 7 Runs | HH: 126/1
18.6
0
Colin Munro to Kusal Perera, A low full toss this time, sliding down the leg side, Perera misses to work it around and is hit on the pads.
18.5
1
Colin Munro to Niroshan Dickwella, Sliding down the leg side, worked in the gap at mid-wicket for one.
18.4
1
Colin Munro to Kusal Perera, An off cutter on the shorter side, around off and moving back in, Kusal goes deep inside the crease and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.
18.3
1
Colin Munro to Niroshan Dickwella, A length ball around off, Dickwella helps it away in the gap at mid-wicket and runs across for a single.
18.2
4
Colin Munro to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Using whatever pace there was. Munro offers width outside off, Niroshan goes back and opens the face of his bat at the last second. Plays it almost off the keeper's gloves and guides it fine down to third man for a boundary.
18.1
0
Colin Munro to Niroshan Dickwella, Angles in a length ball on middle, Dickwella defends it on the leg side.
Colin Munro to bowl now. Kane Williamson trying to get in some quick overs from his part-timer at this stage...
18
over
18 | 7 Runs | HH: 119/1
17.6
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, A length ball outside off, Kusal drives it on the up on the off side but finds the fielder at covers.
17.5
0
James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Beaten! Very full and wide outside off, Perera tries driving through covers but fails to connect.
Kusal Perera is in at number 3, replacing Danushka Gunathilaka. Surprising that he has come ahead of Dinesh Chandimal who is the usual suspect at this position.
17.4
W
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka, OUT! Caught down the leg side. Not a wicket-taking delivery but Neesham won't complain. Back of a length delivery angling down the leg side, Gunathilaka tries to glance it across the line but gets a thin inside edge behind to the keeper. Seifert makes no mistake, they appeal and the finger has gone up. End of a 119-run stand. Can New Zealand pick a few more now? 253 needed off 194 balls.
17.3
1
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, Top edge and once again the batsman is safe. Neesham delivers a pacy short ball to deceive the batsman. Dickwella top edges his attempted pull shot and it loops in the air. Sodhi runs forward from fine leg, Seifert sprints across to his right, the latter puts in a dive but it falls safely. A single taken.
17.2
6
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, SIX! High and handsome! Neesham angles in a slower length ball around off, Niroshan Dickwella picks it early and deposits it over long on for a maximum.
17.1
0
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, Serves a length delivery outside off, getting it to cut back in a hint, Dickwella tries to push it through the line but it takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads.
Drinks break. It's been a superb start for Sri Lanka in this big run chase. Their openers are going strongly and have already raised a century partnership. The Kiwis need a wicket and that too soon to gain some control on this match. 260 needed off 198 balls.
17
over
17 | 5 Runs | HH: 112/0
16.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Another googly, landing full around leg, Dickwella sweeps it through square leg for a run. 15 in the last 3 overs, New Zealand trying to choke the flow of runs.
16.5
0
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, A googly landing outside leg, Dickwella fails to flick and is hit on the pads. The keeper appeals but nothing from the umpire.
16.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Leans forward to a full ball and plays a controlled drive through mid off for a run.
16.3
0
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, A floated leg spinner on middle, Gunathilaka gets forward and defends it back with a straight bat.
16.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Too full and around leg, Dickwella tries to play the conventional sweep but it comes from the outer half of the blade and rolls in front of square leg. Only a run this time.
16.1
2
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Well played! Flighted and full around leg, Dickwella nails his reverse sweep past the diving point fielder for a brace.
16
over
16 | 6 Runs | HH: 107/0
15.6
0
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka, Play and a miss! Short and wide outside off, DG tries to cut it through the line but is beaten due the extra bounce.
15.5
0
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka, Full and angling into the batsman around off, Gunathilaka gets forward and closes the face of his bat to play it towards mid-wicket.
15.4
1
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, Reaches out for a length ball and slaps it down to sweeper cover for a run.
15.3
4
James Neesham to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Superbly played! A half-volley outside off, Dickwella goes hard at it and drags his heave off the inside half of the bat. It races through mid-wicket and finds the fence. Neesham is not amused.
15.2
1
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka, Good half-stop by Taylor. A length ball outside off, Danushka makes room and drills his drive to extra cover. Rosco stationed there dives across to his right and takes the pace off the ball. A single taken.
15.1
0
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka, Speeds in from 'round the wicket and delivers a full ball outside off, Gunathilaka drives it off his front foot to covers.
James Neesham is introduced into the attack. He was in hot form with the bat, can he do something similar with the ball? His team is in a desperate need of a breakthrough here.
15
over
15 | 4 Runs | HH: 101/0
14.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, A half-tracker on middle, Danushka pulls it over mid-wicket. There is protection in the deep and hence only a run.
14.5
0
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Flatter again, short and outside off, Gunathilaka punches it to covers.
14.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Drags his length short and lands it outside off, it's pulled down to long on for a run. The century stand comes up but there is still a long way to go. 272 needed off 212 balls.
14.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Flatter and on middle, Danushka shuffles across and works it off his pads through square leg for one.
14.2
0
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Gets forward to a full ball and drives it to covers.
14.1
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up ball on middle, Dickwella forces it down through mid on for a run.
14
over
14 | 10 Runs | HH: 97/0
13.6
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
13.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella, Fullish and outside off, driven through covers for a run.
13.4
4
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Genius stuff! Dickwella brings up his 9th ODI fifty with a fine shot. Short in length and wide outside off at 143.2 kph, Dickwella reaches out for it and ramps it down to third man for a run. His partner congratulates him. This has been a great start for Sri Lanka in this big chase.
13.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Lands it on a length and outside off, Gunathilaka just uses the pace of the bowler and runs it down to third man for a run.
13.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, A yorker length ball around off, Gunathilaka digs it out from the inner half of his bat.
13.1
4
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! Just wide of the diving keeper! A short delivery around the rib cage, Gunathilaka stands back to glance it across the line but gloves it behind. Seifert flies to his right but the ball speeds past him to the fine leg fence.
13
over
13 | 5 Runs | HH: 87/0
12.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Stays on the back foot to a short delivery and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
12.5
0
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Play and a miss! Turning away from the left-hander, Danushka tries to play the square cut but misses.
12.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Quicker and full on leg, Dickwella sweeps it through square leg for a single.
12.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Spinning down the leg side, it's tickled wide of short fine leg for one.
12.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Wide! Flatter and fuller down the leg side, DG tries to flick but misses. The keeper collects the ball and breaks the stumps but Gunathilaka never left his crease.
12.2
0
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Tossed up ball around leg, Gunathilaka taps it off his pads to mid-wicket.
12.1
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Full and flighted on middle, Dickwella runs down the track and eases it down to long on for a run.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/0
11.6
1
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella, It's been driven superbly through the covers. One run added to the total.
11.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Top edge... SAFE! Gunathilaka survives a scary period. Ferguson hurls in a shortish delivery on middle and gets some extra bounce on this one. Danushka turns inside the crease to work it around but doesn't go through with his shot due to the extra lift. It catches the top edge, balloons in the air towards deep backward square leg but falls in no man's land. A single.
11.4
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Sharp delivery, a short one at 145.3 kph angling in from outside off, Gunathilaka is beaten by pace as he fails to connect with his attempted pull shot.
11.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella, Short in length and on middle, Dickwella pulls it through to deep square leg for a run.
11.2
1
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
11.1
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, On middle and off, defended off the back foot.
11
over
11 | 8 Runs | HH: 78/0
10.6
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, A half-tracker and Sodhi gets away with it. It's pulled straight to the fielder in the deep mid-wicket region for one. End of a pretty innocuous first over by Ish.
10.5
2
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short and on middle, pulled in front of square leg for an easy couple of runs.
10.4
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, The batsman plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total.
10.3
1
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka, Shortish and outside off, Gunathilaka taps it down in the gap at backward point for a run.
10.2
1
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted and full on middle, it's clipped through square leg for a run. Wanted the second but the fielder was quick to the ball.
10.1
2
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella, A tossed up ball around leg, Dickwella gets down on one knee and helps his sweep shot to fine leg for a couple of runs.
Powerplay 2 time. Now, a maximum of 4 fielders are allowed outside the ring. Here comes the leggie. Ish Sodhi to roll his arm...
