NZ beat SL by 21 runs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match - Commentary
Sri Lanka in New Zealand, 3 ODI Series, 2019
Date: Jan 05, 2019 Start Time: 06:30 IST | 01:00 GMT | 14:00 LocalVenue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd Match - ODI Commentary
320 to win then. Should be 2-0 NZ unless we get to see a special knock from someone. Actually, it needs to be more than special. Batting against the new balls will be the key. If the Lankan openers manage to repeat their last match heroics, then the middle order will be under lesser pressure. Considering that it is a slow and turning track, they might feel at home and perform well. Join us back at 6.15 pm local (0515 GMT) for the run chase.
Another poor bowling display from the Lankans. Barring Malinga, no one looked like even picking up a wicket. Pradeep was good with the new ball but then lacked intent in his later spells.
Taylor was unlucky to miss out on his century, getting run out for 90, registering his fifth successive score of 50 or more in ODIs. But then Neesham strut his stuff with another cameo of 64 from just 37 balls. The hosts took their time to rebuild but still have managed to end with a run rate in excess of 6.
A good batting effort from the Kiwis again. Only today, they lost two quick wickets. However, decent partnerships for the next 4 wickets kept Sri Lanka at bay. Munro and Taylor started the repair work, then the hammer came down after the former was dropped on 60. His dismissal did not dampen their hopes as Rosco started to pile on the heat.
A more than a handy total by the Kiwis. The Lankans might be happy that they have not conceded 350-plus today but that does not mean that this is easier to chase. The pitch is slow, gripping, turning and also having some bounce.
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. OUT! A run out to end the innings. A full ball around off, Seifert drives it straight back to the bowler. There is hardly any run there but Southee runs and the other Tim obliges. Suicide. Perera runs back and disturbs the stumps. NEW ZEALAND FINISH ON 319/7!
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple. The throw comes in to the bowler who is at the stumps but fails to collect. Southee was a goner.
Thisara Perera to Tim Southee. Full on middle, whipped over mid-wicket for a run.
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. A short ball, slower in pace, 99.3 kph, Tim looks to punch but drags it towards square leg. Just a single.
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. SIX! Oh dear... No Neesham, no problem. Thisara still continues to leak runs. A full ball, buffet delivery at this stage, Seifert just swings it miles over long on!
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. FOUR! Innovative shot. Full and straight, Seifert gets across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary!
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Southee. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. Outside off, a play and a miss.
Tim Southee walks in at number 8, replacing Neesham.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. OUT! RUN OUT! Superb piece of fielding from Nuwan Pradeep and Thisara Perera will be heaving a sigh of relief. Because in all likelihood, he will bowl the final over and Neesham will not be here. A yorker, on middle, Jimmy looks to dig it out but gets a bottom edge onto the ground, which lobs to the off side. The striker is not sure whether to go for the single but Seifert calls him into it. The two batsmen are almost within handshaking distance of each other. Eventually Neesham starts to run. Pradeep gets to the ball, takes it, then takes aim, is not bothered with Neesham crossing his eyeline and has a shy. Bull's eye at the bowler's end. No need to even go upstairs.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. A short ball around middle, Neesham pulls it behind square leg. The fielder runs to his left and makes a wonderful diving stop. Two runs taken.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. Outside off, pulled through mid-wicket for a run. 20 from the over, Perera has gone for 55 in his 6.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Another one! Thisara goes full again and Neesham goes bang once more. Half volley, around middle, the southpaw swings it wayyy over mid-wicket!
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. WIDE. A short ball, down the leg side, JN looks to pull but misses. Dickwella appeals but alone.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Terrific shot! It is Jimmy vs Thisara again! Full and right in the slot, around leg, Neesham flicks it massively over long on!
Thisara Perera to Tim Seifert. Full and outside off, Seifert comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a run.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. Fuller in length, way down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. FOUR! SLAP! Welcome back into the attack again, mate! It was Taylor in the previous Thisara over, this time it is Neesham. A short ball, down the leg side, Jimmy pulls it behind square leg and beats fine leg to his right.
Here he comes again. Death-over specialist. Thisara Perera. 5-0-35-0 so far.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. Bad judgement from the fielder. A short ball outside off, Seifert looks to pull but is unable to adjust to the bounce. The ball goes off the top edge and almost carries to deep mid-wicket. Could have been a catch had Danushka Gunathilaka charged in or put some sort of an effort but he barely moves. Allows the ball to come to him and it lands in front. Poor effort. A single taken.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. A long hop, pulled away for one.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. Outside off, pushed through the covers for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. Excellent yorker on middle, dug out towards cover for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. FOUR! A bit of a heave but it profits New Zealand. Full and around middle, hint of inswing, Neesham swings hard and the ball goes off the inner half, wide of square leg and beats fine leg.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. Full toss outside off, driven straight to mid off. End of Malinga for the day - A decent effort - 10-0-45-2.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Full and around off, pushed through mid off for a run.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. NOT OUT! PITCHING OUTSIDE LEG. End of matter. Given that Malinga was desperate for the review, one would have felt that he was confident. To the naked eye though, it seemed to be pitching outside leg. And Hawk Eye confirms it as well. It was a full ball which Neesham failed to flick and was hit on the pads.
Review time! Is Neesham trapped LBW? Malinga reckons he is...
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Full on middle, Neesham looks to flick but miscues it. Mid-wicket runs back while the man in the deep comes in. But the ball lands in between. Two runs taken.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. Down the leg side, a full toss, helped through fine leg for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. Outside off, a play and a miss.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tim Seifert. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Tim Seifert walks in at number 7, replacing Taylor.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. OUT! Taylor is short! No century for him. But a selfless piece of running. Taylor was not looking for that ton. He was only looking for runs. Down the leg side, Taylor flicks it through square leg and returns for the second. Lakshan Sandakan gets to the ball from long leg and returns a sharp throw to Niroshan Dickwella who completes the work. The appeal is referred upstairs and replays show that Rosco is well short. Magnificent innings again. Well played.
RUN OUT APPEAL! Is Taylor gone? Referred upstairs...
