NZ vs SL: Live Commentary

7.07 pm: That's all she wrote from the Hagley as New Zealand triumph to the tune of a 98-run victory as they get their tournament off to a golden start. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to get back to the drawing board as they shift their focus on the remaining matches of their group campaign. We sincerely hope you enjoyed our coverage of this first match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. It has been my pleasure to take you through the day, and don't forget, there is plenty of cricket to come, starting with the ongoing Australia v England match. Till the next match though, this is Rohan Sharma signing off, wishing all of you a good night, and good luck. 

Brendon McCullum, New Zealand captain: Really good performance from the boys. We have been waiting a long time for this so it is great to complete our plans. I thought it might swing so I also thought about bowling first. The wicket was a bit on the slow side, but there was definitely good bounce and carry. It was great to lay the foundation and then allow the bigger hitters to come in and do the job. We look forward to the next game now, but it is great to beat a very tough Sri Lanka team. It is really pleasing to use cross-seamers and pitch the ball on the fourth/fifth stump lines were really good. I thought Boult and Milne came back really well and looked to be searching for wickets, so we were pretty pleased with how those guys played. Daniel Vettori was brilliant as always. Milne is a great weapon to have in the team, and I suspect he might just go the way of that tweet (when asked if Milne is the next Shane Bond.) 
Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka captain: We knew it was going to be a good wicket so we knew we had to bowl well, but they started off poorly, and by that time it was too late. Especially after the start they got when they reached 100 in the 13th over. We did reasonably well to pull them back, but we gave up 30-40 runs too many. Once we lost the big guys at the top it became tougher on the rest of the guys. You need someone in the top four to get a biggie when you are chasing down a 300+ score. Malinga will get better and better and we all know what kind of bowler he is, so he will come back strong. 

6.58 pm: We are expecting some more quotes from the match presentation, so don't go anywhere just yet! 
Corey Anderson, Man of the Match: It's nice to come back home and play in front of family and friends. I guess this World Cup is the stuff we dream of. There were more nerves than normal, but that is pretty cliché isn't it? You always want to do well for NZ. I always have a different plan when I go out to bat, and it turns out differently in the middle. We just wanted to turn that par total into a winning total. Brendon held me back for a little bit till the end, so it was good to get a bowl, but the other bowlers really set the tone, especially Dan who just took them out of the game. 

Corey Anderson is the Man of the Match 

6.52 pm: It is all over folks. New Zealand take the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup tournament opener by beating Sri Lanka by an impressive 98 runs. This victory has been shaped by many hands, with Vettori proving the trump card for Brendon took with his ten overs going for just 2 for 34. Other NZ seamers chipped in with vital strikes as well, but his spell set the tone for the innings. Sri Lanka looked increasingly composed as they managed their chase early on, but once the top order began to fall away, the rest of the batting came undone, and predictably, they folded under the pressure of a mounting required rate. The good news for Sri Lankan fans though, is that Dilshan, Sangakkara and now Mathews have earned some valuable time in the middle, and that should hopefully bode well for the remainder of the tournament. 
46.1
Anderson to Herath, OUT, and Anderson completes the rout by getting Herath to spoon this length delivery straight to the cover fielder as the Hagley Oval erupts in approval 
HMRKB Herath c Milne b Anderson 13 (41m 19b 2x4 0x6) SR: 68.42 
46.1
Anderson to Herath, 1 wide, tests the third umpire's patience with a shorter one, but Llong is having none of it 
Anderson back into the fold now 

 

End of over 46 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 232/9 (100 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 5.04, RRR: 25.00) 
•    
o    RAS Lakmal 7 (17b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HMRKB Herath 13 (18b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 10-1-43-2 
o    AF Milne 10-0-56-2 

 

Gokul: "McCullam, Williamson and Corey in the fantasy team, with Corey as the Captain.. I should've tried some mega jackpot today.." 
45.6
Southee to Lakmal, no run, tries him from round the wicket now as he plays at this fuller one, but is late on it as it goes across 
45.5
Southee to Herath, 1 run, clipped away off the back foot through midwicket for one 
45.5
Southee to Herath, 1 wide, goes for the shorter one which is time penalised by the third umpire 
45.4
Southee to Lakmal, 1 run, stands his ground to blaze away this length delivery through the covers 
Chameera: "first 2015 WC century by Finch " 
45.3
Southee to Lakmal, 2 runs, shorter one from Southee which is pulled away rather uppishly over midwicket 
45.2
Southee to Lakmal, no run, eased away off the back foot towards mid-on 
45.1
Southee to Lakmal, no run, starts off with a short of a length outside off which is defended off the back foot 

 

End of over 45 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 227/9 (105 runs required from 30 balls, RR: 5.04, RRR: 21.00) 
•    
o    HMRKB Herath 12 (17b 2x4 0x6) 
o    RAS Lakmal 4 (12b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 10-0-56-2 
o    TG Southee 9-1-38-2 

 

CharlyPharly: "Milne's Economy rate was saved by Boult and Southee and Vettori taking out the batsmen who were carving him up. He owes those guys a lot..." 
44.6
Milne to Herath, 2 runs, goes round the wicket for the final ball as Herath utilises the angle to help this down to deep fine leg 
44.5
Milne to Herath, no run, able to negotiate this fuller one away towards the point region 
44.4
Milne to Herath, no run, and Herath gets his helmet tested as he is struck right on the grille as he fails to keep his eye on the ball. Straightaway Milne walks over to check on his welfare, with a number of other NZ fielders jogging up to Herath to make sure all is well. Struck him right on the emblem, just above the peak of the helmet. Herath, the champ, shows no distress 
tytiger15: "Southee's kept his economy under 5 and has got 2 wickets, glad I have him in fantasy team" 
44.3
Milne to Lakmal, 1 run, follows him a tick with this full, inswinging delivery on middle and leg 
44.2
Milne to Lakmal, no run, pitched up outside off as this one is driven straight to mid-off 
44.1
Milne to Lakmal, no run, Lakmal looking to get in some batting practice as he has another go at this Milne special outside off 

 

End of over 44 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 224/9 (108 runs required from 36 balls, RR: 5.09, RRR: 18.00) 
•    
o    HMRKB Herath 10 (14b 2x4 0x6) 
o    RAS Lakmal 3 (9b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 9-1-38-2 
o    AF Milne 9-0-53-2 

 

San: "Why do I feel this match is serving as an advertisement of the fate of Asian teams in this tournament? " 
43.6
Southee to Herath, no run, finishes with a pearl of a bouncer which has Herath ducking for cover 
43.5
Southee to Herath, no run, short from the bowler as this is hooked straight to square-leg, who takes a shy at the striker's end after seeing the batsman off his line, which he nails down, but not before the batsman had made his ground 
43.4
Southee to Herath, no run, brings the bat down in the nick of time to this fuller length just outside off 
Tony: "@darkprince0521: No mate, you killed your fantasy team by having Malinga. Bad mistake after a long injury against an in-form NZ! " 
43.3
Southee to Herath, FOUR, gives the Sri Lankans fan something to cheer for as he slams Southee through backward point to find the boundary 
43.2
Southee to Lakmal, 1 run, this time dabbed away off the back foot through point to pickup the single 
43.1
Southee to Lakmal, no run, finds a good length outside off which the batsman is late on as he has a go 

 

 

End of over 43 (1 run) Sri Lanka 219/9 (113 runs required from 42 balls, RR: 5.09, RRR: 16.14) 
•    
o    RAS Lakmal 2 (7b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HMRKB Herath 6 (10b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 9-0-53-2 
o    TG Southee 8-1-33-2 

 

zami: "Is this a dead rubber of the last SLvNZ ODI series?" 
42.6
Milne to Lakmal, 1 run, shifts the line a touch closer to the batsman now as this one is driven firmly to the cover fielder 
42.5
Milne to Lakmal, no run, fuller now, with the line about the same, as Lakmal just can't make a sweet connection 
42.4
Milne to Lakmal, no run, another play-and-a-miss outside off from Lakmal 
darkprince0521: "Malinga killed my fantasy team today....." 
42.3
Milne to Lakmal, no run, brings up the length on the same channel, with this one getting some reverse swing as it went past the flashing blade of Lakmal 
42.2
Milne to Lakmal, no run, has a waft again at this length delivery outside off, but is late on it 
42.1
Milne to Lakmal, no run, 134 kph, begins with a lovely, length delivery outside off which is shouldered arms to 
Milne back on to replace Anderson 