10
over
10 | 6 Runs | HH: 70/0
9.6
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short delivery going down leg, Gunathilaka tries to pull it away fine on the leg side but fails to connect. Missed out there and Danushka is disappointed. 70/0 at the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka would have exceeded their expectations. But there is still a lot of work to be done.
9.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella, Very full and angling in, Dickwella tries to make room but the bowler has followed him. The ball comes off the inside edge and onto the pads. A quick single is taken.
9.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller length outside off, pushed towards mid off by Gunathilaka as he sets off for a quick single and completes it.
9.3
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short ball outside off, Danushka stands tall and defends it towards the cover fielder.
9.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, Again coming in with the angle, worked down the leg side but this time straight to the short fine leg fielder.
9.1
4
Lockie Ferguson to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! Poor delivery first up, very full and down the pads. Gunathilaka just has to get some bat on it and clip it down fine on the leg side for a boundary.
Lockie Ferguson is the first change in bowling for the Kiwis.
9
over
9 | 8 Runs | HH: 64/0
8.6
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Ugly looking swipe across the line! Completely misses the short of a length ball outside off and that is the end of the over.
8.6
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Wide! Boult goes for the bouncer but the ball is just too high above the head of Dickwella. Signalled a wide.
8.5
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Yorker length! Full and on off stump, Niroshan does well to dig it out to cover.
There seems to be a change of ball here. Kane Williamson and Co. don't seem to be too happy with the ball. The umpire does the regulatory check and then decides to call for a different ball. Fourth umpire brings the variety he has at his disposal and gives it for choice to the on-field umpires.
8.4
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball at the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.
8.3
6
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, SIX! That is easily done by Dickwella. Uses the pace of Boult to just ramp this one over the third man region for a maximum.
8.2
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Outside off, Danushka opens the face of the bat for a single down to third man.
8.1
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Pacy bouncer on middle, Gunathilaka looks to go for the pull but connects only with thin air.
8
over
8 | 6 Runs | HH: 56/0
7.6
1
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Outside off, guided away to the third man fielder for a single. Danushka Gunathilaka keeps strike.
7.5
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Shorter length, this time Gunathilaka defends from the crease.
7.4
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Slightly fuller length outside off, Danushka comes ahead and defends.
7.3
1
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball on the pads, worked away to the fine leg fielder for a single.
7.2
4
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Full toss outside off and Dickwella drives this in the air slightly but also in the gap wide of mid off. Once the ball beats the infield, there's no stopping it, even if you are Kane Williamson who's giving chase.
7.1
0
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Outside off, Dickwella goes for the pull but it seems to be pacy and the batsman misses the ball completely.
7
over
7 | 6 Runs | HH: 50/0
6.6
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball outside off, Niroshan has no footwork on this ball and it goes off the outside half towards third man. Single taken and it brings up the 50-run stand for Sri Lanka.
6.5
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Short delivery once more, almost a half-tracker. The ball seemed to have got stuck in the pitch as Dickwella tries to pull it away. No timing and it runs straight to the mid on fielder.
6.4
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, A short ball on off, Gunathilaka goes for the pull as he gets an inside edge onto the pads. Single taken as the ball rolls onto the leg side.
6.3
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Outside off once more, pushed towards the point fielder.
6.2
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Wide outside off once more, Niroshan opens the face of his bat as he guides this towards third man for a run.
6.1
3
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Wide outside off, Danushka gets this punchy-drive off the back foot in the gap towards deep cover. Guptill gives chase and does really well as he pulls the ball in at the last moment. Saves a run for his team. Applauded well by the crowd.
6
over
6 | 4 Runs | HH: 44/0
5.6
1
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller outside off, driven to mid off for a quick single. Good running.
5.5
2
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, In the air... and Munro almost got there in the end. He does not manage to get his hands on the ball though. Does well to stop it to just two runs. Short ball on length and hurried onto Gunathilaka, he goes for the pull and mistimes this in the air. The ball goes with the wind and helped taking it away from the fielder in the deep at square leg. Lucky escape.
5.4
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short length ball on the leg stump, Danushka tries to flick it but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
5.3
1
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Shorter in length, Dickwella pushes this ball wide of the point fielder and gets a run.
5.2
0
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Another length ball, Dickwella tries to make room but Henry follows him and the batsman can just pat it towards cover.
5.1
0
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball on middle, Dickwella defends it from within the crease.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 40/0
4.6
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller length ball on off stump, kept out comfortably by Danushka.
4.6
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Wide! Full and down the leg side. Wide signalled.
4.5
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, What happened there? The ball was a short length one on middle and leg, Gunathilaka tries to pull it away but misses the ball. It goes off his chest and through to Seifert who drops this one. Nothing alarming though as there was no bat on it which replays suggest.
4.4
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Full length ball on middle, pushed towards mid-wicket.
4.3
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Short length ball at the pads, Dickwella misses it and the ball goes off the pads to the fine leg fielder for a leg bye.
4.2
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller this time and pushed with soft hands towards mid off. Easy single taken.
4.1
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Oooh! Good ball from Boult. On a length and just outside off. Swinging away at the last moment, Gunathilaka gets his bat down to drive but gets it away off the outside half as the ball runs to the cover fielder.
4
over
4 | 11 Runs | HH: 37/0
3.6
4
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Through again, just wide of point! Full and around off, Dickwella moves back to make some room, goes down on one knee and strokes it through the gap between point and cover-point. 11 from the over, 37 in 4 overs, an excellent start for Sri Lanka.
3.5
1
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Digs in another short delivery on off, Gunathilaka swivels inside the crease and pulls it through square leg for one.
3.4
2
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Back of a length delivery on top of off stump, Danushka leans back and steers it down to deep point for a couple of runs.
3.3
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Doles out a fuller length ball on middle, DG gets forward and drives it down to mid on. A loud shot denying the run surfaces.
3.2
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Beaten! The bowler bounces back. Serves a good length delivery outside off, bowled with a scrambled seam, Danushka tries forcing it through the line but is beaten by the extra bounce.
3.1
4
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! Up and over! Lovely shot! Full in length outside off, angling away from the left-hander, Gunathilaka picks it up and lofts it over covers for a boundary.
3
over
3 | 9 Runs | HH: 26/0
2.6
4
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Two in two to end the over. The ball was short and wide outside off, Dickwella stands tall and cuts it over the head of the point fielder for a boundary. Sri Lanka off to a flying start here.
2.5
4
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! What was that? Sounded really good, whatever it was! A short ball on middle and off, Dickwella plays a shot that looks like a half-pull and gets it to the left of mid-wicket for a boundary. Great timing on that one.
2.4
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, On the pads once more, this time the left-hander finds the gap on the leg side with a wristy shot and gets to the other end.
2.3
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Straighter ball, no swing on this one as it holds the line and goes onto the pads. Flicked away by Gunathilaka but straight to the fielder in the circle.
2.2
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Slightly fuller outside off, Danushka comes ahead and defends this ball.
2.1
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Length ball outside off, played off the back foot towards the point fielder.
2
over
2 | 14 Runs | HH: 17/0
1.6
1
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Full ball outside off once more, Gunathilaka does not drive this with great timing but that helps the batsman get a single towards mid off who was at the edge of the circle.
1.5
0
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller outside off, pushed with hard hands towards cover-point.
1.4
1
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball on the pads, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.3
4
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, FOUR! Free Hit missed so what? The next one is lifted over the infield and all the way for a boundary. Length ball on middle and Dickwella swipes through the line to get a four towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
1.2
0
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, Free Hit! Full and outside off, Dickwella misses out. He goes for the same shot once more and this time he cannot get inside the line. The ball gets the inside edge and goes onto the the batsman's body. Good chance to get some more early runs is wasted.
1.2
7
Matt Henry to Niroshan Dickwella, No ball and a SIX! Pre-empted and what a shot! The ball was on a length on middle, Dickwella comes inside the line early and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a maximum. The bowler overstepped and the umpire signals a no ball as well. Free Hit coming up...
1.1
1
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka, Yorker first up! Full and swinging inward in the air. Gunathilaka does well to dig it out towards the point region and gets to the other end.
Matt Henry to bowl with the other new ball.
1
over
1 | 3 Runs | HH: 3/0
0.6
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Fuller ball outside off, Dickwella pushes the ball to mid off to end the over.
0.5
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, On the middle stump now, Gunathilaka pushes the ball to the left of mid on and gets off the mark.