Nuwan Pradeep returns. 6-0-41-1 so far.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Excellent yorker on middle, dug out back to the bowler.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Full on middle, driven through mid on for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Full again, on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Very full outside off, eased through the covers for a brace again.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. A yorker first up, dug out back to the bowler.
Lasith Malinga is back on. 8-0-34-2 so far.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Full and around middle, Neesham plays all around that and is hit on the pads. Sandakan appeals but surprisingly, Dickwella does not even shout. Missing leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and around middle, Taylor gets down and paddles it towards short fine leg for another single.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Outside off, pushed towards cover for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan returns. 9-0-52-0 so far.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 17 from the over, 30 from the last 2!
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Outside off, Rosco stays leg side of the ball and chops it towards third man for a run.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. SIX! Effortless shot! Perera has gone for 14 in 3 balls in this second spell. Looks like the announcement has been made by New Zealand. Beware, Sri Lanka. Boundaries are coming... A length ball, around middle, Neesham flicks it with ease and the timing takes the ball all the way over mid-wicket!
Thisara Perera to James Neesham. WIDE. A wayward bouncer, down the leg side, Neesham ducks. Niroshan Dickwella has to leap to collect. Too high a bouncer.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Another short ball, this time it is pulled into the ground towards mid-wicket for a quick single.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. SIX! SLAM! Welcome into the attack, mate! A slower ball, short in length outside off, Taylor pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum!
Thisara Perera is back on. 4-0-18-0 so far.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. The batsman has played it fine down the leg side. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. FOUR! Deftly done. Landed outside off, Neesham waits, opens the face of the bat and guides it towards third man for a boundary!
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. FOUR! Full and outside off, Neesham leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary!
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Ball hits the batsman low on the pads. One run added to the total. Leg bye signalled by the umpire.
Nuwan Pradeep to James Neesham. Outside off, slashed through third man for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now. Nuwan Pradeep returns as well. 5-0-29-1 so far.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. FLUSH! ON THE HELMET! A short ball outside off, Taylor looks to pull but misses. The ball hits his helmet and deflects towards point. A leg bye taken.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. A full toss, swinging in, around middle, James looks to flick but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards fine leg. A single taken.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. A bouncer around middle, Neesham ducks.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Lovely bowling. A dipping full toss. excellent change in pace, beautifully deceiving the batsman, Neesham does not pick it at all as he wildly swings across the line. Misses.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. On a length around middle, pulled towards long leg for a run.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. Dropped short, around off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Thrown up outside off, driven through the covers for one more.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Around off, swept wide of short fine leg for another single.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Full and around off, pushed down to long off for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. FOUR! EDGED AWAY! Might have taken a gamble to have a slip for the new batsman. Outside off, Neesham looks to cut but is too close to the ball. Gets an outside edge due to the away turn but there is no slip. Away goes the ball top the third man fence.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Landed around off, watchfully patted towards point for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to James Neesham. Full and around middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan is back into the attack. 8-0-43-0 so far.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. On a good length around off, pushed to the off side.
Lasith Malinga to James Neesham. The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. One run added to the total.
James Neesham walks in next, at number 6, replacing Nicholls. Can he replicate his previous knock?
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. OUT! Caught behind! Malinga strikes again! A short ball, down the leg side, Nicholls looks to pull but is beaten. Perhaps some extra bounce in it. The ball goes off the glove and Niroshan Dickwella takes it easily. Strangely, the umpire does not give it out. Malinga then appeals and even then the finger is not raised. Just a nod of the head. Nicholls does not see that and hence does not go. Then he sees the Lankans celebrate and walks towards his partner. Taylor informs him what has happened and then eventually, Henry heads off. End of the 57-run stand.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Outside off, Taylor drops the ball beside his feet to the off side and takes a quick single.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. FOUR! Almost a replica of the second ball of this over. Full and around off, Nicholls gets down on a knee and sweeps it massively over square leg. Gets the second boundary of the over. Moves to 32 from 36 balls.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Full and outside off, pushed back towards the bowler.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Outside off, Henry looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards cover. HN wants a single but is sent back.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. FOUR! Nicely done. Full and outside off, Nicholls gets down and sweeps it over a leaping fine leg for a boundary! THE 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. ANOTHER MISFIELD. Full and around middle, Henry flicks it towards short mid-wicket where Seekkuge Prasanna fumbles and allows the single.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. DOUBLE MISFIELD. FOUR! The fielding is getting ragged now. It started well but not quite maintaining the intensity. Full on middle, Nicholls flicked it through mid-wicket. Seekkuge Prasanna dived over the ball and allowed it through. Nuwan Pradeep then got across to his left from mid on but the ball hit his left shoulder and deflected to the mid-wicket fence.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. EDGED, DOES NOT CARRY! Sri Lanka need some luck, to be honest. Full and outside off, Taylor pushes at it but the ball goes off the outside edge. Luckily for him, the edge does not carry to Niroshan Dickwella who dives to his right and half-stops it, parrying it away towards point. A run taken.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. Full and outside off, Nicholls looks to drive but misses.
DRINKS BREAK. Finally some pace. Lasith Malinga brings himself back on. 5-0-21-1 so far.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. This time he connects with the cut, getting it past point for a run.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Short and outside off, Henry looks to cut but there is no feet movement and he mistimes it towards cover.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Around middle, pushed back to the bowler. Nearly carries.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Around middle and leg, pushed down the ground for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Landed outside off, Nicholls looks to cut but gets a bottom edge.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Full and down the leg side, swept through square leg where Kusal Perera throws himself to his right and makes a very good half-stop. Just a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Floated outside off, driven through mid off for one.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. One run added to the total.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Punches this off the back foot for a run.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Outside off, punched off the back foot for a run.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. The batsman has driven that ball straight back. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Full and down the leg side, swept straight to short fine leg.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Around middle and leg, pushed straight to short mid-wicket.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. A bit of a miscue but safe. Full and around middle, Nicholls looks to sweep but gets a top edge. The ball escapes the man in the circle and does not carry to the men in the deep. Two runs taken.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. The googly, around middle, worked through square leg for one.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Around off, punched past the diving bowler down the ground towards long off for a run.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Pushes this down the ground for one.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Around middle, worked towards short mid-wicket.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Outside off, Nicholls looks to cut but gets a bottom edge behind point. A single results.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Tossed up outside off, driven through the covers but straight to the fielder.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman drives the ball straight down the ground. They pick up a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. SAFE! A nervy moment though for Taylor. He was run out in a similar fashion in the Tests. Full and around off, Nicholls drove this straight back to the bowler. Prasanna got down to stop it but the ball brushed his fingertips and hit the stumps at his end. He appealed as Taylor was seen stretching back. However, replays showed that the bat had come down before the ball could hit the stumps.