 

End of over 42 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 218/9 (114 runs required from 48 balls, RR: 5.19, RRR: 14.25) 
•    
o    RAS Lakmal 1 (1b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HMRKB Herath 6 (10b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 8-1-33-2 
o    CJ Anderson 3-0-17-1 

CharlyPharly: "ThornyRose: "My predictions for Semi-finals - India, Australia, New Zealand and England... I think India will somehow sneak trough to the semis..." England and India...hmmmm... replace India by Sri Lanka. India are not up to it. New Zealand would score 400 against them" 
41.6
Southee to Lakmal, 1 run, and he gets off the mark right away with a clip to the leg side to end a successful over for the hosts 
The final batsman for Sri Lanka, Suranga Lakmal, is out in the middle 
Sri Lanka now teetering at 217 for 9, with NZ just one away from taking this tournament opener 
41.5
Southee to Malinga, OUT, and Malinga doesn't take long to get back to his seat in the pavilion as he offers a chance straightaway to Ronchi, almost following the line of the ball as this one caught the outside edge on the way to the NZ keeper 
SL Malinga c †Ronchi b Southee 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00 
41.4
Southee to Herath, 1 run, goes round the wicket to Herath as this one is defended away safely from the crease. After much deliberation as to whether to go for the run, they decide to have a go in the end 
41.3
Southee to Herath, no run, defended away to the off side 
With Angelo's exit, out comes Lasith Malinga at No. 10 
41.2
Southee to Mathews, OUT, well, as soon as I say that does the Sri Lankan captain go ahead and offer up a top-edge to this short of a length delivery on middle and leg, with this one flying high to mid-on, with Vettori putting in an excellent, forward diving catch. There is some debate over the placement of his back heel in relation to the bowling crease, but that is sorted soon enough. Sri Lanka now eight down and truly staring down the barrel 
AD Mathews c Vettori b Southee 46 (52b 5x4 0x6) SR: 88.46 
41.1
Southee to Mathews, no run, backs away to the leg side, with the bowler following him as this one is glanced away with the angle behind square. Able to return back for the second. Looks like he is trying to do this on his own 

 

End of over 41 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 216/7 (116 runs required from 54 balls, RR: 5.26, RRR: 12.88) 
•    
o    HMRKB Herath 5 (8b 1x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 46 (50b 5x4 0x6) 
•    
o    CJ Anderson 3-0-17-1 
o    TG Southee 7-1-31-0 

 

rob: "Never makes much sense to me that Matthews bats as low in the order. He always seems to score quickly and with ease. Why not bat him at 5?" 
40.6
Anderson to Herath, no run, full again on the pads as this is struck back towards the bowler on his follow through 
40.5
Anderson to Herath, no run, tries him out with another short one which the batsman is late on as he looks for the hook 
40.4
Anderson to Herath, FOUR, chips at this fuller one outside off uppishly behind square as this one is sent ballooning over backward point to reach the boundary 
40.4
Anderson to Herath, 1 wide, this time gets it far too wide outside off as Nigel is given another reason to stretch his arms 
harsh: "Corey is actually bowling better than Southee." 
40.3
Anderson to Herath, no run, delivers a fuller line now, up around middle and off, as this is driven away 
40.3
Anderson to Herath, 1 wide, too short from Anderson as Nigel Llong signals wide to the scorer 
40.2
Anderson to Herath, no run, looks to go for the hook over fine leg before deciding to simply follow the ball with a swivel 
40.1
Anderson to Mathews, 1 run, full delivery which is driven towards the off side by the batsman 
Entering the final ten overs now. Sri Lanka still have a mountain to climb with 123 needed off 60 

 

End of over 40 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 209/7 (123 runs required from 60 balls, RR: 5.22, RRR: 12.30) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 45 (49b 5x4 0x6) 
o    HMRKB Herath 1 (3b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 7-1-31-0 
o    CJ Anderson 2-0-10-1 

 

John: "Looks like it's all up to Angelo again." 
39.6
Southee to Mathews, 1 run, targeting the pads now as this is clipped away by Mathews for a single through midwicket to retain the strike 
39.6
Southee to Mathews, 1 wide, has a half-hearted swipe at this leg-side slanting, slower bouncer from Southee. Called wide by the umpire 
39.5
Southee to Herath, 1 run, just a touch short now as Herath is able to pull this fiercely through midwicket to get Mathews on strike 
39.4
Southee to Herath, no run, delivers a lovely, swinging delivery across the batsman who has a push at the ball as it went past 
Stephen: "In the context of a tournament rather than a one-off match, should Sri Lanka now give up on the target and simply try to accumulate as many runs as possible in case qualifying comes down to run rate?" 
39.3
Southee to Mathews, 1 run, sends this fuller one from Southee screaming to the fielder at mid-off, who does well to get to the ball in time 
39.2
Southee to Mathews, no run, looked to clear the Hagley as he backed away to set himself, before shuffling back a touch to defend this to the off side 
39.1
Southee to Mathews, FOUR, short and all Mathews has to do is back away and ramp this high over backward point to find the boundary 

 

End of over 39 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 201/7 (131 runs required from 11 overs, RR: 5.15, RRR: 11.90) 
•    
o    HMRKB Herath 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 39 (45b 4x4 0x6) 
•    
o    CJ Anderson 2-0-10-1 
o    TG Southee 6-1-23-0 

 

ThornyRose: "My predictions for Semi-finals - India, Australia, New Zealand and England... I think India will somehow sneak trough to the semis..." 
38.6
Anderson to Herath, no run, returns to over the wicket now as Rangana fends away this length delivery to the off side 
38.5
Anderson to Mathews, 1 run, steers this length delivery towards the cover fielders 
38.4
Anderson to Mathews, FOUR, cut away past backward point, who puts in a dive to take most off the pace from it, before the ball continues through to make it to the third man boundary 
38.3
Anderson to Mathews, no run, defended away by Mathews to the off side 
With that dismissal Sri Lanka go seven down, bringing Rangana Herath out to the middle 
38.2
Anderson to Kulasekara, OUT, advances down the track in an attempt to clear the close-in field on the off side, but all he ends up doing is top-edging a chance to Elliott at deep extra-cover, who comes forward to take the catch. Kula has run out of lives as he departs for 10 
KMDN Kulasekara c Elliott b Anderson 10 (21b 1x4 0x6) SR: 47.61 
38.1
Anderson to Mathews, 1 run, continues round the wicket as he gets Mathews to drive at this fuller one down to the fielder at long off 

 

End of over 38 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 195/6 (137 runs required from 12 overs, RR: 5.13, RRR: 11.41) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 33 (41b 3x4 0x6) 
o    KMDN Kulasekara 10 (20b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 6-1-23-0 
o    CJ Anderson 1-0-4-0 

Muzammil: "My prediction: Quarter finals SA vs SL Ind vs Eng Pak vs OZ WI vs NZ..." 
37.6
Southee to Mathews, 1 run, slanting down leg now as Mathews looks to tickle this past short backward square, but finds the fielder 
37.5
Southee to Mathews, FOUR, short again and this time Mathews pounces on it more effectively, dispatching this over the midwicket boundary for four 
37.4
Southee to Mathews, 2 runs, Mathews looks to disturb Southee's lines as he advances down the track to this shorter one which ends up cramping the right-hander as he looks for the pull through midwicket, instead getting a top-edge which flies safely away from any fielders over extra-cover 
nk: "The two Anderson's are bowling at the same time!" 
37.3
Southee to Kulasekara, 1 run, jumps in his crease as he whips away this length delivery off the pads 
37.2
Southee to Kulasekara, no run, hangs on the back foot as he looks to slap one away past point, but to no avail 
37.1
Southee to Kulasekara, no run, and straight away Kula has a flash at him, going hard at this length delivery outside off stump 
Southee has been brought back on now by McCullum 