0.4
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short of a length outside off, Danushka punches it wide of mid off but the fielder is quick to the ball and prevents the single.
0.4
1
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Wide! Well down the leg side, wide signalled.
0.3
0
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka, Good ball first up to Gunathilaka, on the off stump line and slightly moving away. The batsman defends it back.
0.2
1
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Another similar delivery outside off, played with soft hands to the right of cover for a quick single.
0.1
0
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella, Length ball swinging away outside off, pushed on the front foot to cover.
We are back for the run chase. The NZ fielders are out in the middle followed by the two SL openers, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella. They need a good start first up, if they want to get close to this total. Trent Boult with the first new ball for the Kiwis.
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01
st Innings
New Zealand
Once Guptill departed, Ross Taylor took over as he scored a quickfire fifty but when he got out there were still 5 overs left to play. The Lions did manage to get 2-3 overs quietly but everything changed as James Neesham went crazy. The Kiwis powered their way past 350 and Sri Lanka will certainly feel a lot of pressure now. Should be a really tough chase, considering their form and also the potent Kiwi bowling attack. The good part though, is that the ball isn't doing much and the surface is a beauty. Can Sri Lanka pull this off or will it be all too easy for the hosts? Join us for the chase in a while.
The innings began in a decent way. The visiting bowlers did well at the start to keep it quiet in the Powerplay as they conceded just 58 and got the wicket of Colin Munro as well. But post that, Martin Guptill and his skipper, Kane Williamson just made it look too easy in their 163-run stand, the second-best ever for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Williamson fell short of his 100 once again as has been the case in recent times but the opener who was coming back from an injury layoff made sure he reached the landmark and went on to make 138.
49 runs in the last two overs, New Zealand have finished things on a high! James Neesham, take a bow! What power-hitting! Scintillating stuff. Sri Lanka looked like pulling things back after Taylor got out but Neesham just plundered in the final overs of the innings and looks like he has put this score too far out of Sri Lanka's reach. All the bowlers were carted around the ground. Thisara Perera looked like he was having a good day, but everything changed in the space of 7 balls in the 49th over where he conceded 34.
49.6
6
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham, SIX! A massive shot to end the innings. Short and wide outside off, Neesham makes room and smashes it over deep extra-cover off the back foot. What an incredible shot! Just brute power that. Brilliant end to the innings. Jimmy finishes with 47 off 13 balls. Unbelievable. Sri Lanka have to chase 372 to win this one.
49.5
2
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham, Short ball, pulled away with the swivel towards square leg in the deep by Neesham. The batsmen come back for two. Great running.
Ish Sodhi in at no. 9.
49.4
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Matt Henry, OUT! Caught at short fine leg. The quickfire 46-run stand comes to an end. Thisara Perera will feel a little better at least, after having taken that catch. Short ball on middle, hurried onto Henry who tried to pull this away. The ball goes high in the air and Thisara runs backward and takes a decent catch in the end. The damage has been done though.
49.3
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Matt Henry, FOUR! Henry gets into the act this time. Full and angling in, smashed in the gap between long on and mid-wicket for four.
49.2
1
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham, Slower ball this time, well bowled on the hips. Neesham works it away to square leg for a single. Thinks about the second but it is not available this time.
49.1
2
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham, In the slot and Neesham misses out this time. He mistimes his lift over mid-wicket and the ball runs wide of deep backward square leg. The batsmen come back for two and Jimmy is back on strike.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl the last over of the innings.
49
over
49 | 34 Runs |
HH: 356/6
48.6
1
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, It's not a six this time! A full toss on off, Neesham lifts it over the leg side but it results only in a run as the deep mid-wicket fielder cuts it off. 34 from the over! A gigantic one. Just misses out on the record by 2 runs. Perera himself has hit 35 in an over off Robin Peterson. Got the taste of his own medicine.
48.5
6
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, SIX! Onto the roof! Neesham is smoking hot... 33 from the over, so far. A length ball angling into the batsman, James sizes it up and muscles his heave over mid-wicket for half a dozen of runs. Will we have the sixth six of the over? Come on Jimmy! Malinga having a chat with his bowler. Pressure...
48.5
3
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, Perera switches to 'round the wicket and serves a high full toss outside off. Neesham top edges his pull shot towards long on and rushes back for the second run. No ball called, Free Hit coming up...
48.4
6
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, SIX! Ho! Ho! Ho! Neesham trolling Perera here. Receives a full toss with open arms and sends it whistling over wide long on for a biggie. Can he get the fifth one?
48.3
6
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, SIX! Hat-trick of biggies! Neesham putting on a show. Perera tries to get away from James' hitting zone. That's why he puts it on a fuller length wide outside off. But Neesham anticipates it and launches it over the bowler's head.
48.2
6
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, SIX! And again... action replay of the previous delivery! Perera goes full this time and targets the middle stump. Neesham clears his front leg and hoists it over the cow corner for a maximum.
48.1
6
Thisara Perera to James Neesham, SIX! Gone all the way! A length delivery angling away from the batsman, it's outside off but Neesham still manages to connect with his heave-ho across the line. It finds the sweet spot of his bat and flies over wide long on for a biggie. Pressure on the bowler straightaway.
48
over
48 | 5 Runs |
HH: 322/6
47.6
0
Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry, Swing and a miss! A length ball around off, slower again, Henry tries to heave it over the leg side but misses. 10-0-78-2, Malinga ends an expensive spell.
47.5
2
Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry, Back of a length delivery outside off, steered towards point for a couple. Excellent running and Chandimal there was very slow in returning the ball.
47.4
0
Lasith Malinga to Matt Henry, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
47.3
1
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham, Slower one, turned on the leg side for one.
47.2
2
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham, In the air... in the air... Safe! Nearly a boundary. A length ball outside off, slower in pace again, Neesham is early into his lofted shot and balloons it over the bowler's head. Kusal Perera comes running across to his left from long off but it falls safely. Perera overruns it a bit as the ball sneaks past him and headed towards the rope. Kusal recovers quickly and then puts in a dive to pull it back. A couple taken in the meantime.
Matt Henry is in at number 8, replacing Tim Seifert.
47.1
W
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert, OUT! Sri Lanka doing well at the death! They hunt down yet another wicket. Slower delivery by Malinga has done the job. Seifert fetches it from outside off and tries to club it over long on. Fails to middle his shot and Kusal Perera holds onto the catch easily.
47
over
47 | 8 Runs |
HH: 317/5
46.6
1
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Fullish and on middle, driven straight down the ground for a run.
James Neesham is the next batsman to the crease.
46.5
W
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, OUT! Perera hits the bull's eye. Nicholls is run out! Slower delivery, a full toss around leg, Seifert fails to flick and is hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls back towards the leg side and Nicholls is mid-way down the track in search of a run. He is sent back but before he can reach, Perera picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Brilliant work by the bowler.
46.4
2
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Fullish and on middle, Tim inside edges his flick onto the pads and it rolls in front of square leg. Good running between the wickets fetches them a couple.
46.3
0
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Play and a miss! A touch short around off, Seifert makes space to play the square cut but there is extra bounce due to which he misses.
46.2
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Goes hard at a length ball and gets an inside edge onto the pads. They cross.
46.1
4
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Misfield in the deep! A scrambled seam delivery, on a length around off, Nicholls smacks it across the line and it races away. The long on and deep mid-wicket fielders emerge, the latter puts in a dive but it goes right through him for a boundary. Poor by Gunaratne.
46
over
46 | 11 Runs |
HH: 309/4
45.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls, Slower one, on the shorter side and going down the leg side, Henry clips it to deep backward square leg for a run. 11 from the over!
45.5
2
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls, Short and outside off, Nicholls adjusts well to the lack of pace this time and cuts it behind point for a couple.
45.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. They pick up a single.
45.3
4
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Eased away! A high full toss sliding down the leg side, Seifert turns inside the crease and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. Let me tell you, that was too high and Malinga is really lucky to get away with it. He has already bowled a couple of beamers in this innings.
45.2
2
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert, In the air... safe! Slower ball again, outside off, Tim is early into the drive and pushes it aerially past the diving cover fielder for a couple of runs. 300 up for New Zealand.