We have another run out appeal! Is Taylor gone this time? Referred upstairs...
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Another wrong 'un, this time to the left-hander. Nicholls lunges to defend but the ball spins away past the outside edge.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Eases this down to long on for a run.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. The googly now, around off, coming in, Rosco defends it towards the leg side.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Nice loop, around middle and leg, Taylor blocks.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Henry Nicholls. Tossed up around middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna returns. 2-0-22-0 so far.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Punches off the back foot for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Pushes this towards mid on for a quick run.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a run.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. They pick up a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Outside off, punched down to long off for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Henry Nicholls. The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. They pick up a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. 45TH ODI FIFTY FOR ROSS TAYLOR! 5th against Sri Lanka. Has not looked fazed at all. With that run out of Munro, he will be more than eager to compensate for the damage. Gets to the landmark with a gentle push towards long off for a run. This is Rosco's 5th 50-plus score on the trot.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Very full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Outside off, Taylor goes back to cut but is too close to the ball. Gets a thick outside edge which flies past the keeper, through the vacant slip region towards third man. Two runs taken.
Lakshan Sandakan to Henry Nicholls. Down the leg side, whipped through square leg for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. Full and straight, watchfully blocked out.
Asela Gunaratne to Henry Nicholls. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Around off, watchfully blocked out past the bowler for a run to long on.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, pushed down the ground to long on for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Henry Nicholls. Thick inside edge by the batsman, ball goes down to fine leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Outside off, driven through point for a single.
Henry Nicholls walks in at number 5, replacing Munro.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. OUT! IT IS A RUN OUT! A wicket out of nowhere for the Lankans. Massive piece of communication breakdown between the batsmen. Full and outside off, Taylor pushes it towards backward point and sets off for a single. But then, he stops. Colin Munro at the other end responds immediately and has come halfway down. Too late for him to go back. He tries to, as he stops and turns back but Kusal Perera is quicker. Gets to the ball and fires a good throw to the bowler who collects and disturbs the stumps. Immediately celebrates even as the run out appeal is referred upstairs. Replays show that Munro is gone by a mile. End of the 112-run stand.
Is that a run out? Is that a run out? Is that a run out? Miscommunication and a wicket might be communicated to the batsman.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. FOUR! Nice shot. Full and around middle, Munro comes down the track and whacks it over mid on. It nearly goes the distance to the long on fence.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Not a soul moves. Short and outside off, Taylor rocks back and cuts it fiercely behind point for a boundary!
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Around off, Rosco looks to tap and run to the off side but the bowler quickly gets through.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Around off, driven towards long off for one.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Full and just outside off, Taylor drops it towards cover and sets off for a quick run.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Floated outside off, driven wide of cover for a single.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Full and around middle, watchfully defended.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Around off, defended from the crease.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. FOUR! 100-RUN STAND IS UP! In just 96 balls. Reversing the pressure, if at all any. Full and outside off, Taylor reaches out and drives it past a diving cover fielder to find the fence.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Short and outside off again, this time Rosco misses out on the cut. Probably bowled a touch quicker.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Short and outside off, Taylor punches it towards sweeper cover. Nuwan Pradeep is extremely slow to get off the blocks and the batsmen pounce on the opportunity to return for the second.
Lakshan Sandakan gets a change of ends. 5-0-26-0 so far.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, pushed towards cover again.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Outside off, punched straight to Lasith Malinga at short extra cover.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Outside off, Taylor plays this late towards short third man. Thisara Perera takes his own sweet time to release the ball and the throw is a weak one too. Munro makes it in easily.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Asela Gunaratne to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
Asela Gunaratne to Ross Taylor. Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single.
Asela Gunaratne into the attack as well.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. SIX! Classic hit. No miscue this time. Tossed up around middle, Munro jumps down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and sends it sailing over long on!
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Outside off, punched behind point for a couple.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. The batsman has driven that ball straight back.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Taylor looks to sweep but gets a thick inside edge which goes to the fine leg fence!
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. FOUR BYES! Full and outside off, Munro looks to drive but the ball spins in, beats the inside edge, barely bounces and beats the keeper too.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. Full and around middle, Munro looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. TOP EDGE, SAFE! Full and around middle, Colin is toying with his luck, looks to sweep but gets a top edge. Short fine leg runs back, deep mid-wicket comes running in but the ball drops right in between! A single taken! 12 from that over, which could have been a wicket maiden.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. SIX! Insult to injury now. Floated outside off, Munro reaches out and lofts it over mid off for half a dozen!
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. IN THE AIR, DROPPED, FOUR! Dinesh Chandimal, of all the people. Sri Lanka have been excellent in the field today but this one poor effort might take away all the gloss. Shoddy effort. Full and around middle, Munro looks to swing this out of the park but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Miscues it in the air and it is a simple catch for Chandimal at long on. However, he misjudges it. Comes running in, but realizes late that he has to go back. Recovers well, gets ready to take the catch but the ball bursts through his right hand, bounces and crosses the ropes.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Colin Munro. Tossed up around off, spinning in, pushed through mid off.
Seekkuge Prasanna to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, driven through mid off for a single.
Seekkuge Prasanna introduced now.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder dives to his right and does well again.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Bad ball. Full and down the leg side, Taylor gets down and sweeps it past short fine leg for a boundary!
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Nicely floated around off, watchfully defended.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. A full toss outside off, driven straight to short extra cover. He fumbles but no run is conceded.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. FOUR! Down the leg side, Munro flicks it in the air and helps it through backward square leg for a boundary!