 

 

End of over 37 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 187/6 (145 runs required from 13 overs, RR: 5.05, RRR: 11.15) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 26 (38b 2x4 0x6) 
o    KMDN Kulasekara 9 (17b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    CJ Anderson 1-0-4-0 
o    AF Milne 8-0-52-2 

 

 

36.6
Anderson to Mathews, no run 
36.5
Anderson to Kulasekara, 1 run 
36.4
Anderson to Kulasekara, no run, dropped Anderson's doesn't take long to bring about a chance as he gets Kula to feather a chance to Taylor at slip, who goes hard at it before dropping the chance. Kula survives again 
36.3
Anderson to Mathews, 1 run, length which is slipping down leg as Mathews gets away Anderson with a deft flick 
36.2
Anderson to Kulasekara, 1 run, short of a length and angling in from outside off as this is punched away towards the covers 
36.1
Anderson to Mathews, 1 run, starts round the wicket to Mathews who seems content to guide this away through the off side 
Corey Anderson finally makes an appearance at the bowling crease as he limbers up 

 

End of over 36 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 183/6 (149 runs required from 14 overs, RR: 5.08, RRR: 10.64) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 24 (35b 2x4 0x6) 
o    KMDN Kulasekara 7 (14b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 8-0-52-2 
o    DL Vettori 10-0-34-2 

 

 

35.6
Milne to Mathews, 1 run 
35.5
Milne to Mathews, no run, looking for the block hole as he gets this too full, with Mathews striking this one back to Milne on his follow through 
35.4
Milne to Kulasekara, 1 run, 137 kph, squares up Kula with a peach of a delivery shaping in from outside off as this one runs away off the outside edge to third man 
35.3
Milne to Kulasekara, no run, 133 kph, another short bouncer from Milne outside off which is given the second warning to by third umpire 
35.2
Milne to Mathews, 1 run, 137 kph, follows him with a fuller delivery on the pads which is just about dug away by Mathews 
35.1
Milne to Mathews, no run, short outside off from Mline as the umpire calls one for the over 
35.1
Milne to Mathews, 1 wide, 139 kph, starts off with a length delivery down the pads which is signalled wide by the umpire 

 

End of over 35 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 179/6 (153 runs required from 15 overs, RR: 5.11, RRR: 
10.20) 
•    
o    KMDN Kulasekara 6 (12b 1x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 22 (31b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 10-0-34-2 
o    AF Milne 7-0-48-2 

 

Vikram: "@Tanwir: Welcome to Brendon McCullum's world!" 
34.6
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, gives this one plenty of air to end a terrific ten-over spell of 2 for 34. Has been a champion bowler for NZ today 
34.5
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, given no room outside his off stump to work him away 
34.5
Vettori to Kulasekara, 1 wide, straddles down leg as the umpire signals to the scorer 
34.4
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, turned away to the leg side as they pickup a quick single 
34.3
Vettori to Mathews, 1 run, expertly guides Vettori through long off 
34.2
Vettori to Mathews, no run, is late on this one floated in on the same channel 
34.1
Vettori to Mathews, no run, drifts in one on middle and off which is met with a dead, straight ba

 

End of over 34 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 177/6 (155 runs required from 16 overs, RR: 5.20, RRR: 9.68) 
•    
o    KMDN Kulasekara 6 (9b 1x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 21 (28b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 7-0-48-2 
o    DL Vettori 9-0-32-2 

 

Tanwir: "Look at New Zealand.. How bravely they are progressing with 4 bowlers and death overs are nearing..!!" 
33.6
Milne to Kulasekara, FOUR, angling in from outside off as Kula leans into a lovely drive through long on to pickup four valuable runs for Sri Lanka 
33.5
Milne to Kulasekara, no run, withdraws the blade to this length delivery outside off 
33.5
Milne to Kulasekara, 1 wide, delivers a bouncer on off stump which is deemed too high for the batsman to engage with 
33.4
Milne to Mathews, 1 run, leg-side slanting delivery which is flicked away uppishly to deep backward square 
33.3
Milne to Kulasekara, 1 run, length which is pushed at by Nuwan as a misfield at mid-off allows for the run to be taken. Probably the first time all day that NZ have made a blunder in the field 
33.2
Milne to Kulasekara, no run, length outside off which catches the outside edge as Ronchi gets low to his right to get under the ball. Erasmus gives Nuwan his marching orders, but Nuwan is not convinced this carried all the way through to the keeper. No problem with the front foot there, although the camera angles show this may not have carried all the way. This may have gone to grass though... and the umpires agree as they overrule the original decision. Definitely was some concern if this had carried to Ronchi 
33.1
Milne to Kulasekara, no run, fullish length outside off which is driven straight to the cover fielder 

 

End of over 33 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 170/6 (162 runs required from 17 overs, RR: 5.15, RRR: 9.52) 
•    
o    KMDN Kulasekara 1 (4b 0x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 20 (27b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 9-0-32-2 
o    AF Milne 6-0-41-2 

Paco: "Venom, Venom, Venom,... Where is this attitude from SL players? What has gone wrong? Are they old? No.. Even the young players are out of venom. Just play the attacking game as usual. " 
32.6
Vettori to Kulasekara, 1 run, another one pitched outside off which is worked away through cover to end the over 
32.5
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, once again content to dead-bat this back towards the bowler 
32.4
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, gets this one to straighten just outside off as Nuwan presents the maker's name 
32.3
Vettori to Kulasekara, no run, slipping down the leg side now as Nuwan stays well within the confines of his crease 
32.2
Vettori to Mathews, 1 run, wider from Vettori as Mathews eases this away to deep extra-cover 
32.1
Vettori to Mathews, no run, gets this to drift away outside off as Mathews plays down the wrong line 
The new batsman for Sri Lanka is Nuwan Kulasekera, and it is time for the Batting Powerplay 

 

End of over 32 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 168/6 (164 runs required from 18 overs, RR: 5.25, RRR: 9.11) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 19 (25b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 6-0-41-2 
o    DL Vettori 8-0-30-2 

 

All of a sudden Sri Lanka are slipping quite badly after getting themselves to 124 for 1.. Mathews is still there though, but how much can he do on his own? 
31.6
Milne to Mendis, OUT, definite sound as this one went past the batsman's blade, with the NZ keeper and bowler absolutely sure they have got their man. The umpire remains nonplussed however, but NZ want the review. Initial camera angles don't show anything conclusive, but Snicko has a different story as there was definite contact with the bat. Another blow to SL's chance as Mendis heads back to the pavilion 
BMAJ Mendis c †Ronchi b Milne 4 (4b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00 
31.5
Milne to Mendis, FOUR, tries him out with a shorter one which Jeevan just about gets away, albeit not convincingly as this one flies high and handsome over midwicket, with the fielder stationed near there, Anderson, unable to get any hands on it as the wind seemed to blow this past him to the boundary rope 
Free hit for SL. Will they capitalise? Jeevan has only faced two balls... 
31.5
Milne to Mendis, 1 no ball, this time shifts the line a touch closer, but oversteps as he searches for that extra yard of pace 
31.4
Milne to Mendis, no run, what a jaffa! Milne's trajectory from round the wicket is simply impeccable as Jeevan plays inside the line of it. The pace, the angle, the shape. Fast bowling at its finest 
Another crucial blow for NZ as Jeevan Mendis makes his way to the middle. The lad can bat a bit, so Mathews will hope to have his company for as long a time as possible 
31.3
Milne to Karunaratne, OUT, decides to operate round the wicket now to Dimuth, and the plan comes off as he gets Dimuth to play all around this length delivery shaping in with the angle, striking the top of off stump. Milne picks up his first as Dimuth is sent packing from the Hagley 
FDM Karunaratne b Milne 14 (21b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66 
31.2
Milne to Mathews, 1 run, length again outside off which is dead-batted close to the body as they are able to pinch the quick single 
31.1
Milne to Karunaratne, 1 run, length on the pads which is whisked away behind square for an easy single 

 