45.1
1
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls, Dropped by Sandakan! A full length ball on middle, slower in pace deceiving the batsman, Nicholls attempts to play a lofted flick shot over mid-wicket but mistimes it towards mid on. Sandakan present there tries to catch it with a tumble but fails to hold on. The batsmen have run through for a single.
45
over
45 | 5 Runs |
HH: 298/4
44.6
0
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Angles in a length ball on off, Seifert flicks on the leg side but finds the fielder inside the ring at mid-wicket.
44.5
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Shortish and wide outside off, Henry mishits his punch towards mid off and takes a run.
44.4
1
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Gets on the back foot and punches it towards widish mid on for a run.
44.4
1
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert, Wide called for height! A bouncer around off, it goes well over the head of the batsman.
44.3
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Forces a length ball from the crease to mid off for a run.
Tim Seifert the debutant is in at number 6, replacing Ross Taylor.
44.2
W
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor, OUT! Taylor holes out! Perera gets his second wicket. Fuller in length outside off, Ross tries to pump it over long off but fails to get the timing right. Ends up having more elevation than distance on his shot and Seekkuge Prasanna at wide long off takes the skier safely. A brilliant knock by Taylor comes to a close, another timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Two new batsmen in the middle at the death.
44.1
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Good length delivery on middle, Nicholls turns it off his pads to mid-wicket and hands the strike back to Taylor.
44
over
44 | 16 Runs |
HH: 293/3
43.6
0
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Dot ball to end an expensive over, 16 coming off it. On a length outside off, Taylor punches it off his back foot to cover-point, finds the fielder.
43.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Wide! Malinga has lost control. Sprays a length delivery wide outside off, Taylor lets it be.
43.5
4
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Malinga is being taken to the cleaners here! Continues to bowl full and wide outside off, Ross chases it and squeezes it past the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.
43.4
4
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, EDGY FOUR! Luck going Rosco's way here as he brings up his 44th ODI fifty! Fullish and outside off, at 136.5 kph, Taylor tries to hammer it once again through the off side but this time the ball takes the bottom edge and races past the stumps to the fine leg fence. A fine knock by Ross, just continues with his good run of form in this format.
43.3
2
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Too full again, this time outside off, Taylor drill his square drive past the diving point fielder for a couple of runs.
43.2
4
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Easy pickings! Fuller in length and drifting down the leg side, Taylor just picks it off his pads and whips it through backward square leg for a cracking boundary.
43.1
1
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls, An off-pace delivery, full and outside off, Henry strokes it off his front foot and beats the short cover fielder for a run.
Lasith Malinga is back into the attack.
43
over
43 | 3 Runs |
HH: 277/3
42.6
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Gets back and pushes it towards mid off for a single.
42.5
0
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Beaten! Slants a length ball across the southpaw, Nicholls tries to punch it off his back foot but fails to connect.
42.4
1
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor, Straighter in line, Taylor turns it in the gap at mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
42.3
1
Thisara Perera to Henry Nicholls, Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Nicholls drives it through covers for a run. Nice timing.
Henry Nicholls is next to the crease.
42.2
W
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, OUT! A soft dismissal for Guptill! Perera runs in and delivers a shortish ball on middle at 123.3 kph. It arrives a bit late to the batsman as he is early into his shot. Tries working it on the leg side but it catches the leading edge and flies straight into the hands of Sandakan at point. He makes no mistake and that ends a stunning knock by Martin. A timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka as Guptill was really putting their bowlers to the axe. The 88-run stand is over as well.
42.1
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Good length ball on off, Guptill sticks back and defends it towards the bowler.
Thisara Perera returns in the attack.
42
over
42 | 19 Runs |
HH: 274/2
41.6
6
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, SIX! Pradeep delivers a full toss again, outside off and Taylor takes maximum toll. Gives it the full whack of his bat and clobbers it over wide long on for a biggie. 19 from the over!
41.6
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, No ball called for a waist-high full toss. Taylor pulls it across the line at the last moment. The umpire has stretched his right hand meaning the next ball will be a Free Hit. Also, a warning for Nuwan.
41.5
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Another heave by Rosco, this time a boundary. Just swings his bat at a good length ball on middle and hammers it in front of square leg. The fielder in the deep puts in a dive but fails to pull it back.
41.4
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. No run.
41.3
6
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, SIX! Taylor plays his favourite heave shot on the leg side. As soon as he receives a length delivery in his half, he swings his big bat across the line and gets the connection right. Sends it flying over the square leg fence and a spectator in the crowd takes the catch calmly.
41.2
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Angles in a length ball on middle, Guptill hits it down to long on for a single.
41.1
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, Begins this spell with a short and wide outside off, Taylor slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep is back on.
41
over
41 | 10 Runs |
HH: 255/2
40.6
2
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Senses the charge and hence bowls a fuller one on the pads. Guptill still does well to force it down to wide long on. A good stop in the deep and they get a brace. 10-0-64-0, Sandakan too failed to impress like his spin partner, Seekkuge Prasanna.
40.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Taylor has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
40.4
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, The batsman plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total.
40.3
6
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, SIX! Clears long off with ease yet again. Tossed up ball outside off, Guptill picks his area and smashes it over the fielder in the deep for a biggie. No stopping this one.
40.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Oohhhh... this one stays very low. Lands it on a short around off, Guptill goes back to punch but it nearly goes under his bat. Did well to keep his eyes on the ball till the last moment.
40.1
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Full and flighted on off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.
Powerplay 3 time. Now a maximum of 5 fielders are allowed outside the ring. Sandakan to bowl out...
40
over
40 | 14 Runs |
HH: 245/2
39.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Shortish and on middle, on the slower side once more, Guptill gets back and drops it with soft hands to the leg side for a run.
39.5
4
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Shot! Malinga delivers a slower short delivery at 117.9 kph, Guptill stands back, fetches it from outside off and pulls it with disdain to the deep mid-wicket fence.
39.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
39.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Wide! Drifting down the leg side, Taylor tries to flick but misses.
39.3
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Shortish and around off, played past the bowler for one.
39.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, A low full toss on off, pushed out towards mid off for a run.
39.2
5
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, FOUR! Helped on its way! Yet again Malinga has served a high full toss, going down the leg side, Ross does well to just help it on its way towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. This is the second beamer that Slinga has bowled but the umpire hasn't taken him off the attack. Maybe, the reason is that both his beamers were down the leg side and not harmful. 50-run stand comes up. No ball is given, Free Hit time...
39.1
0
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Play and a miss! Short in length and around off, at 132.8 kph, Taylor tries to pull but fails to connect.
39
over
39 | 10 Runs |
HH: 231/2
38.6
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the back foot by Guptill.
38.5
6
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, SIX! Guptill hits his fourth biggie! A floated one landing full and wide outside off, Martin gets the chance to open his arms as he spanks it over long off for a maximum.
38.4
2
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total.
38.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Shout for an lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Full and on the pads, Rosco tries to whip it across the line but misses. He is hit on the pads but it has pitched outside leg. The batsmen meanwhile run a leg bye.
38.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Beaten! Turning away from the batsman as it lands full around off. Taylor goes hard at it as he tries to hit it through the line but misses.
38.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Shortish and on middle, Guptill gets down and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
38
over
38 | 4 Runs |
HH: 221/2
37.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Continues to bowl slower. The length is short around off and it's been eased straight down the ground for a run. 4 from the over, 9 in the last two, a quiet period for the Kiwis.
37.5
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Shortish and on middle, Taylor tickles it through backward square leg for a single.
37.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Slower again, on a back of a length outside off, Martin punches it down the ground to long off for one.
37.3
0
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Takes the pace off this one again. Good length and around off, Guptill defends it off the higher half of his bat.
37.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Fuller and slower outside off, Taylor drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
37.1
0
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor, Bouncer around leg, Taylor ducks underneath it.
Lasith Malinga is back on.
37
over
37 | 5 Runs |
HH: 217/2
36.6
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Leans forward to a full ball but drives it straight to the fielder at covers. A couple of dot balls to end a 5-run over.
36.5
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Tossed up ball on middle, worked away with the spin to mid-wicket.
36.4
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Once again the length is short and line outside off. Taylor goes deep inside the crease and helps it wide of short third man for a single.
36.3
2
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, A touch short and outside off, Taylor slaps it through cover-point for two.
36.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Loopy and on middle, turning in, Guptill pushes it through mid off and rotates the strike.