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. The batsman defends it from within the crease. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. In the air... just wide! Full and around middle, Taylor flicks it in the air and it escapes a diving short mid-wicket. Two runs taken.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
DRINKS BREAK.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a brace.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and around middle, swept straight to backward square leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. Comes down the track this time, takes it on the full and whips it through mid-wicket for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. Beaten comprehensively. Flighted outside off, just 77.8 kph, Munro looks to drive but is foxed by the lack of pace. Misses.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Tossed up around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. On middle and leg, helped to the leg side.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, chipped uppishly but it goes wide of the bowler, towards mid off.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. FOUR! Lovely shot. Full and outside off, Munro comes down the track and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary!
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. WIDE. Down the leg side, Taylor misses his flick.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, driven straight back to the bowler.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. FOUR! Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a boundary!
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. On middle and leg, helped through the leg side for a run.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Short and outside off, punched off the back foot for a run.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. Full and down the leg side, swept towards square leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. FOUR! Nicely done. Short and outside off, Munro goes back and steers it behind point for a boundary!
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin Munro. The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.
NO BALL OR NOT? Sorry, says the umpire. Richard Illingworth initially calls a no ball as he feels that there were 5 fielders out of the circle. Then, he realizes that his counting is incorrect and reverses his call!
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Another bowling change. Lakshan Sandakan into the attack.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Ohhh... a run out of nowhere. Full and around off, Taylor looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball goes towards short mid-wicket but the fielder comes running in and has a shy at the stumps at the striker's end. Misses. The backup guy gets a bad bounce and concedes a run.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.
Thisara Perera to Colin Munro. Full and around off, driven straight back.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Short and outside off, cut behind point for a single.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Thisara Perera into the attack now. Will be remembered infamously for his 34-run over in the previous game.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Ross Taylor. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot for a single.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Ross Taylor. Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Colin Munro. Sydney Harbour Bridge on display. Full and outside off, Colin leans and drives it through the covers. Lasith Malinga dives but right over. The ball goes through. A single taken.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Ross Taylor. Full and down the leg side, Williamson gets down and gently paddles it through fine leg. Lakshan Sandakan gives it a good chase from short fine leg, gets to the ball, slides and then pulls it back in before it can touch the rope. Three runs taken.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Colin Munro. Fuller in length, pushed wide of mid off for a single.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Colin Munro. FOUR! Bad start. Short and far too much width outside off. Munro goes back and punches it behind point for a boundary.
POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. We have a bowling change as well but it is not Thisara Perera. It is Danushka Gunathilaka to bowl his offies.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. A short ball, helped towards long leg for one.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Around off, slower delivery, Rosco pushes it wide of Thisara Perera (Didn't see when he returned on the field) and takes a quick but easy single. The Lankan all-rounder was busy warming up, probably scheduled to come to bowl soon and was caught on his heels.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Outside off, going away, left alone.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. This is full and around off, driven straight to mid off.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Around off, Taylor looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ross Taylor. Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Down the leg side, helped towards short fine leg.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Another slower delivery, around middle, 112.7 kph, watchfully blocked out.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. FOUR! Dispatched out of his presence. Slower ball, 110.3 kph, half volley outside off, Munro reaches out and lofts it over cover for a boundary!
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. On middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. FOUR! Very nicely done. Yorker outside off, Munro squeezes it behind point and beats short third man to his right.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. Just 2 runs and a wicket from the over. Pradeep has come back nicely after going for 16 in his first.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. A bouncer around middle, Munro ducks.
Ross Taylor walks in next at number 4, replacing his captain.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. TOP EDGE, IN THE AIR, CAUGHT, SIX, NO, TAKEN! Williamson is gone! Another massive blow to the hosts. The Sri Lankan fielding has been superb today and this is another example of that. A short ball around off, decent pace, the Kiwi skipper looks to pull but is hurried into the shot. The ball comes onto him much quicker than his anticipation and takes the top edge. Now comes the real drama. Lakshan Sandakan runs across to his right and settles himself under the catch. But he has the boundary behind to think about too. He does a smart thing, which has become a norm these days. Takes the catch, throws it back up in the air, goes beyond the boundary, then comes back in and takes the catch again! The Lankans are excited and why shouldn't they be? Do they now have a chance to run through this middle order?
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Half volley outside off, punched straight to short extra cover.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Full and outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Short ball around off, pushed through point where a good stop keeps the batsmen to a single.
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Slower ball, around off, Williamson looks to tap it wide of gully and run but Munro does not buy it and sends his captain back. Tidy over from Pradeep.
Lasith Malinga to Kane Williamson. Landed outside off, moving away, pushed towards gully.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Around off and outside off, pushed towards mid off.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. On middle and off, pushed towards point.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. A slower ball, around off, Munro looks to defend but the ball grips the surface and then moves away, past the outside edge. Almost like an offie ripping across his off break.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Another lovely piece of fielding. Substitute Dhananjaya de Silva it is this time, on the field for Thisara Perera, who hurt his finger while trying to stop a ball a few overs earlier. Full on middle, Munro drives this through mid off. De Silva covers good ground to his left and dives full stretch to stop the ball. Cannot prevent the single though.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Outside off, punched through point where Danushka Gunathilaka dives to his right and makes a half-stop. The Kiwi skipper is off the mark with a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Kane Williamson. Outside off, watchfully defended.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. A short ball around middle, Munro flick-whips it, almost like a short-arm jab, over mid-wicket for a single.
One of the calmest souls in the planet, Kane Williamson, walks out to the middle at number 3, replacing Guptill.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. OUT! Caught behind! The previous match's centurion departs early! Big wicket for the Lankans. Of course, any wicket in the top 7 for the visitors is a big one. Extra bounce does Guptill in. Fractionally short of a length outside off, Martin looks to push it to the off side but the ball lands, deviates and then bounces extra. Enough to take the outside edge. Easy catch for Niroshan Dickwella. Slinga has struck in his third over.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. FOUR! Lovely shot. On a good length, around middle, Guptill turns it behind square leg and the ball races away. Seekkuge Prasanna runs to his right from deep mid-wicket, dives full length, gets to the ball, deflects it away but to his bad luck, it rolls back into the ropes.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. On middle and off, defended from the crease.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Around middle, slower delivery, 117.5 kph, Munro does not pick it, is early into his defense and the ball ekes out an inside edge towards mid-wicket. A single taken.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. A lovely full inswinger, around middle, watchfully pushed back to the bowler.