End of over 31 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 161/4 (171 runs required from 19 overs, RR: 5.19, RRR: 9.00) 
•    
o    FDM Karunaratne 13 (19b 0x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 18 (24b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 8-0-30-2 
o    AF Milne 5-0-34-0 

 

Vrundan: "With the comeback of Vettori and kiwi batting in fire mode, NZ are looking strong contender for this world cup" 
30.6
Vettori to Karunaratne, 1 run, gropes out to this one pitched just outside off to paddle it round the corner to fine leg 
30.5
Vettori to Mathews, 1 run, once again tries to get it past the cover fielder, this time succeeding enough to find the man at deep extra-cover 
30.4
Vettori to Mathews, no run, this time punched away through the covers by the right-hander 
30.3
Vettori to Mathews, FOUR, fractionally short from Vettori and punished by Mathews as he pulls this fiercely through cow corner to find the boundary in no time 
30.2
Vettori to Mathews, no run, struck back at the bowler, who puts in another useful dive to snap it up 
30.1
Vettori to Mathews, no run, loopy delivery on off, dead-batted down the pitch 

 

End of over 30 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 155/4 (177 runs required from 20 overs, RR: 5.16, RRR: 8.85) 
•    
o    FDM Karunaratne 12 (18b 0x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 13 (19b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 5-0-34-0 
o    DL Vettori 7-0-24-2 

Anirrudh: "I am surprised why Corey Anderson is not bowling, even in the two warm up games. The curiosity obviously stems from fantasy cricket!" 
29.6
Milne to Karunaratne, no run, short of a length and defended from the crease as Milne's over comes to a close 
29.5
Milne to Karunaratne, 2 runs, content to tuck away a brace through midwicket 
29.4
Milne to Karunaratne, no run, solid thud of the bat as the ball is met with outside off 
Rutul: "Daniel Vettori has flying under the radar a lot since his Achilles injury. But in my opinion, he's the true X-factor of the team. If he can continue to bowl tidy, contain the runs, and put the pressure on the batsman, NZ may well be the contenders everyone ought them to be. " 
29.3
Milne to Mathews, 1 run, length outside off which is slapped away through the covers, with Mathews wanting a single from the get-go, which he ends up getting after Mathews puts in the dive at the non-striker's after casually jogging the first few steps 
29.2
Milne to Karunaratne, 1 run, drops the line on middle and leg as this is pulled away just behind square on the leg side 
29.1
Milne to Karunaratne, no run, begins with a length delivery on middle and off which is safely negotiated by the batsman 
Milne has been brought back on to try and sniff out some wickets 

 

 

End of over 29 (1 run) Sri Lanka 151/4 (181 runs required from 21 overs, RR: 5.20, RRR: 8.61) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 12 (18b 1x4 0x6) 
o    FDM Karunaratne 9 (13b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 7-0-24-2 
o    TA Boult 10-0-64-2 

raghav: "So I get to know the WC is on. Vettori 5 overs 18-2. Is it 2015? Less than 4 RPO, wickets, that's not how you play Mr. Vettori. Come back to 2015." 
28.6
Vettori to Mathews, no run, drifted outside off as Mathews has a go, hitting this uppishly towards the gully fielder, who is able to complete the take 
28.5
Vettori to Mathews, no run, squares up Mathews with a beautiful flighted delivery on middle and off 
28.4
Vettori to Mathews, no run, pushed at firmly, but Vettori sees it early to put in the dive to his right 
28.3
Vettori to Mathews, no run, this time plays the right line as the ball is defended softly back to Vettori 
28.2
Vettori to Mathews, no run, gets this devilishly close to the outside edge of Mathew's bat as he brought down the blade to defend 
28.1
Vettori to Karunaratne, 1 run, tucked away off the back foot towards the fielder at long on 

 

End of over 28 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 150/4 (182 runs required from 22 overs, RR: 5.35, RRR: 8.27) 
•    
o    FDM Karunaratne 8 (12b 0x4 0x6) 
o    AD Mathews 12 (13b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 10-0-64-2 
o    DL Vettori 6-0-23-2 

Umair: "Vettori has given 3.5 rpo, Boult nearly 7. But both have taken 2 big wickets each. Truly, wickets taken is the great leveler." 
27.6
Boult to Karunaratne, 1 run, punched away off the back foot towards midwicket 
27.5
Boult to Karunaratne, no run, full and swinging in at the base of the pads as Dimuth plays all around it. Boult has a cheeky smile as he walks back to his mark 
27.4
Boult to Mathews, 1 run, this time steers away on the back foot to locate the fielder at third man 
CharlyPharly: "8+ runs an over with 4 wickets down is a big ask, when you middle and lower order are weak and there's more than 20 overs left" 
27.3
Boult to Mathews, no run, slants in an inswinging delivery from outside off with the round-the-wicket angle as Mathews is up to the mark 
27.2
Boult to Karunaratne, 1 run, picks up a single with an easy-as-you-like dab on the leg side 
27.1
Boult to Karunaratne, no run, tries to force the issue on the off side with a back-foot punch, but no dice 

 

End of over 27 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 147/4 (185 runs required from 23 overs, RR: 5.44, RRR: 8.04) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 11 (11b 1x4 0x6) 
o    FDM Karunaratne 6 (8b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 6-0-23-2 
o    TA Boult 9-0-61-2 

 

Aaditya: "Picking Vettori in fantasy always pays off!!!" 
26.6
Vettori to Mathews, no run, tries to guide this through the covers before hitting this one straight back at Vettori, who fields the ball 
26.5
Vettori to Mathews, no run, better now as he slides one in on middle and off 
26.5
Vettori to Mathews, 1 wide, this time slips down the leg side, a rarity for someone of Vettori's pedigree 
26.4
Vettori to Karunaratne, 1 run, looks to just whip this one away on the leg side for one 
26.3
Vettori to Mathews, 1 run, turned away off the pads just behind square as they continue to rotate strike 
26.2
Vettori to Karunaratne, 1 run, pushes at this one pitched outside off as he locates the fielder at mid-off 
26.1
Vettori to Mathews, 1 run, nicely on top of this as he tucks it away off the pads before setting off for a quick single, which the pair complete in quick time 

End of over 26 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 142/4 (190 runs required from 24 overs, RR: 5.46, RRR: 7.91) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 9 (7b 1x4 0x6) 
o    FDM Karunaratne 4 (6b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 9-0-61-2 
o    DL Vettori 5-0-18-2 

Joshua Z: "Mathews is going to have to produce a man-of-the-match performance for SL to win this. If NZ pilfers Mathews' wicket, they have as good as won." 
25.6
Boult to Mathews, 1 run, works with the slanting angle to glance this away to midwicket 
25.5
Boult to Mathews, no run, shortish length outside off which is struck away towards the off side 
25.4
Boult to Mathews, 2 runs, spears in a fuller one angling in on middle as this is clipped away to the leg side 
Jack: "This is pretty much exactly how all the ODI's between the these teams went this summer. Sri Lanka would look good for about 20-25 overs, before falling apart completely in the middle and losing heavily." 
25.3
Boult to Karunaratne, 1 run, opens the face to try and run this past third man, but ends up hitting it straighter to him 
25.2
Boult to Karunaratne, 2 runs, short from Boult as this one is worked away off the back foot towards the vicinity of midwicket 
25.1
Boult to Karunaratne, no run, onto the front foot as this is fended away with soft hands 

End of over 25 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 136/4 (196 runs required from 25 overs, RR: 5.44, RRR: 7.84) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 6 (4b 1x4 0x6) 
o    FDM Karunaratne 1 (3b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 5-0-18-2 
o    TA Boult 8-0-55-2 

Craig: "where is the comment now saying boult is our weak link.??" 
24.6
Vettori to Mathews, 2 runs, wider outside off now as Mathews is given precious room to cut this away through backward square 
24.5
Vettori to Mathews, no run, another slow delivery which Mathews can't punish 
24.4
Vettori to Mathews, no run, slows this one in the air as Mathews is given nothing to work with as he tries to get this away on the leg side 
24.3
Vettori to Karunaratne, 1 run, shorter now, on the leg stump, as this is whipped away behind square 
24.2
Vettori to Karunaratne, no run, gets deep in the crease as he defends on the back foot 
24.1
Vettori to Karunaratne, no run, continues to operate on a nice, tight line as Dimuth is given no room for quarter 