36.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Flighted and fuller outside off, it's driven down to long off for a run.
36
over
36 | 9 Runs |
HH: 212/2
35.6
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor, Turning down the leg side, Taylor tries flicking but misses this time. It goes off his pads to backward square leg and they cross for a leg bye. 10-0-60-0, Prasanna is done for the day, wasn't too impressive as his figures suggest.
35.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor, A loopy wrong 'un on middle, Taylor gets forward and works it off his pads to mid-wicket.
35.4
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Flatter and shorter on off, punched down to long off for a run.
35.3
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Lovely stop, Malinga! A poor delivery, short and wide outside off, Martin slaps it square of the wicket on the off side where the Lankan skipper makes a tumbling stop. Gets up and smiles.
35.2
6
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, SIX! Boom! That has gone into the stand where the ice-cream bar is... A googly landing full around off, Guptill goes down on one knee and swings it mightily over mid-wicket. Has hit it with the wind and the spin. Safe shot.
35.1
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor, Flighted and around off, Taylor taps it in front of point and collects a run.
35
over
35 | 7 Runs |
HH: 203/2
34.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Short and wide outside off, cut away by the batsman for a run as he keeps strike for the next over.
34.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Wide outside off and full, Guptill drives this hard but straight to the deep cover fielder for a single.
34.4
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Length ball on the middle stump, pushed back towards long on for a single by Ross.
A stumping appeal against Taylor. Dickwella seems interested but the batsman doesn't look worried. Let's see what the replays have to say.
34.3
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, NOT OUT! The foot was firmly inside the whole time. Beautiful wrong 'un from Sandakan. Taylor does not pick it and gets beaten on the outside. Dickwella whips off the bails but the batsman was inside.
34.2
4
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, FOUR! A nothing ball outside leg, Taylor duly dispatches it away towards the fine leg fence by sweeping it. No fielder present there.
34.1
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor, Flatter ball on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket.
Lakshan Sandakan has been called on to bowl.
34
over
34 | 4 Runs |
HH: 196/2
33.6
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Good ball to end the over. Airy outside off and defended into the ground.
33.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Wide outside off, cut away but straight to the point fielder.
33.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Flatter ball on the pads, pushed towards mid on.
33.3
4
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, FOUR! That brings up the century for Guptill on his comeback. His 14th in ODI cricket. Never for a moment in this innings did he look rusty or like he came from an injury break. Has been attacking from the onset and got to the landmark without breaking much of a sweat. Coming to this ball, it was wide outside off and sweetly driven to the cover fence.
33.2
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Skidding down, Guptill helps it off his pads to the leg side.
33.1
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Tossed up ball on off, defended back off the front foot.
Drinks have been called for. It has been all too easy for the Black Caps. Guptill and Williamson have just plundered runs at will and set the platform for the big hitting at the end. Sri Lanka got lucky as they got the NZ skipper out of nowhere. Otherwise, it has all been one-way traffic.
33
over
33 | 3 Runs |
HH: 192/2
32.6
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Length ball outside off, patted down to third man for a run by Guptill and he keeps strike.
32.5
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle and off, Martin comes ahead and pushes it back to the bowler.
32.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor, Fuller length ball on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
32.3
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Another bouncer! Guptill jumps and pulls a little uncomfortably towards deep square leg for a single.
32.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Length ball outside off, driven towards mid off. Cover comes in and stops the ball, preventing a single. Throws at the non-striker's end and hits the stumps. Ross Taylor never went out though.
32.1
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Bouncer on middle, Guptill ducks under and evades.
Called a dead ball. Guptill moves away at the very last moment and pats the ball away. The sight screen had not changed and the batsman doesn't want to play.
32
over
32 | 3 Runs |
HH: 189/2
31.6
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor, Coming down the wicket, Taylor pads this ball bowled down the leg side by the bowler. Prasanna was trying to plan a stumping there but Ross does well.
31.5
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Another flatter one on middle, Martin pulls this one towards mid-wicket and wants to get a couple but, slips at the non-striker's end as he turns for the second. Has to settle for a single.
31.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Flatter ball on middle, Guptill punches it back down.
31.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor, Flighted outside off, Taylor is down the ground on his first ball as he drives this to long off for a single.
31.2
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Slightly outside off, Guptill opens the face of the bat to play it towards point and pick up single.
31.1
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Slower one on middle, defended on the front foot.
Ross Taylor is the next batsman in, at number 4.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs |
HH: 186/2
30.6
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, OUT! Chopped on! A wicket out of nowhere, against the run of play. Williamson is distraught, nothing in that ball and somehow he has managed to get out to it. Short length ball on top of middle and off, Williamson tried to run it down to third man again but the ball was too close to the body and there was no width on that one. Looked like Pradeep had rolled his fingers over the ball there and that brought the ball closer to the stumps. The NZ skipper can only play it onto his off stump and watched in dismay as the bails came off. There was a 100 for the taking but Kane has missed out today. Sri Lanka have a reason to smile here. The marathon stand worth 163 runs is broken.
30.5
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Short ball on middle, Guptill is on his toes as he controls the pull towards the square leg fielder for another single.
30.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, Length ball just outside off, played with soft hands wide off point for a run.
30.3
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Another short ball but down the leg side, Martin goes for the hook but doesn't connect well as it goes down towards deep square leg for just a single.
30.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Bouncer! Effort ball on off and middle, Guptill ducks under and evades it.
30.1
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, Length ball on the pads, worked down fine on the leg side for a single.
Lasith Malinga ringing in the changes thick and fast here. Nuwan Pradeep is back on.
30
over
30 | 8 Runs |
HH: 182/1
29.6
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Short and wide outside off to end the over, cut away to the sweeper for a single.
29.5
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
29.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Flatter and quicker on off stump, Guptill comes ahead and defends this one.
29.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Williamson pushes this back down the ground to long on for a run.
29.2
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Outside off, pushed off the back foot towards long off. It is slightly in the air but well away from the bowler. Single taken.
29.1
4
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Short, very short. Guptill rocks back and easily pulls this away in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary. He goes into the 90s with this shot.
Seekkuge Prasanna comes onto the attack.
29
over
29 | 10 Runs |
HH: 174/1
28.6
1
Danushka Gunathilaka to Martin Guptill, Flatter on the pads once more, worked down the leg side using the wrists. Single taken, strike retained.
28.5
0
Danushka Gunathilaka to Martin Guptill, Wayward and down leg but gets away with it. Guptill chases after the ball and flicks it to the square leg fielder in the circle. Seems disappointed after that.
28.4
1
Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson, Flatter and quicker at the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single. 150-run stand up between these two.
28.3
4
Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Williamson is just choosing and picking where he wants to hit the ball now. Slightly flighted on middle, Kane yet again makes room and lifts it wide of mid off for another boundary. Danushka not having the best first over so far.
28.2
0
Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson, Flatter on middle, Kane plays it back to the bowler.
28.1
4
Danushka Gunathilaka to Kane Williamson, FOUR! A good welcome to the part-time off-spinner. Looped up on middle, Williamson runs down the track, makes room and lofts it over cover for a boundary. No fielder present there.
Danushka Gunathilaka comes on for a bowl.
28
over
28 | 6 Runs |
HH: 164/1
27.6
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Too easy this! 6 runs off the over with 6 singles. Length ball on middle, pushed down to long on off the back foot.
27.5
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, 5 singles off 5 balls. Punched off the back foot by the batsman and a run taken.
27.4
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Full and on the pads, driven down to mid on for another single.
27.3
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Short and wide outside off, cut away hard but straight to sweeper cover. Only a single.
27.2
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Shorter length ball outside off, Kane stands tall and pushes it to deep cover for a run.
27.1
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Length ball outside off, Guptill pushes it wide of cover for a single.
27
over
27 | 5 Runs |
HH: 158/1
26.6
1
Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill, Length ball outside off, guided to third man by MG for a run and he keeps strike. 5 runs off the first Asela over.
26.5
1
Asela Gunaratne to Kane Williamson, Too easy this, just picking up the singles and farming the middle overs. This length ball on middle is driven down the ground for a single.
26.4
1
Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill, Another easy single down to long on for Guptill.
26.3
1
Asela Gunaratne to Kane Williamson, Another ball on middle and leg, Kane works it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.
26.2
1
Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle, pushed to deep mid-wicket for a single.