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Huge shout for LBW! Turned down! Looks close to the naked eye. Pradeep is not sure. He asks Dickwella in sign language whether it is slipping down the leg side. Meanwhile, captain Malinga takes his own sweet time to walk towards the bowler from mid off, to inquire about the review. The bowler does not even bother asking him and seems to be happy with the answer given by Dickwella. Malinga too, is not too keen to ask again about the review. Hawk Eye shows it to be missing leg.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Around middle and leg, pushed wide of mid on for another single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Down the leg side, tucked towards fine leg for one. The Lankans seem to be struggling to adjust to the wind here.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Around middle, angling down, worked through square leg for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Full on middle, Guptill works it wide of mid on where Thisara Perera dives to his right and makes a half-stop. A single taken.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a run.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. The batsman defends it from within the crease. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Outside off, played straight to point.
Nuwan Pradeep to Martin Guptill. Full on middle, Guptill works it wide of mid on where Thisara Perera dives to his right and saves runs. A single taken. 16 from Pradeep's opener.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. Outside off, tapped through the covers for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. FOUR MORE! Third in the over. Not a bad delivery at all. Fractionally short of a length outside off, Munro just punches it into the ground, through the covers and gets consecutive boundaries!
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. FOUR! Is this going to be his day? A length ball, around middle and leg, Munro casually whips it over mid-wicket and gets a boundary!
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. This is around middle and leg, CM works it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Nuwan Pradeep to Colin Munro. FOUR! GORGEOUS! What a strike from Munro. Full and around off, Colin comes forward and drives it straight down the ground, past the bowler and towards the long off fence.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl with the second new ball.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. On a length around off, coming in slightly, pushed towards mid off for another single.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. On middle and leg, worked through the leg side for one.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a run.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. On a length, slightly short, Munro looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards cover.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Outside off, angling away, left alone.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Full on middle, Guptill flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a single. New Zealand are underway.
Not far away from the action. The players are out in the middle. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro are the openers for New Zealand. Lasith Malinga to start with the first new ball. Guppy to face. Here we go!
Former Sri Lankan star Russel Arnold is now having a chat with Kusal Perera. Admits that he scored a century which is good personally but was not enough for the team. Adds that he did not take enough calculated risks. Is open to batting at any position and wants to do his best for the team. Is eager to win tonight and take the series to a decider.
New Zealand great Ian Smith is having a chat with Jimmy Neesham. Neesham says that he is not worrying about his future too much and is only interested in contributing for his team. On his flamboyant innings, he credits that to the platform set by Guptill and Taylor. On him having a chance to have hit 6 sixes in one over in the last match, Jimmy admits that he thought about that 6th six in that over but after he hit the 5th, not before. Credits his shifting base to Wellington has helped him a lot, bowling in the nets and regaining his confidence. Agrees that every day is a new day and everyone starts on 0, but hopes to do something similar today.
PITCH REPORT - Craig Cummins has a look at the surface and reckons that it looks good. Informs that plenty of water has gone in over the last couple of days as the groundsmen did not want the track to dry out. Observes bit of cracks but doesn't expect those to any time soon due to the nice covering of grass. Anticipates tennis-ball bounce.
Sri Lankan captain, Lasith Malinga, says that he too, wanted to bat first but also adds that the wicket should not change much. Reckons that the first 15 overs will be the key and the Lankans want to do well in the first 50 overs overall. Stresses that the team is full of confidence and is eager to win. Admits that they struggled to adapt to the conditions in the last game but are better prepared for this one. On the team changes, Malinga says that they are unchanged from the previous game.
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, feels that it is going to be a fair surface which will play good throughout. Informs that Tim Southee comes in for Lockie Ferguson. Adds that the reason is due to the latter's heavy workload and the management wants all its guys to recover fully and be in good shape come the World Cup.
TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Williamson flips it, Heads is the call from Malinga but it is a Tail. NEW ZEALAND ELECT TO BAT FIRST.
WEATHER report - Not many clouds in the sky. It is a glorious day for cricket and no chance of rain to interrupt us.
Hello, cricketoholics! Thank you for joining us for the second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Mount Maunganui. The year changed from 2018 to 2019 but nothing changed for the touring team as far as the result is concerned. Although we saw a glimpse of one quality returning - Fighting spirit. Everyone expected them to get steamrolled while chasing a massive total in the previous game but Sri Lanka fought and managed to scare the Kiwis a few times. Eventually, it was James Neesham's all-round performance that proved to be the difference. For the hosts, they also have to address their bowling which wasn't up to the mark and it needs some fine-tuning. With the series on the line, let's hope for another entertaining contest.
Right then! The second ODI ends. What a humdinger of a game. Still recovering from the blues. The series is gone but Sri Lanka have begun 2019 on a wonderful note. Fought hard in the first ODI, almost crossed the line here. Can they get lucky the third time and avoid a whitewash? The third and final ODI is a day game and will be played on Tuesday, January 8, 2018 at 11 am local (2200 GMT, previous night). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, says that they were clinical for nearly 85 percent of the game. Praises his batters for batting well and his bowlers for doing a great job, till Thisara came along. Is reminded of that Marcus Stoinis knock at Eden Park. Admits that too many fumbles were made, including himself and is relieved that it did not cost them the match. Stresses that the side needs to move on from here and focus on the next game and try to maintain the same intensity. On the team as a whole, Williamson is happy with the guys performing their roles better. Is happier for this game because his batsmen adjusted on a slower wicket. Sees these as good signs for the future but wants his unit to react well to momentum shifts as it does not take time for the tides to change. Credits Jimmy Neesham for doing well with the bat and adds that it was his knock which was able to ward off the Thisara threat in this game. Is excited to witness the new age of New Zealand cricket.