 

End of over 24 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 133/4 (199 runs required from 26 overs, RR: 5.54, RRR: 7.65) 
•    
o    AD Mathews 4 (1b 1x4 0x6) 
o    FDM Karunaratne 0 (0b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 8-0-55-2 
o    DL Vettori 4-0-15-2 

 

Murali: "So pleasing to see the NZ bowlers celebrate after wickets ,like the way its supposed to be,unlike the aussie and england..." 
23.6
Boult to Mathews, FOUR, goes round the wicket to Mathews as the captain gets his tally away with a fortuitous boundary courtesy of a low outside edge which escapes away through third man to the rope 
Sri Lanka go from 124 for 1 to 129 for 4 as Angelo Mathews makes his way to the middle. He hasn't featured of late for SL, but he has had a terrific 2014, finishing up on top of the list with over 1200 runs 
23.5
Boult to Sangakkara, OUT, Boult has got his man. He has enjoyed the wood over Sangakkara in the Tests, now he may have just got his man here. Sangakkara is well late on this inswinging, full delivery coming in from outside off. Was looking to shimmy down the track before seeing the fuller length, before deciding to readjust the stroke to get it away down leg. He is struck right in line of the stumps as he falls over a touch. He takes a couple of steps down to look behind him before he sees the umpire raise the finger after Boult's initial appeal. Wants a review right away, but this looked dead on, with replays confirming that this was indeed going on to hit the stumps. Sangakkara has to go, and with that possibly the hopes of many Sri Lankans, both at the ground and back home 
KC Sangakkara lbw b Boult 39 (38b 5x4 0x6) SR: 102.63 
23.4
Boult to Sangakkara, no run, pitched up just outside off as this one is hit towards point, with the fielder taking the ball and firing in a shy at the non-striker's 
Jack: "How about Dan "too old" Vettori? Bowling very well." 
23.3
Boult to Sangakkara, FOUR, picks up a boundary through long on with a mere push to this length delivery coming in at him. Looked so routine that everyone, including myself, was surprised to see it race away to the boundary rope 
23.2
Boult to Sangakkara, no run, solidly behind the line as Sangakkara looks to regroup with his new partner 
23.1
Boult to Sangakkara, no run, driven firmly to the silly mid-off fielder 

 

 

End of over 23 (1 run) Sri Lanka 125/3 (207 runs required from 27 overs, RR: 5.43, RRR: 7.66) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 35 (33b 4x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 4-0-15-2 
o    TA Boult 7-0-47-1 

 

 

22.6
Vettori to Jayawardene, OUT, and NZ's most experienced hand comes up with the goods as he gets Mahela to offer an outside edge to Ronchi behind, who snaps up the take gleefully. Nothing special about the delivery really, but the pressure before did the trick. Huge wicket for NZ as Mahela departs the oval without troubling the scorers 
DPMD Jayawardene c †Ronchi b Vettori 0 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00 
22.5
Vettori to Jayawardene, no run, defended from the crease by Mahela 
22.4
Vettori to Jayawardene, no run, this time looks to guide it past the silly mid-off, which he is unable to do so 
22.3
Vettori to Jayawardene, no run, Mahela fronts up to his first delivery with a well-executed front foot defence 
22.2
Vettori to Sangakkara, 1 run, darts one in on middle and leg as Sangakkara finds the single he was looking for 
22.1
Vettori to Sangakkara, no run, content to tuck away Vettori down the leg side 
Probably the two most experienced batsman in the world game. What can these two stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket conjure today in Christchurch? Vettori back on to counter this new threat 

 

End of over 22 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 124/2 (208 runs required from 28 overs, RR: 5.63, RRR: 7.42) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 34 (31b 4x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 7-0-47-1 
o    KS Williamson 1-0-7-0 

 

Timely wicket for New Zealand as Sri Lanka looked increasingly composed out there in the middle. That wicket should now bring Mahela to the crease, joining his partner-in-crime, Sangakkara 
21.6
Boult to Thirimanne, OUT, and Boult knocks over Thirimanne to get the Hagley crowd off its seats as off stump is sent rocketing back. Lovely outswinging yorker which Thirimanne played down the wrong line. Still, it was a wonderful knock to get his side off to a smooth start in this run-chase 
HDRL Thirimanne b Boult 65 (60b 8x4 0x6) SR: 108.33 
21.5
Boult to Thirimanne, 2 runs, runs this one away down to third man as they run the first one hard in order to come back for the second as Thirimanne puts in the dive to make his ground 
21.4
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, blazes away a drive on the up through point, but the fielder is equal to the task 
hawkeye: "SL shud keep up with this score rate, and say leave about 150-160 for last 20 overs...then with Mahela, Matthews and Kula I think SL is definitely in with a chance!" 
21.3
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, simply not enough room to cut this short of a length delivery outside off, but manages to get it away all the same 
SL were 121 for 1 at this stage... 
21.2
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, length outside off which is steered away behind square on the off side 
21.1
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, pushed at the top of the bounce past a diving Boult as this one lands up at long off 

 

End of over 21 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 119/1 (213 runs required from 29 overs, RR: 5.66, RRR: 7.34) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 32 (29b 4x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 62 (56b 8x4 0x6) 
•    
o    KS Williamson 1-0-7-0 
o    TA Boult 6-0-42-0 

bob: "I just love the way SL approaches these big matches. As a SA fan I have seen my team swing for the ropes recklessly and mostly faulter. SL is setting itself up marvelously, even if they dont succeed. SL are just awesome in their measured approach. No fluster, no panic, just cool and calculated. " 
20.6
Williamson to Sangakkara, 1 run, able to get it away to deep midwicket to finish off the over 
20.5
Williamson to Thirimanne, 1 run, this time nurdled away to the off side by Thirimanne 
20.4
Williamson to Sangakkara, 1 run, looks to get to the pitch of the ball as he leaves the safety of his crease to caress this through the covers. The shot also brings up their fifty-run partnership 
20.3
Williamson to Thirimanne, 1 run, short and wide as Thirimanne cuts at this hard to find deep extra-cover 
20.2
Williamson to Thirimanne, 2 runs, offers up a low full toss which is tucked away to midwicket. Missed out on a juicy full toss here 
20.1
Williamson to Sangakkara, 1 run, offers up a loopy delivery outside off as he comes round the wicket to the left-hander, with this one blitzed away through the covers 
Into the final 30 overs now with SL needing another 220, but they still have the luxury of nine wickets in hand. Looks like Kane will be given a chance to roll his arm by Brendon 

 

End of over 20 (9 runs) Sri Lanka 112/1 (220 runs required from 30 overs, RR: 5.60, RRR: 7.33) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 29 (26b 4x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 58 (53b 8x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 6-0-42-0 
o    GD Elliott 2-0-11-0 

Sujan Rao: "It all depends on these two batsmen steering Sri Lanka towards the mammoth chasing total. Sanga's innings will be crucial." 
19.6
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, pushes at this length delivery which angles away as Boult puts in a scrambled dive to take most of the pace off it 
19.5
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, full and spearing in on middle as Thirimanne just about does enough to dig this away to point 
19.4
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, fuller and on the pads as this is whipped away to midwicket 
zami: "Does anyone think of Perera's position? I would suggest him the 2-down. His position in last series went in vein. Perhaps this position might give some boost in this chase as well." 
19.3
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, content to glide this one outside his off stump to third man 
19.2
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, straighter now from Boult as this is whisked away on the leg side for one 
19.1
Boult to Sangakkara, FOUR, takes a leaf from Thirimanne's book as he advances down the track to chip Boult over a deepish mid-off, who despite the leap to his left and back, is unable to get 

 

End of over 19 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 103/1 (229 runs required from 31 overs, RR: 5.42, RRR: 7.38) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 56 (51b 8x4 0x6) 
o    KC Sangakkara 22 (22b 3x4 0x6) 
•    
o    GD Elliott 2-0-11-0 
o    TA Boult 5-0-33-0 