26.1
0
Asela Gunaratne to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle, the ball seems to be coming so slowly at the batsman. Guptill waits and defends it back down the ground.
Asela Gunaratne to bowl now.
26
over
26 | 9 Runs |
HH: 153/1
25.6
2
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Fuller length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg. The fielder out there attacks the ball to prevent the second but in that attempt, misfields and almost allows the third but the Kiwis are wise and don't go for it.
25.5
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, In the air but well controlled. In fact, Guptill would feel he missed out there. The ball was short and wide outside off, Martin stands tall and cuts it in the air towards sweeper cover. Single taken as the ball goes straight to the fielder.
25.4
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Another shorter one outside off, Williamson stands tall and pushes it to deep cover for a single. 150 comes up for the hosts. Look set for a massive total.
25.3
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Shorter outside off, punched for a run towards sweeper cover by the batsman.
25.2
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle, driven towards mid on off the back foot.
25.1
4
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Poor start to the second spell. Full and very wide outside off. Guptill just goes after it and slashes hard in the air. The ball flies just to the right of point who jumps valiantly but the ball beats him and once that's happened, there's no stopping the ball from reaching the fence. Too easy for the Kiwis right now.
Thisara Perera back into the attack.
25
over
25 | 4 Runs |
HH: 144/1
24.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fuller and quicker outside off, prods ahead and pushes to long off for a run.
24.5
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Flatter one on middle, Martin comes ahead and pushes it back down the ground.
24.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Very full, Guptill had preempted the sweep and goes for it. Almost gets yorked but does well to play it away to square leg in the circle.
24.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air and on middle, Kane rocks back and pushes it to long on for a run.
24.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Guptill pushes this flatter one on off down the ground for another run.
24.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Full toss outside off, Williamson comes down and takes it on the full as he drives this to long off for a single.
24
over
24 | 5 Runs |
HH: 140/1
23.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Slower delivery, full and outside off, Williamson comes ahead, opens the face of the bat and pushes it in the gap at cover-point for a run.
23.5
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Drops it full and outside off, Martin goes hard at it and drills it down to long on for one.
23.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Slower length ball on off, Williamson taps it down towards short third man and pinches a single.
23.3
0
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Saves a certain boundary there, Malinga! Fullish and on off, a delightful straight drive played by the Kiwi skipper and the Lankan skipper sticks his right boot out. He stops the racing ball and deflects it towards covers.
23.2
0
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, A cracking yorker, right in the blockhole, Kane brings down his bat in time to keep it out on the leg side.
23.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Wide! Attempts a slower one but loses his direction. Ends up serving a full toss down the leg side. Williamson fails to get any bat behind it.
23.1
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Fractionally short and on off, Guptill gets back and helps it past the mid-wicket fielder inside the ring for a run.
23
over
23 | 4 Runs |
HH: 135/1
22.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Guptill drives this one down to long off for a single as he retains strike for the next over.
22.5
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, This one is flatter and quicker outside off, the batsman pushes it towards mid off but cover comes around and stops it, preventing the single.
22.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, A looped up delivery on middle and leg, defended by coming ahead.
22.3
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fuller outside off, Guptill drives hard but straight to the cover fielder.
22.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Flatter ball on the pads, chopped towards point. No run.
22.1
3
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, FIFTY FOR KANE WILLIAMSON! On his home ground. 34th for the NZ skipper in ODIs. A full toss on the pads, Williamson flicks it away wide of long on and in the gap. The ball seems to be running to the fence before long on dives and stops it. Saves a run for his team but cannot prevent Kane from getting to a chanceless fifty.
22
over
22 | 5 Runs |
HH: 131/1
21.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Length ball outside off to end the over. The NZ skipper pushes it wide of mid off and gets to the other end, retains strike for the next over.
21.5
0
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Fuller length on the leg stump, Williamson defends it back down the ground on the front foot.
21.4
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Gets the single this time though. Was trying to do the same as the previous ball, this time he gets it away from the keeper and is off for a run.
21.3
0
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Length ball, slower one too. Martin Guptill tries to drop it onto the off side with soft hands and get a quick run but it is not available.
21.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Short and wide outside off, Kane places it towards third man for another single.
21.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Wide! Bouncer but it is going down leg. Williamson wants to pull but misses his connection. Wide signalled.
21.1
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Full length ball on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single by Guptill.
Lasith Malinga is back into the attack.
21
over
21 | 9 Runs |
HH: 126/1
20.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fullish and on middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run. 9 from this over, Sri Lanka have lost the control in the middle overs.
20.5
6
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, SIX! High and handsome! A friendly full toss around middle, Guptill kneels and nails his slog sweep over square leg for a biggie. The century stand comes up and New Zealand are motoring.
20.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fullish and around leg, a firm sweep shot by Guptill but he finds the square leg fielder.
20.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Tossed up ball on middle and off, Williamson tries pushing it on the off side but it takes the inside edge and rolls in front of square leg for a run.
20.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Loopy and full, down the leg side, it's clipped in front of square leg for a run.
20.1
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Floated and full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
20
over
20 | 8 Runs |
HH: 117/1
19.6
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Googly on middle, Martin hangs back and hits it to mid on for a run. 8 from this over, 26 in the last three.
19.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Quicker on off, punched back to the bowler.
19.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Too full in length on off, driven firmly down to mid off where the fielder made a fine diving stop.
19.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Full and floated on middle, Williamson lunges and turns it in the vacant area at mid-wicket for one.
19.2
2
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Shortish and outside off, guided past short third man for a couple of runs.
19.1
4
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, FOUR! After a quiet period, runs are flowing now. This time Williamson uses his feet and lifts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
19
over
19 | 7 Runs |
HH: 109/1
18.6
4
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, FOUR! This is poor bowling by the spinner. Drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off. Guptill doesn't need second invitation as he camps back and whacks it through point. The sweeper tries to cut it off with a dive but fails in his attempt.
18.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, A full toss this time, on off, Kane eases his drive down to long off for a run.
18.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Fullish and on off, driven through the line but straight to short cover.
18.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fullish and on middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
18.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Turning away from the batsman, Guptill plays it down to point.
18.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Knocks a full ball down to long on for a run.
18
over
18 | 11 Runs |
HH: 102/1
17.6
6
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, SIX! Reaches his fifty in style, his 35th in ODIs. A leg spinner landing full outside off, Guptill takes a stride forward and lofts it nonchalantly over covers for a biggie. Not a natural shot for him as he usually is strong on the leg side and down the wicket. Fine knock by him on his comeback and he would like to get a big one here.
17.5
2
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total.
17.4
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Turns it off his pads through mid-wicket for a run.
17.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, A touch short and outside off, Guptill gets back and pats it down wide of short third man for a run.
17.2
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Flatter and shorter on middle, punched down the ground to long on for a run.
17.1
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Williamson has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
17
over
17 | 5 Runs |
HH: 91/1
16.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Slower and fuller outside off, Kane gets forward to drive it past the bowler to long off. Another run in the over, 5 from it.
16.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.
16.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fullish and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
16.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Tossed up ball on off, forced down to long off for one.
16.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Extra flight on this occasion but Sandakan lands it full and wide outside off. Guptill strokes it easily down to long off for a run.
16.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around middle, Williamson makes room and drives it past extra cover for a run.
Drinks time. New Zealand going on smoothly after the loss of Munro's wicket. Williamson and Guptill are showing good form and the Lankan bowlers need to separate this pair as soon as possible. They have bowled some quiet few overs to create pressure, let's see whether it brings any positive result to them or not after the break.
16
over
16 | 4 Runs |
HH: 86/1
15.6
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Short in length and outside off, Williamson pushes his weight on the back leg and punches it in front of square on the off side for a run. 23 in the last 5 overs, Sri Lankan pulling things back a bit.
15.5
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Once again Martin uses his feet and this time flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
15.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.
15.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Walks down the track and strokes it with the spin to wide long off for a run.
15.2
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Strides forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
15.1
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Tossed up ball on middle, driven down to long on for a run.
15
over
15 | 4 Runs |
HH: 82/1
14.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Gets back and punches it down through mid on this time. A single is taken. 4 from Sandakan's first over. A tidy start.
14.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Full and around off, easily driven down through mid off for a run.
14.4
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Fuller on middle, turning down, Guptill helps it off his pads to deep mid-wicket for a run.
14.3
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Martin Guptill, Flighted and on middle, defended off the front foot by Guptill.
