NZ go down to SL.

Sri Lanka grabbed their first win of the series with a convincing win over New Zealand at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat on a seaming wicket with the overs reduced to 46 per side.

New Zealand were in trouble right from the start with the loss of Fleming(2) in the second over. Nevin looked in great form with 12 off just 14 before he got run out with a direct hit from Atapattu.

Scott Styris only lasted 2 balls before he was caught at first slip. New Zealand were 3-18 and in trouble. Cairns added 14 in quick time before he gave a sharp caught and bowled chance to Nayanakantha on debut.

At the other end Lou Vincent(32) was battling away and was join by Jacob Oram(20). They added 48 runs before both fell in close succession.

The tail had little resistance with no-one staying with Chris Harris who ended not out on 20 when New Zealand were dismissed for 139 in 43.1 overs.

Spin King Muralitharan did most damage as he grabbed 3-16 off 8.1 overs. Nissanka also bowled well to end with figures of 2-11 off just 5 overs.

Chasing just 140 to win, the Sri Lankans got off to a good start and looked to be cruising. 68 runs for the first wicket and then they started to make it hard for themselves.

They slumped to 120 for 5 before Dilshan(18*) and Vaas(5*) saw them safely past the target with 14 balls to spare.

Wicketkeeper Kaluwitharana top scored with 48(119 balls) and Jayasuriya got 33. Jacob Oram bowled well for NZ beating the bat a lot and ended with 3-12 of 9 overs.

In the end New Zealand were not good enough and showed they really missed Shane Bond with Kyle Mills struggling for rhythm while bowling 5 no-balls in just 5 overs.

RESULT:Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
POINTS:Sri Lanka 5, New Zealand 1

SHORT SCORECARD: New Zealand 329 all out (Vincent 32, Harris 20*, Oram 20, Muralitharan 3-16, Nissanka 2-11) lost to Sri lanka 143/5(Kaluwitharana 48, Jayasuriya 33, Oram 3-12, Styris 1-6)


Posted by Tamara