Sri Lankan skipper, Lasith Malinga, manages to put in a smile. He says that in spite of getting good partnerships at the top, the middle order collapsed. Praises Thisara Perera and reckons that he always believed that he is a match-winner. Like Thisara, Malinga too, says that the Lankans learnt a lot from the first game, especially bowling according to the wind factor. On the final match, Lasith says that they have the talent but they need to play according to the situation by analyzing things correctly.
THISARA PERERA HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Anyone surprised? Not really. Perera says that he is really proud of himself as he got his maiden ODI century. Stresses that in the last couple of years, he has been batting at number 9. If he gets to bat at number 7 or higher, he reckons he can play more valuable knocks. Thanks the management for giving him that opportunity. On his knock today, Thisara says that he figured out that in the previous match, the Lankan batters struggled to hit big shots because of the wind. So he planned accordingly in this game. Adds that once Malinga got out, he was trying to face as many balls as possible, as many as 5 in an over. On being asked about revenge against Neesham and trying to hit 6 sixes in an over, Thisara smiles humbly and says that he does not look for revenge or any such stuff. Just concentrates on playing the game. What a modest fellow.
Earlier in the day, the Kiwis raked up 319/7 after electing to bat on a sluggish surface. They lost two wickets cheaply but Munro's 87, Taylor's 90 and a quickfire 64 from 37 by Jimmy Neesham took them past the 300-mark. Looking at the margin of victory, one can just sense the importance of that Neesham knock. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Coming to the bowling, it was clinical for most part from the Kiwis. They kept their cool when wickets were not coming regularly and then that period in the middle stages where Sri Lanka lost 6/16 in 5 overs turned the tide. However, after that plenty of dropped catches were put down - as many as 7 - which nearly cost them the game. Ish Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers, with 3/55.
It has been so much Thisara Thisara Thisara that we barely feel like describing anyone else. But we have to. There was another player who fought hard, with a 73-ball 71. Danushka Gunathilaka. When he was there in the middle, it seemed like Sri Lanka were in with a chance. But Kusal Mendis' wicket triggered a collapse as the Lankans slipped from 112/2 to 128/7. Just imagine the work put in by Thisara.
In a team's total of 298, one man scores 140. All the sixes in this innings were hit by him - 13 to be precise - almost letting out his frustration on having conceded 10 sixes in 2 matches. But one guesses that in the end, it was just too much work to do. He tried hard, aiming to fathom a ridiculous win but in the end, the team deserving to win the game for 85 percent of the time eventually won. This was pretty similar to the Marcus Stoinis' knock at Eden Park, Auckland on January 30, 2017 - where his unbeaten 146 off 117 revived the Aussies from 67/6 to 280 - falling just 6 short.
Sigh. Pity that this game had to end in this manner. When Stumps were drawn on the third day of the Australia-India Test, Sri Lanka did not deserve to win. When a T20 league had kicked off somewhere in Bangladesh and another one was being played in Australia, we were dreaming of going home early. When the South Africa-Pakistan Test resumed, we were wondering what are the players still doing out there in the middle. But now, as the clock touches 9 am in Greenwich Meridian Time, a sad thought crosses our hearts - couldn't Lady Luck stay with Thisara for a few balls more?
Whether you are a Kiwi supporter, or a Sri Lankan fan or care for neither - you have just got to stand up and applaud. NARANGODA LIYANAARACHCHILAGE THISARA CHIRANTHA PERERA - take a bow. What a knock. Period. What a knock. Exclamation. The entire Bay Oval is standing up as one to applaud. None of the Kiwi team members are celebrating. Showing good courtesy, each and every player is beside Thisara, hugging him and patting him on the back. Sportsmanship of the greatest level. And what is that man made of? Thisara does not show his disappointment. Takes his helmet off, smiles to each and everyone, politely shaking hands, as if it is his last day in the office and everyone is wishing him good luck for the future. What a human being. Floored.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. OUT! Caught! NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 21 RUNS! The match ends. The crowd looks stunned. Now, it slowly starts to rejoice. A slower ball, fuller in length, Thisara backs away and looks to clear long on. But he is not quite able to time it. Trent Boult comes running in from long on, keeps his eyes on the ball, dives forward and just about hangs on to it! What a match! Who would have thought? The Kiwis take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. WIDE! Henry smiles. But a wry one. A bouncer, around middle and leg, Perera ducks. It has been wided for height. Did not look that high...
Problems! Thisara Perera has called for the physio. He is down on the ground. Cramps? Back issue? Hamstring? He is being given some stretching exercises now...
Matt Henry to Nuwan Pradeep. Pradeep is off strike! And gets three runs as well! What a result for Sri Lanka. Full and outside off, Nuwan reaches out and drives it through the covers. Colin Munro runs after the ball and just about stops it near the ropes. Should he have allowed it to cross the boundary? Perera is back on strike!
Matt Henry has been summoned. 9-1-48-1 so far. Can he remove the tail-ender and end the game?
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. A bouncer to end the over. TP cannot retain the strike. He can only duck to see the ball off. But what an over - 6, 6, 0, 6, 6, 0!
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. SIX! This is a monstrous one! Southee is not landing the ball and Thisara keeps taking flight. Another full toss, the third one in this over, Perera clubs it over square leg for half a dozen! 26 needed from 25 balls now!
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. SIX! This one goes too! Full toss, on off, Thisara backs away and swings it over mid-wicket!
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Another slower ball, outside off, TP swings but misses.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. SIX! Change of ball but no change in the result! Another maximum as the Lankans are 38 away from a eye-popping win! A full toss, around off, Thisara backs away and swings it high in the air. Long on and long off get around... but the ball clears long on!
We have lost the ball. It has gone somewhere into the car park and one reckons that a kid has it in his hand. Runs away when the camera focusses on him. A replacement ball is brought on.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. SIX! SPANKED! He is trying. He is really trying. A length ball, around middle, angling away, Perera backs away and swings it into oblivion over mid-wicket! 44 more needed from 29!