14.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Fullish and on middle, Kane makes room and drives it down to long off for a run.
14.1
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Kane Williamson, Tossed up delivery, landing full and on middle, Williamson leans forward to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. It takes a little leading edge and rolls back to the bowler.
Lakshan Sandakan is introduced into the attack now. A slip in place.
14
over
14 | 1 Runs |
HH: 78/1
13.6
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, A muted appeal again for an lbw. Tossed up ball on middle and leg, this time Martin fails to connect with his sweep shot. Going down the leg side and hence the appeal is not entertained.
13.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Full and flighted on off, Guptill advances down the track and tries to defend it with his bat and pad together. Fails to connect and is hit on the pads. The bowler puts in a stifled appeal only for an lbw.
13.4
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Googly on off, Guptill stays back and keeps it out towards extra cover.
13.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Goes short again, bowls it on off, Kane gets back and plays a controlled punch shot down to long on for a run.
13.2
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Loopy and full on off, that's a better line and length. Williamson prods forward in defense.
13.1
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Flatter and shorter on off, punched off the back foot to extra cover.
13
over
13 | 3 Runs |
HH: 77/1
12.6
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, An off cutter around off, Guptill allows it to come back in and then defends it close to the pads.
12.5
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Good length ball on off, defended off the front foot.
12.4
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Risky run, direct hit would have made things interesting. A fullish ball around off, Williamson bunts it down to mid off and rushes to the other end. Gunaratne attacks the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The replays later on show that Kane was just in.
12.3
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, A length ball around off, Williamson gets back and punches it down to mid on. The fielder is up inside the ring so it's a dot ball.
12.2
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Edgy! On a length and outside off, Guptill tries to hit it through covers but it takes the outside edge and runs down to third man for one.
12.1
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Serves a length ball on the pads, it's nudged to fine leg for a run.
12
over
12 | 11 Runs |
HH: 74/1
11.6
2
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Nicely played to bring up the 50-run stand. Guptill goes down and across to fetch a full ball from outside off. Then, he neatly sweeps it fine down the leg side for a brace. Good going from the Kiwis. 11 from this over.
11.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Shout for an lbw! Tossed up delivery landing full on middle and not spinning, Guptill tries flicking but misses. They appeal but it's missing leg.
11.4
3
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Probably a googly but it's on the shorter side. Williamson moves back and punches it through covers. Chandimal in the deep makes a good stop near the fence to save a run for his team.
11.3
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Strides forward to a full ball and drives it with the spin to long off for a run.
11.2
4
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Poor delivery and punished! Prasanna goes short and outside off, Guptill immediately is on the back foot as he slaps it with the spin through the gap between point and cover-point. The outfield does the rest.
11.1
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Full and flighted on off, Williamson drives it down through mid on for a run.
11
over
11 | 5 Runs |
HH: 63/1
10.6
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Beauty to end the over. An outswinger around off, curving away off the seam after landing on a length around off. Martin feels for it inside the line and is beaten. Once again Perera comes back well after giving away a boundary early in the over.
10.5
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Fuller this time, on middle and leg, Guptill flicks it in front of square leg and shouts 'wait'... The fielder at mid-wicket makes a tumbling stop and the wait call becomes no...
10.4
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle, straightening just a touch, Guptill brings down a straight bat in defense.
10.3
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Shortish and sliding down the leg side, Kane glances it off his hips to deep square leg and picks up a run.
10.2
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Good length ball is angled into the batsman, it's around middle and off, Williamson defends it back this time.
10.1
4
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Timing of the highest quality! Slightly short in length and outside off, Williamson gets back and strokes it elegantly through backward point. Plays it late to get away from point and third man. Top class placement and the quick outfield does the rest.
Powerplay 2 is signalled. The field can relax a bit now with a maximum of 4 fielders allowed outside the ring till the 40th over.
10
over
10 | 2 Runs |
HH: 58/1
9.6
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, A lot of air outside off, KW comes ahead and defends with soft hands towards the point fielder who is at the edge of the circle. A single is stolen. 58/1 at the end of the Powerplay, good one for NZ you would think, and Munro was lost to good thinking from Malinga. No demons in the pitch at all.
9.5
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Kane Williamson, Wide outside off and short length, Williamson rocks back and cuts it away but straight to the cover-point fielder.
9.4
1
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Guptill uses his feet this time as he comes to the pitch of the ball and flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.3
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Some air on off stump again, Martin comes ahead and defends it into the ground.
9.2
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, The straighter one this time! The ball holds its line and Guptill who was looking to flick misses the ball to get rapped on the pads. The ball was going down leg and there was no chance of a LBW there. The bowler was the only one appealing too.
9.1
0
Seekkuge Prasanna to Martin Guptill, Served up with some air outside off, Guptill is drawn into the drive towards cover.
Seekkuge Prasanna is into the attack now.
9
over
9 | 2 Runs |
HH: 56/1
8.6
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Length ball just outside off, Kane comes ahead and defends.
8.5
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Slightly shorter in length this time but the line is just on top of off stump. Williamson gets on top of the bounce and defends.
8.4
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Good line and length from Perera, KW defends this one back down the ground.
8.3
0
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, Oooh! This one jags in a bit off the length, Williamson is ahead to defend but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg.
8.2
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle and Guptill plays it with soft hands onto the leg side and gets a quick single.
8.1
1
Thisara Perera to Kane Williamson, On the pads off a good length, worked away to fine leg for a single by Williamson.
8
over
8 | 12 Runs |
HH: 54/1
7.6
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Gets to 6000 runs in ODIs with style. Well outside off on a length and Guptill pounces on the ball as he cuts it away hard to the point boundary. He is the fifth NZ player to reach the milestone. 12 runs off this over, a good one for the Black Caps.
7.5
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Beats a diving Malinga at mid off to his right and another boundary is picked up. Full and outside off, Guptill swings at this one and drives this down the ground all the way for four runs. 5999 runs now for Guptill in ODIs.
7.4
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Another defensive stroke off the back foot by Guptill to this one on a length.
7.3
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle, the batsman pushes ahead and drives this to mid on. Wants the quick single but then decides against it seeing the ball go too quickly to the fielder.
7.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Outside off, Martin doesn't time this cut too well as the ball rolls to point.
7.1
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Shot! Stylish from Guptill. Looks like he was never on a break and was playing all along. Full ball at the pads, the right-hander just lifts it over mid-wicket nonchalantly for a boundary. Makes it look all too easy and holds the pose as well.
7
over
7 | 5 Runs |
HH: 42/1
6.6
1
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Fullish and on off, driven down to the right of the mid off fielder for a quick single. A good comeback by Thisara after conceding a boundary early in the over.
6.5
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Angling into the batsman, Guptill plays it out off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.
6.4
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, On and around off, once again defended by Guptill after covering the line.
6.3
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Better this time, on a length around off, Guptill gets forward and taps it down to cover-point.
6.2
4
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, FOUR! You don't feed room to this batsman. Perera errs and serves it full and wide outside off, Guptill latches onto it and powers his inside-out drive over covers for a cracking boundary.
6.1
0
Thisara Perera to Martin Guptill, Good length delivery to start the spell. It's landing around off and Guptill is watchful in his back foot defense.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs |
HH: 37/1
5.6
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, On a length on middle, pushed coming half forward towards mid on.
Thisara Perera is introduced into the attack.
5.5
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Streaky boundary! Outside off on a length, Williamson gets an outside edge but soft hands ensure that the ball goes on the bounce and wide of a diving slip for a boundary fine to third man.
5.4
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, Bouncer follows! Kane ducks and evades it.
5.3
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, This one doesn't carry through to the keeper. The ball is on a length outside off and at a decent pace of about 138 clicks, Kane lets it go outside off and is surprised as he sees the ball go on a bounce to Dickwella.
5.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, Pushes it a little fuller on middle, Kane defends it towards mid-wicket.
5.1
2
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson, Length ball on middle, tucked away by Williamson towards square leg for a couple.
5
over
5 | 8 Runs |
HH: 31/1
4.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Fuller and on off, Williamson remains inside the crease again and quietly runs it down to third man for a run.
4.5
4
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Fine timing! Williamson already showing great form. Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away a bit, Kane stays back and steers it square of the wicket on the off side. The third man fielder fails to cut it off and the Kiwi skipper earns his first boundary.