 

Zilmy: "Sri Lanka definitely still in this. About 20 runs behind where NZ were at this stage but wickets still in hand. Let's hope it's a close one!" 
18.6
Elliott to Thirimanne, FOUR, picks the slower ball outside his off stump before launching this over long off to find the boundary after a couple of bounces. They needed the boundary, and he backed himself to get it 
18.5
Elliott to Thirimanne, no run, lunges forward before working this away towards point 
18.4
Elliott to Sangakkara, 1 run, nurdled away off the back foot through the leg side by Sangakkara 
AG: "Looks like Thirimanne is a big event performer? he performed well in World T20 p, then pretty poor scores in next couple of series and now starting the worls cup with a 50. Can't read too much into this, but definitely to think about." 
18.3
Elliott to Sangakkara, no run, driven authoritatively through the line, but can't get it past the long off fielder 
18.2
Elliott to Sangakkara, no run, looks to shuffle over before running this one straight into the lap of slip 
18.1
Elliott to Thirimanne, 1 run, Elliott continues to operate round the wicket as he lets go of a slower ball which is crashed away square off the wicket on the off side 

 

End of over 18 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 97/1 (235 runs required from 32 overs, RR: 5.38, RRR: 7.34) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 51 (48b 7x4 0x6) 
o    KC Sangakkara 21 (19b 3x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 5-0-33-0 
o    GD Elliott 1-0-5-0 

 

Ram: "You wouldn't call the Baz effort a drop. No one else would have even reached the ball. But it should've been caught by Baz standards." 
17.6
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, just about squeezes away this back of a length slanting in from outside off 
17.5
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, directed away towards the covers by Thirimanne 
17.4
Boult to Sangakkara, 1 run, Sangakkara able to ease away Boult square off the wicket as he sets off for a quick single, making his ground before the throw knocked down the stumps 
shakti: "With all the experience Sangakara has, one thing is for sure - He doesn't know how to run." 
17.3
Boult to Sangakkara, no run, once again focuses on that middle and off line as Sangakkara brings down the hammer 
17.2
Boult to Sangakkara, no run, defended on the front foot towards the fielder at mid-off 
17.1
Boult to Sangakkara, FOUR, slipping down leg as Sangakkara punishes him for straying on the pads, getting away a flick behind square which powers away to the boundary 
With that interval we also have a bowling change as Trent Boult comes back into the attack 

 

End of over 17 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 91/1 (241 runs required from 33 overs, RR: 5.35, RRR: 7.30) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 50 (46b 7x4 0x6) 
o    KC Sangakkara 16 (15b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    GD Elliott 1-0-5-0 
o    AF Milne 4-0-30-0 

 

And with that we have drinks. Sri Lanka moving along at a comfortable 91 for 1, but something will have to give as the required rate creeps ever higher 
16.6
Elliott to Thirimanne, no run, defended away close to the body on the leg side 
16.5
Elliott to Sangakkara, 1 run, able to clip this away on the leg side, but can't find the space he sought 
16.4
Elliott to Thirimanne, 1 run, punched away off the back square off the wicket as he brings up his fifty after that let-off just earlier. Has really taken the lead in this innings for SL so far 
16.3
Elliott to Sangakkara, 1 run, driven along the ground to long on by the left-hander 
16.2
Elliott to Thirimanne, 1 run, dropped it is all happening here at the Hagley! Thirimanne offers a straightforward lob to McCullum which creeps up high as he just mistimes the jump at silly mid-on to try and catch this one hand. Ends up bobbling over as he picks up the ball and fires in a throw at the non-striker's, which he connects. Would have been a horrid way to go for Thirimanne, though 
16.1
Elliott to Sangakkara, 1 run, whips away this fuller delivery past the bowler to get it down to long on 
With that milestone done and dusted, we have Grant Elliott coming on to bowl 

 

End of over 16 (12 runs) Sri Lanka 86/1 (246 runs required from 34 overs, RR: 5.37, RRR: 7.23) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 13 (12b 2x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 48 (43b 7x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 4-0-30-0 
o    DL Vettori 3-0-14-1 

Steve: "NZ would love to have Thirimanne and Sanga at the crease for as long as possible as the RRR will continue to climb. With win looking out of reach of SL, they should bat all 50 overs and try to get 270-290 to help in a NRR situation further down the road." 
15.6
Milne to Sangakkara, 1 run, gets away a single through midwicket to end a historic over for Sangakkara and ODI cricket 
15.5
Milne to Sangakkara, FOUR, and he gets past 1000 World Cup runs to become the third Sri Lankan to the mark with a wristly tickle to this leg-side slanting delivery. Another significant milestone for the left-hander. He has also passed Ricky Ponting on the ODI run-scorer's list to go to second all time after Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar 
15.4
Milne to Sangakkara, FOUR, in the slot and all Sangakkara has to do is unfurl his trademark, bended-knee cover drive as this one whistles to the ropes. Glorious shot from the elder statesman 
RijvyBD: "Vettori looks better with his beard, doesn't he? :)" 
15.3
Milne to Thirimanne, 1 run, looks composed as he elects to run this short of a length delivery outside off to third man 
15.2
Milne to Sangakkara, 1 run, short from the bowler as Sangakkara plays at it with deft hands to get Thirimanne back on strike 
15.1
Milne to Thirimanne, 1 run, goes round the wicket to Thirimanne as the left-hander goes for the old fashioned tip-and-run outside his off stump 

 

End of over 15 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 74/1 (258 runs required from 35 overs, RR: 4.93, RRR: 7.37) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 3 (8b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 46 (41b 7x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 3-0-14-1 
o    AF Milne 3-0-18-0 

Muhammad : "thats the sort of running between the wickets you would associate with Sangakkara. he is so crazy. you just picture it all the time when he is in the middle" 
14.6
Vettori to Sangakkara, 2 runs, goes down the track before placing this through midwicket for a brace 
14.5
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, shifts the line of attack outside off as Thirimanne is able to dab this away square on the off side 
14.4
Vettori to Thirimanne, no run, ends up playing this one back to the bowler as Vettori continues to operate a tight line 
14.3
Vettori to Sangakkara, 1 run, this time steered away off the pads to the leg side as Sangakkara finally gets his 2015 World Cup tally going 
14.2
Vettori to Sangakkara, no run, can't get it past Vettori who puts in a lovely dive in his follow through 
14.1
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, steers this one past a diving silly mid-on to find the long on fielder 

 

End of over 14 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 69/1 (263 runs required from 36 overs, RR: 4.92, RRR: 7.30) 
•    
o    KC Sangakkara 0 (5b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 44 (38b 7x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 3-0-18-0 
o    DL Vettori 2-0-9-1 

 

13.6
Milne to Sangakkara, no run 
13.5
Milne to Sangakkara, no run 
13.4
Milne to Sangakkara, no run, more than happy to let this one going across him through to Ronchi 
13.3
Milne to Sangakkara, no run, pushed through on the front foot by Sangakarra just in front of point, with Sangakkara's call to get to the other end late. He takes a couple of steps, sees the imminent danger, and scurries desperately to his end. A direct hit would have ended his innings prematurely 
Nate: "Just as I was writing about the importance of wickets! Thanks Dan the Man!" 
13.2
Milne to Sangakkara, no run, withdraws the blade to this length delivery going across him 
13.2
Milne to Sangakkara, 1 wide, immediately delivers a wide down the leg side to the experienced left-hander 
13.1
Milne to Thirimanne, 1 run, Thirimanne able to glance this length delivery off the pads to bring Sangakkara on strike, much to the delight of the Sri Lankan fans in the crowd 

 

End of over 13 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 67/1 (265 runs required from 37 overs, RR: 5.15, RRR: 7.16) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 43 (37b 7x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 2-0-9-1 
o    AF Milne 2-0-16-0 

 

 