James Neesham to Nuwan Pradeep. Pradeep survives. A bouncer, right at the face, around off, Nuwan backs away from the line of the ball and ducks. 13 from the over, Neesham's figures read 7-0-48-2.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A short ball again, Perera backs a long way to the leg side and tries to pull. Is in no position to play that and gets a top edge. Luckily for him, it limps towards long on who cannot get there, neither can mid off running to his left. A single taken.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A short ball, around middle, TP backs away and looks to pull but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. SIX! Outrageous shot. Perera backs away to the leg side and Neesham bowls it full and wide outside off. The southpaw reaches out, throws his bat at that one and still manages to clear cover! Moves to 115 from 65 balls. The stand moves to 15 from 9.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. SIX! SMOKED! Picks the slower one to perfection this time. A length ball, around off, Thisara waits and then swings it over mid-wicket! 57 needed from 34 balls now.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A lovely slower delivery, outside off, Perera swings but misses.
Tim Southee to Nuwan Pradeep. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Tim Southee to Nuwan Pradeep. Excellent yorker on middle, dug out back to the bowler.
Tim Southee to Nuwan Pradeep. The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. DROPPED! Another one goes down. And looks like someone has hurt himself. Guppy it is. A full toss outside off, pace taken off, TP backs away and looks to swing hard. Mistimes it badly and Martin Guptill at long off has an easy chance running in. Gets to the ball but plonks it down. Hurts his finger as well. A single taken.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, Perera swings but misses again.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. ANOTHER WIDE. Wayyy outside off, Thisara swings hard but misses.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. WIDE. This one is wided. Full and miles outside off, Perera leaves it alone again.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Teasing the wide guideline outside off, a full toss, almost outside the line, Thisara lets it go. Not wided by the umpire.
Nuwan Pradeep is the last man in. Tim Southee to bowl as well. 6-0-41-1 so far.
James Neesham to Lakshan Sandakan. OUT! Caught! The 9th wicket falls. A short ball, around off, Sandakan looks to pull but is cramped for room. The bounce takes the glove, then the top edge and lobs behind. Ross Taylor comes forward quickly from first slip and takes it nicely. 66 more needed from 42 balls.
James Neesham to Lakshan Sandakan. A bouncer on middle, Lakshan ducks.
James Neesham to Lakshan Sandakan. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A short ball, around middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
James Neesham to Lakshan Sandakan. EDGED, DROPPED! This was a tough one. A length ball outside off, Sandakan plays away from his body and guides it towards third man. Ross Taylor has been stationed at wide slip and he dives to his right, but can only get fingertips to it. The ball deflects towards third man and a run is taken. 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A length ball outside off, no pace to work with, Perera swings wildly, his bottom hand comes off the bat and the ball skews towards mid-wicket. A single taken.
Jimmy Neesham is back on. 5-0-32-1 so far.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 10-1-61-1 so far.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Full and outside off, driven straight to point.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. MAIDEN ODI CENTURY FOR THISARA PERERA! Monumental effort from him. Came in when Sri Lanka were 121/5. 2 overs later, saw them slip to 7 down. Has single-handedly taken the Lankans from 128/7 till here. Fantastic effort. Is a win too much to ask from here? Full on middle, Thisara clips this through square leg and crosses over to the other end. Barely celebrates. Just a simple removal of the helmet and the kiss on the badge. Does he believe a win can be achieved?
The crowd getting excited... Can Thisara Perera get to his ton
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Outside off, Lakshan steers this behind point towards third man for a single.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. WIDE. Slips this down the leg side, Sandakan misses his flick.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Full on middle, pushed towards long on for a single. Moves to 99...
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. WIDE. A bouncer, around middle, too high, TP ducks.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. SIX! 98! Wow. Thisara on the cusp of his maiden ODI century. Full and outside off, Perera gets right underneath this and sends it sailing over long off!
Tim Southee to Lakshan Sandakan. On a length outside off, Lakshan backs away and looks to steer it to third man but misses.
Tim Southee to Lakshan Sandakan. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, driven towards long off for a single.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. A yorker now, dug out back to the bowler.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Tim Southee to Lakshan Sandakan. Outside off, Sandakan pushes at it but gets a thick inside edge towards fine leg. A single taken.
We have a Powerplay 3. Did not think it would go this far. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Tim Southee is back on. 5-0-39-1 so far.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Full and around off, watchfully pushed back.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. SIX! SMASH! No chance of even thinking about catching this one. A length ball around middle, Thisara wallops into the 90s by hammering the bones of this one, right over long on.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Another yorker, nicely dug out.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. DROPPED, SIX! Butter-fingers all around the park. Reminds us of the 2015 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. Though, that was not at this venue. Full and outside off, Perera looks to go over the top but mistimes it. Kane Williamson runs across to his left at long off, leaps but the ball just bursts through his fingers beyond the ropes. Thisara moves to 85...
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. A yorker outside off, dug out back to the bowler.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. Smart cricket again from Perera. Chips this uppishly, not with hard hands, just so that the ball just about lands in front of long on. A single to retain the strike.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. Full on middle, TP flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Well played sir. A short ball outside off, not that wide. Thisara arches back and then ramps it over short third man for a boundary.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. Smart cricket. A yorker on middle, Thisara jams it out towards mid-wicket. Sees that the fielders are in the deep and chances their arm to come back for the second. Makes it easily.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. A bouncer now, Thisara ducks.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. A length ball outside off, a wild swing and a miss.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. A bouncer on middle, Sandakan ducks.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. A short ball now, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. SIX! STUPENDOUS! A length ball around middle, Perera gives himself room to the leg side and swings it over mid-wicket!
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg for a single.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. On a length outside off, Sandakan pushes inside the line and is beaten by the away movement.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, bashed down to long off for a single. Strange. Now he runs on the first ball of the over.
Matt Henry to Lakshan Sandakan. JUST OVER! A short ball, angling into the batsman, Sandakan looks to pull but then tries to get out of the way. The ball takes the glove and just eludes a leaping Tim Seifert behind the stumps. Two runs taken.
Matt Henry to Lakshan Sandakan. A short ball around off, Sandakan ducks.