4.4
0
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, A good length ball on middle and off, Williamson covers the line and offers a straight bat in defense.
4.3
2
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Excellent delivery. Keeps it very full and wide outside off. Williamson tries squeezing it out by throwing his bat at it but the ball takes the bottom edge, bounces once and goes past the diving keeper. A couple taken and Kane is off the mark.
Free Hit coming...
4.3
1
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson, Whoa! A beamer down the leg side. Malinga probably wanted to bowl a yorker first up but loses it completely. No ball is signalled and it's a Free Hit...
Kane Williamson, the skipper is in at number 3.
4.2
W
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, OUT! No conclusive evidence to change the on-field decision says Richard Illingworth, the TV umpire. Munro has to go. A Malinga-special slower ball does the trick in the end. Drops it at 115 kph outside off and Colin is early into the shot as he looks to push this on the off side from the back foot. But the ball goes off the outer half and just about carries to Lakshan Sandakan at backward point. It dips in the end and the fielder does well to come ahead a bit and cup the ball in the end. The umpire wants to have a look upstairs (giving the soft signal as out) and when the replays roll through, it does seem like that the fingers were under the ball. The decision will remain and Sri Lanka draw first blood. Munro was looking dangerous there but we won't see more of him with the bat today.
Munro seems gone! It's a low catch taken. The umpire wants to have a look at it and goes upstairs. The soft signal is out.
4.1
0
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Oooh! Very full outside off, Munro looks to drive but the ball goes off the under edge to the slip fielder.
4
over
4 | 8 Runs |
HH: 23/0
3.6
2
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Good ball on a length outside off, it takes a thick edge but runs away in the gap behind point. Lakshan Sandakan who is at a fine third man position comes around just in time and returns it to the keeper. Saves two runs for his team.
3.5
2
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Fuller on this occasion, Guptill just plays it away with an angled bat towards deep mid-wicket for an easy couple.
3.4
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Goes short of a length, the batsman hangs back and defends it onto the ground.
3.3
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Vintage Martin Guptill. A half-volley outside off, lovely transfer of weight as Guptill trudges onto the front foot and drives this beautifully in the gap through the covers.
3.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Slightly short of a length, defended off the back foot.
3.1
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Length ball just on top of off stump, Guptill comes ahead and pushes it to cover.
3
over
3 | 8 Runs |
HH: 15/0
2.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Quick single to end the over. Guptill plays this one with soft hands towards the leg side and runs through.
2.5
0
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Slightly fuller outside off and swinging away, defended back to the bowler.
2.4
0
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Much better to the right-hander, Guptill gauges the swing and pushes it towards the point fielder.
2.3
1
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Another full ball on the pads, flicked away to fine leg for a run.
2.2
0
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Drifting down on the pads, Colin clips it towards square leg in the circle.
2.1
6
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, SIX! The umpire changes his original decision and gives this as a six. The first biggie of many to come maybe. A nice half-volley on middle and with not too much pace, Munro lifts this over mid-wicket. The ball goes very high but has just enough distance as it lands on the ropes. The umpire initially signals it four but later checks and reverses his decision as he gives a maximum.
This has been given as a four but the umpire wants to check. Seems to have landed on the ropes directly.
2
over
2 | 5 Runs |
HH: 7/0
1.6
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill, Good ball on length, Guptill awkwardly defends to end the over.
1.5
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro, Slightly short of a length, Munro punches it away wide of mid off and gets to the other end with a quick single.
1.4
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro, Short of a length outside off, cut away but it goes to the point fielder. Not well-timed either.
1.3
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro, Fuller outside off, another well-timed push but straight to mid off this time. Was slightly in the air and would have been scary especially with a short cover in place.
1.2
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro, FOUR! How has that gone for a boundary? The ball has simply raced away off the outfield. Length ball outside off and Munro just punches this through the covers. Chandimal dives and tries to stop it but cannot. Mid off gives chase but the ball just keeps running away from him and beats him to the fence.
1.1
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro, Length ball just on top of off stump, Munro defensively pushes it to cover.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 2 Runs |
HH: 2/0
0.6
1
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Around the wicket for the last ball, it is served up very full but Munro flicks it away to fine leg for a single. Off the mark and keeps the strike.
0.5
0
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Very full yet again and coming in with the air, Colin pushes it out towards mid-wicket.
0.4
0
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Perfect yorker! A Malinga-special. Munro does really well to dig it out. The ball is also swinging into the left-hander a bit.
0.3
0
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro, Goes full first up to Munro, the ball is taken on the full and the lefty drives it with amazing timing but straight to the cover fielder.
0.2
1
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Slightly shorter outside off, Guptill feels for the ball as he guides it down to third man for a single and the first runs of the game.
0.1
0
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill, Length ball on middle and leg to start off with, a front foot defensive shot follows from Guptill.
We are done with both sides' National Anthems and the players are taking their positions on the field. Lasith Malinga will open the bowling for the Lankans, while Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will open for the Kiwis. Guptill to take first strike.
PITCH REPORT - Craig Cumming with the report on the surface. He first says that the sun is just coming out and the clouds are clearing out with wonderful pleasant conditions to play cricket. Adds that there are big outfields here at this ground. Coming to the surface, he feels it has a good covering of grass that will hold the pitch together. Takes a touch and reckons that it is hard and the only worry will be if the ball holds up in the pitch. Doesn't expect it to turn a lot but have good carry throughout. A 275-280 wicket he feels.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga feels that the conditions are suited for the seamers with a fresh wicket and overcast overhead conditions. Says he is happy to bowl first. Adds that it is a very important few months ahead of them. Feels they have not been consistent in the last two years and it shows in their ranking. Finishes by saying that they will look to do better in 2019.
TOSS - KANE WILLIAMSON HAS WON THE TOSS AND ELECTED TO BAT FIRST. He feels that the surface is quite hard and the outfield is quick here. Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell miss out today. Says that bowling second will come later and they will see how the game goes before deciding their options, even says he might roll his arm over. Looking to bat well first. Signs off by saying that the game will be played with the 2019 World Cup in perspective.
The Lions from Sri Lanka don't inspire much confidence from their performance in the past year, having last won an ODI series in January 2018. Lasith Malinga has come back looking fitter than ever, but even then one wouldn't say that NZ will be in trouble. A turn of the year and a turn of the fortunes is what they will be looking at. As for the hosts, they have a certain Martin Guptill returning from an injury lay-off and looking to get into some form before a mighty Indian line-up comes to the Kiwi shores. Tim Seifert will audition for the reserve wicket-keeper role for the World Cup. He comes in with a good reputation as a finisher. The rest remains the same and New Zealand surely hold the cards in this one. But any person will be smart enough to know the game is not played on paper. Hopefully, a cracking contest is on the cards on what is being touted as a belter of a surface. Toss and Pitch Report to follow.
Welcome 2019! Welcome to the year of the World Cup. Just a little shy of 6 months before these two take on each other in the first match of their campaign at the mega tournament. That underlines the importance of this series and each game. The home team is the favourite nonetheless, but if the visitors' skipper Lasith Malinga's words are anything to go by, they will fight bravely. The first One-day International of the year will be played at a venue in which the Black Caps have a win percentage of only 25. The pitch generally plays true and good for batting whilst slowing down towards the end of the second innings. The most recent ODI game played here saw the England team win by 6 wickets, comfortably chasing 223 in less than 38 overs. Today though, should be a totally different ball game.
New Zealand
Colin Munro
Bat/Bow
Martin Guptill
Bat/Bow
Kane Williamson
CAP/Bat/Bow
Ross Taylor
Bat/Bow
Henry Nicholls
Bat/Bow
James Neesham
Bat/Bow
Tim Seifert
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Ish Sodhi
Bat/Bow
Matt Henry
Bat/Bow
Trent Boult
Bat/Bow
Lockie Ferguson
Bat/Bow
Sri Lanka
Niroshan Dickwella
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Danushka Gunathilaka
Bat/Bow
Dinesh Chandimal
Bat/Bow
Kusal Mendis
Bat/Bow
Kusal Perera
Bat/Bow
Asela Gunaratne
Bat/Bow
Seekkuge Prasanna
Bat/Bow
Thisara Perera
Bat/Bow
Lakshan Sandakan
Bat/Bow
Lasith Malinga
CAP/Bat/Bow
Nuwan Pradeep
Bat/Bow