12.6
Vettori to Dilshan, OUT, and Dilshan departs the Hagley in the softest of ways as he offers a straightforward lob to this one pushed through by Vettori on middle and leg, with the spinner hardly in any trouble as he completed the catch. Dilshan walks away rather ignominiously from the middle as Sri Lanka lose their first wicket of the innings 
TM Dilshan c & b Vettori 24 (41b 2x4 0x6) SR: 58.53 
12.5
Vettori to Dilshan, no run, gets down the track before padding this one which turns into him to the leg side 
12.4
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, makes a little room outside his off stump to glide this away to third man 
The papare band in its element as these two continue to motor along 
12.3
Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, driven firmly through the covers by the batsman 
12.2
Vettori to Dilshan, no run, defended by Dilshan to the off side 
12.1
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, tries to tickle this leg-side slanting delivery fine past short backward square, with the fielder able to pounce on this quickly before firing a throw at the wrong end as the batsman at the striker's end looked just short of his ground 

 

End of over 12 (12 runs) Sri Lanka 64/0 (268 runs required from 38 overs, RR: 5.33, RRR: 7.05) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 23 (37b 2x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 41 (35b 7x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 2-0-16-0 
o    DL Vettori 1-0-6-0 

Adnan: "Thirimanne is going all right.. its Dilshan who has to pick up the pace.. and he is certainly more than than capable of doing that." 
11.6
Milne to Dilshan, 2 runs, just short enough for Dilshan to pull as he gets this away towards midwicket 
11.5
Milne to Thirimanne, 1 run, fires in a 142 kph thunderbolt which is edged away to the off side by Thirimanne 
11.4
Milne to Thirimanne, FOUR, shows Dilshan his version of the ramp as he successfully gets under this shorter one to find the boundary at third man 
11.3
Milne to Thirimanne, no run, driven firmly on the up, but straight to the mid-off fielder 
11.2
Milne to Thirimanne, FOUR, uppish strike through the covers from Thirimanne as this one flies through the space to find the extra-cover boundary after a couple of bounces. Resembled Sangakkara there as he finished with a flourish of the bat 
11.1
Milne to Dilshan, 1 run, spearing in on middle and leg as he looks for the yorker, with this one successfully dug out to the leg side 

 

End of over 11 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 52/0 (280 runs required from 39 overs, RR: 4.72, RRR: 7.17) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 20 (35b 2x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 32 (31b 5x4 0x6) 
•    
o    DL Vettori 1-0-6-0 
o    AF Milne 1-0-4-0 

Sam: "SriLanka don't have the fire power to accelerate towards the end of the innings. They have some good hitters in their line up, but not suited to these pitches. Time is running out fast for them." 
10.6
Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, charges down before driving on the up past Vettori to his left to end his first over 
10.5
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, content to steer Vettori square off the wicket on the off side as they continue to rotate strike 
10.4
Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, far too wide outside off as Dilshan frees his arms to scythe this away through cover. Brings up the SL 50 as well 
10.3
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, fuller one on the pads which is neatly tucked away behind square 
10.2
Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, plays the correct line to this one turning in a touch on off 
10.1
Vettori to Thirimanne, 1 run, begins with one darted in on leg which is flicked away by Thirimanne to the leg side 
NZ were 77 for 1 at this point. SL currently on 46 for 1. Daniel Vettori has also been tossed the ball 

 

End of over 10 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 46/0 (286 runs required from 40 overs, RR: 4.60, RRR: 7.15) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 17 (32b 2x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 29 (28b 5x4 0x6) 
•    
o    AF Milne 1-0-4-0 
o    TG Southee 5-1-15-0 

Ollie: "Bad decision not to have Mitch in the team he isnt the fastest 50 wicket taker for nothing. " 
9.6
Milne to Dilshan, no run, squirts this length delivery outside his off stump to the man at point 
9.5
Milne to Dilshan, 2 runs, not quite that short but Dilshan goes for the pull anyways as he gets this away through midwicket, running the first one hard in order to come back in time for the second 
9.4
Milne to Thirimanne, 1 run, fuller and on the pads as this is clipped away through midwicket for one 
zami: "Guys, the critical factor in this type of matches is time spent on the crease by the top. Not the hard hitting style from the beginning. As we saw in the last series of SL, when the top order collapsed cheaply, then it haunted the whole team. So be patient!" 
9.3
Milne to Thirimanne, no run, rapid stuff from Milne, on middle, as this one is fended away by the batsman 
9.2
Milne to Thirimanne, no run, Thirimanne content to get behind the line as this one slants away upon pitching on middle and leg 
9.1
Milne to Dilshan, 1 run, unleashes a 138 kph firebolt which squares up Dilshan as he is late on this attempted glance to the leg side, with the ball catching the outside edge to fly towards third man 
This should be fun. We have Adam Mline on now to bowl, and he can get it up there in terms of pace 

 

End of over 9 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 42/0 (290 runs required from 41 overs, RR: 4.66, RRR: 7.07) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 28 (25b 5x4 0x6) 
o    TM Dilshan 14 (29b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 5-1-15-0 
o    TA Boult 4-0-27-0 

Sayan Mandal: "For SL, Dilshan is the key. He's coming with a century in the last match and can accelerate quickly. But he needs to do so now.. time is running out" 
8.6
Southee to Thirimanne, no run, gets far too early into his stroke as he gets a bottom-edge to this attempted pull which is collected by Ronchi 
8.5
Southee to Thirimanne, FOUR, and that move has cost them four runs as Thirimanne expertly weaves this past short third man to pinpoint the gap at the boundary 
Third man into the circle now, with fine leg dropped back 
8.4
Southee to Thirimanne, no run, goes round the wicket to Thirimamne now as the left-hander has a go at this length delivery wide of off 
raja: "Why is Milne not opening the bowling?? Thought I would get to see him before going to exam!! :(" 
8.3
Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, pushed firmly by Dilshan on the up, but can't get it past a leaping short mid-off 
8.2
Southee to Dilshan, no run, not quite got a hold of this one as he ends up dragging this to mid-off, with the intention of going through the covers 
8.1
Southee to Dilshan, no run, length ball which angles in a smidgen as this is defended off the back foot 
Not the worst of starts for SL, but still plenty of work to do 

 

End of over 8 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 37/0 (295 runs required from 42 overs, RR: 4.62, RRR: 7.02) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 24 (22b 4x4 0x6) 
o    TM Dilshan 13 (26b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 4-0-27-0 
o    TG Southee 4-1-10-0 

 

Mayura: "SL missed a real trick not opening with Jayawardene." 
7.6
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, tries to steer one past the keeper as this one slants in from outside off, but Ronchi is equal to the task 
7.5
Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR, short now and this time Thirimanne is equal to it, rocking onto the back foot to hook this over to the backward square boundary. Looks like he is willing to take the lead in the partnership 
7.4
Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR, yorker on middle and leg which Thirimanne sees early enough as he backs away and then gets low to drive this through the covers, which he does with classical elegance 
Dan: "Boult leaking 19 runs from his first three overs compared with Southee's 5. I still feel Boult is the weakest ODI seamer of the five in the NZ squad, and the selectors are allowing themselves to be blinded by his test form. And yes, I'm aware he took five South African wickets in a meaningless warmup match. But if there is a weak link to this NZ lineup, it's Boult." 
7.3
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, once again on top of the bounce as this one is fended away deftly to the leg side 
7.2
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, shifts the line wider of off as Thirimanne is given ample room to free his arms, but cuts this straight to the point fielder, which he probably didn't aspire to do 
7.1
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, tucks away Boult to the leg side, and that too with soft hands 

 

 

End of over 7 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 29/0 (303 runs required from 43 overs, RR: 4.14, RRR: 7.04) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 13 (26b 2x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 16 (16b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 4-1-10-0 
o    TA Boult 3-0-19-0 

Ali: "With teams these days consistently scoring way above 300, the modern ODI's have become an extended form of T20, more like an F-50, or 50-50 rather than the good old ODI's where a score of about 250 was considered a competitive game. No respect for the bowlers as per the ICC rule book, this had to happen." 
6.6
Southee to Dilshan, no run, length which just jags back into the right-hander as there is a noise as this goes past the inside-edge of Dilshan's bat. They go up for the appeal, but there doesn't seem to be any urgency on the part of the NZ fielders. Replays confirm that it was a good decision as the sound emanated from the ball brushing past the pad 
6.5
Southee to Dilshan, no run, angles one in from outside off as Dilshan brings down the blade in the nick of time 
6.4
Southee to Dilshan, no run, looks for the cut behind square on the off side, but pinpoints the fielder at backward point 
6.3
Southee to Dilshan, FOUR, short and he looks to get on top of this, which he does comfortably enough to pickup a boundary through square-leg. Looked slightly awkward as he got away the stroke, but it gets the desired result 
6.2
Southee to Dilshan, no run, length outside off which is careened away by Dilshan through the covers, but once again is stopped within the ring 
6.1
Southee to Thirimanne, 1 run, able to glide this length delivery on middle down to third man 

 

End of over 6 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 24/0 (308 runs required from 44 overs, RR: 4.00, RRR: 7.00) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 9 (21b 1x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 15 (15b 2x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 3-0-19-0 
o    TG Southee 3-1-5-0 

 

Prabhash Miri: "Guys, you are chasing 331 in 50 overs. After eating so many deliveries in power play you are going to make Kula & Mendis life miserable with asking rate more than 10 in death overs." 
5.6
Boult to Dilshan, no run, goes round the line to Dilshan as the right-hander plays inside of the line of this one shaping away. Really was a pearl of a delivery from Boult 
5.5
Boult to Dilshan, no run, this time Dilshan searches for the drive on the up through the covers, but finds Brendon at mid-off 
5.4
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, content to glide this shortish length delivery outside off to third man 
Jacques: "Angelo Mathews owes his team after his blunders in the bowling rotation. I predict he is due 60-70 runs, that is how many extra runs NZ have on the board b/c of him." 
5.3
Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR, full and in the slot as Thirimanne unleashes a drive through long off which has no one bothered to chase it. Extremely important runs for SL early on in this chase 
5.2
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, gets nicely on top of the bounce to defend this with an angled blade 
5.1
Boult to Thirimanne, 2 runs, Thirimanne steers this length delivery shaping away on the up through point to earn a couple 

 

End of over 5 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 17/0 (315 runs required from 45 overs, RR: 3.40, RRR: 7.00) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 9 (19b 1x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 8 (11b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 3-1-5-0 
o    TA Boult 2-0-12-0 

Shakeel: "Required run rate near 7 already.." 
4.6
Southee to Dilshan, no run, another one which he is late on as this time he inside-edged onto the body to end the over 
4.5
Southee to Dilshan, no run, is late on this goodish length delivery which cuts in upon pitching, striking him on the thigh pad 
4.4
Southee to Thirimanne, 1 run, this time opens the face to run this off-side slanting delivery through to third man 
4.3
Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, brings the line a touch closer to the batsman as Dilshan is able to drive this one on the up through extra-cover, before McCullum, at mid-off, is able to run at full tilt to his left before putting in a splendid, rolling dive to stop this in its tracks 
4.2
Southee to Dilshan, no run, looks to crash away this length delivery through the off side as he goes hard again, but doesn't get it away. Has struggled for timing early on in this innings so far 
4.1
Southee to Dilshan, no run, tries to get Southee away on the leg side, but mistimes the stroke 

 

End of over 4 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 15/0 (317 runs required from 46 overs, RR: 3.75, RRR: 6.89) 
•    
o    HDRL Thirimanne 7 (10b 1x4 0x6) 
o    TM Dilshan 8 (14b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 2-0-12-0 
o    TG Southee 2-1-3-0 

Aaditya: "We always talk about line and length, but I guess pace is still the most important aspect of a fast bowler. 
3.6
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, able to fend away this length delivery angling in on off and middle 
3.5
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, follows this shorter one from Boult as he looks for the ramp, but doesn't quite go to plan for Thirimanne 
3.4
Boult to Dilshan, 1 run, full this time as he shifts the line outside off, with Dilshan getting away a streaky shot through third man 
viraj: "Please Thiri if your going to get 30 off 50 balls you better keep going because we arent going to win that way." 
3.3
Boult to Dilshan, no run, falls over a touch as he defends this one from the crease 
3.2
Boult to Dilshan, no run, delivers one on middle which is defended back to him by the batsman 
3.1
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, tries to force the issue on the off side with a punch, but ends up running a quick single when he doesn't quite get it past the ring 

 

End of over 3 (maiden) Sri Lanka 13/0 (319 runs required from 47 overs, RR: 4.33, RRR: 6.78) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 7 (11b 1x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 6 (7b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 2-1-3-0 
o    TA Boult 1-0-10-0 

Adnan: "Mendis bowled an over, got two set batsman out and gave 1 run .. and never got an over again .. no obvious reason for that." 
2.6
Southee to Dilshan, no run, solidly behind the line as this one is nurdled down to mid-on 
2.5
Southee to Dilshan, no run, looks to thrash hard at this length delivery outside off, but plays down the wrong line as the ball deviates inside upon hitting the pitch 
2.4
Southee to Dilshan, no run, fires in a short delivery which Dilshan is well late on as he looks for the hook 
Prabhash Miri: "Scores of Sri Lanka in last 8 matches in NZ soil were 218, 252,276,252,195,287,279 and 273. They could only win 2 matches from 8. They have never crossed 300 margin. SL need really a special effort in this game." 
2.3
Southee to Dilshan, no run, is well early on this pull as he ends up chopping onto the body 
2.2
Southee to Dilshan, no run, nicely behind the line as this one is fended softly to the leg side 
2.1
Southee to Dilshan, no run, driven firmly on the back foot towards the direction of mid-off 

 

End of over 2 (10 runs) Sri Lanka 13/0 (319 runs required from 48 overs, RR: 6.50, RRR: 6.64) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 7 (5b 1x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 6 (7b 1x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TA Boult 1-0-10-0 
o    TG Southee 1-0-3-0 

Siva: "Matthews surely has not used his bowlers like Herath, Mendis, Dilshan and himself completely , NZ will always be suspect against slow bowlers." 
1.6
Boult to Dilshan, 1 run, tries again but doesn't quite time it despite been given a wider line to work with 
1.5
Boult to Dilshan, FOUR, gets a fortunate boundary with this inside-edge which streaks past the stumps as he looked to throw the kitchen sink at this short of a length ball going across him 
1.4
Boult to Dilshan, no run, defended solidly towards the off side as Dilshan steps down the track a touch 
Adnan: " NZ looked a complete unit. Impressive batting from each batsman " 
1.3
Boult to Thirimanne, 1 run, steered away on the back foot behind square on the off side 
1.2
Boult to Thirimanne, no run, fuller on the pads as this is clipped away to mid-on 
1.1
Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR, Thirimanne punches this length delivery outside off through the point region, with the chasing fielder able to win the race in the end, but it looks as though he may have dragged his foot on the rope when he looked to gather it, so signalled four runs 
Trent Boult has been handed the other new ball and is raring to go 

 

End of over 1 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 3/0 (329 runs required from 49 overs, RR: 3.00, RRR: 6.71) 
•    
o    TM Dilshan 2 (2b 0x4 0x6) 
o    HDRL Thirimanne 1 (4b 0x4 0x6) 
•    
o    TG Southee 1-0-3-0 

 

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0.6
Southee to Dilshan, no run, punched away off the back foot to end a tidy opening over for NZ 
0.5
Southee to Dilshan, 2 runs, turned away off the pads behind square as Dilshan gets off the mark with a well-ran two 
0.4
Southee to Thirimanne, 1 run, gets a thick outside edge as he looks to lean into a cover drive, with this one falling safely away from the slip to his left 
Dasun Sandeepa: "Yesterday was Darwin's birthday! Funny that his theory, "Survival of the fittest" says it all about current situation of SL. We didn't adapt. While other teams have switched their gears, we have become more conservative. In short = guys, hammer the loose deliveries! put bowlers on back foot." 
0.3
Southee to Thirimanne, no run, short of a length and shaping away as this is fended away to the off side 
0.2
Southee to Thirimanne, no run, gets solidly behind the line of this length delivery swinging back into him 
0.1
Southee to Thirimanne, no run, Southee begins with a leg-side delivery which the Thirimanne tries to get away 
We are just about to begin, with Thirimanne on strike to face the wrath of Southee