Matt Henry to Lakshan Sandakan. A yorker outside off, dug out back to the bowler.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. On a good length around middle, defended past the bowler. Now he runs a single towards long off.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. Outside off, driven through the covers. Long off has to cover some distance to his right and hence this time, Thisara runs. Comes back for the second.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. Full and around off, pushed down to long off. DOES NOT RUN.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. 4 runs and a wicket from the over, Boult's figures read 7-1-29-1.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Goes back in his crease and blocks.
Trent Boult to Lakshan Sandakan. Around off, watchfully defended.
Lakshan Sandakan is in at number 10. Can he hang around with Thisara to help him get close to a century?
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. OUT! BOWLED! The slower delivery does the trick. A fuller ball, around middle, Malinga backs away to the leg side, looking to flick but misses as he is early into the shot. The ball hits the pads and then deflects onto the stumps. The 75-run stand is broken. Made no difference to the run chase but at least gave us some entertainment.
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. FOUR! Another one off the top edge. This is getting frustrating for the Kiwis. A short ball, Malinga backs away looking to pull but gets a top edge. It flies over the keeper to the fine leg fence. 200 IS UP.
Matt Henry to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Thisara leaps and cuts it over point for a boundary.
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga. TOP EDGE, DROPPED! What is happening? Are the floodlights causing an issue? Another sitter put down. A short ball around off, Malinga backs away and looks to pull. But he is cramped for room as the ball comes in and gets a top edge. Trent Boult runs across to his right from mid off, gets to the ball but puts it down! A single taken.
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga. Full and outside off, pushed straight to mid off.
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga. Dropped short, pulled over mid-wicket for a couple.
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Matt Henry to Lasith Malinga. Outside off, slower delivery, Malinga backs away, looking to cut but misses.
DRINKS BREAK. Matt Henry is back on. 6-1-27-1 so far.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. DROPPED! Well, sloppy fielding. A short ball, Malinga pulls it towards mid-wicket. Colin Munro comes running in for the catch at the boundary, gets to the ball but then drops it. A single taken.
Trent Boult to Thisara Perera. Outside off, driven through off for a run.
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Trent Boult to Lasith Malinga. Full and around off, Malinga looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Trent Boult is back on. 5-1-22-0 so far.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, TP comes down the track and looks to go big but is nowhere near the pitch of the ball. Skews it horribly and the ball goes high in the air. Cover backtracks, long off gets across to his right but the ball reminds us of a chapter in geometry in school math. Bisection. Lands right in between. Two runs taken. 20 from the over, 31 from the last 2!
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Outside off, short in length, punched straight to cover.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. FOUR! 28-BALL 50 FOR THISARA! Forget the match situation, this has been one wonderful inning to witness. Gets there with a punch through the covers. He is enjoying himself but the batting has been of high quality. 10th ODI Fifty for Thisara Perera, first against New Zealand.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Comes down the track and hits it down the ground again. This time long on gets around to stop it. Two runs taken.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. SIX! Two in two! This is dropped short, Thisara rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket! 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL!
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. SIX! Simple as you like! Floated around middle, Perera jumps down the track and lofts it as clean as a whistle straight back over the bowler's head, over the sightscreen!
Tim Southee to Lasith Malinga. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 11 from the over.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, hammered down to long off for a single.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Full and outside off, Thisara lofts it over mid off and gets a boundary. Playing a 'I-have-nothing-to-lose' innings.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. SIX! SLAUGHTERED! A short ball, on middle, Thisara swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket. Matt Henry rushes to his left and gives Superman a good run for his money... but the ball eludes his left hand. He literally flew. The man usually wearing blue and red costume would have thought his job is in danger.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. The ball takes the outside edge goes towards the slip region. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. Short and outside off, cut through point for a couple.
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. NOT OUT! It is not missing leg. It is not missing middle. It is not missing off. It is not going over the top. What is it missing then? We don't know. The batsman has been adjudged not out because HAWK EYE TECHNOLOGY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. So because the on-field umpire had given it not out, it stays not out. Another googly outside off, Malinga looked to defend but missed and was hit right in front of the stumps. Sodhi appealed but the umpire was firm and shook his head. Williamson just had one look at his keeper and bowler and straightaway went for the review. Gosh. Everyone waited and waited and waited, only to be informed that due to lack of technology, no further help can be provided. New Zealand do not lose the review.
Review time again. Sodhi reckons that he has Malinga plumb in front. What does the third umpire have to say on this? Looks close. Really close...
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. FOUR! Nice shot from the skipper to get off the mark. Full and around of, Malinga gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary!
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Short and around off, punched through the covers for a single. 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA.
Tim Southee to Lasith Malinga. Another bouncer, same reaction from the skipper.
Tim Southee to Lasith Malinga. A bouncer now, around middle, Lasith ducks.
Tim Southee to Lasith Malinga. EDGED! Does not carry. A length ball wide outside off, Malinga flashes his bat at that and gets a thick outside edge. It does not carry to Tim Seifert behind.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Down the leg side, helped to the leg side for a single.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Now the other side. A length ball this time, Thisara goes up and over mid off this time. Consecutive boundaries.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Full and around middle, Perera flicks it over mid-wicket and gets a boundary!
Williamson going for the kill. Tim Southee has been brought back. 3-0-19-1 so far.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. On middle and leg, flicked through the leg side for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Full again, well blocked out.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Short and outside off, Perera goes back and punches it wide of mid off for a boundary!
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. The googly around leg, Thisara pushes it back to the bowler.
James Neesham to Lasith Malinga. Slower ball, leg cutter, outside off, Lasith pushes at it but is beaten by the slowness of the delivery. Almost edges it.
James Neesham to Lasith Malinga. Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. DIRECT HIT AND MALINGA WAS A GONER. School cricket. Thisara pushes it towards mid-wicket and sets off for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Replays show that the skipper just plonked his bat in. AFTER the throw had passed him.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. FOUR! That will help Sri Lanka a bit. Not quite sure very much but at least to soften some of the wounds. Full on middle, Thisara pushes it through mid on and finds the gap and the boundary.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A short ball outside off, slapped over cover for a couple.
Into the bowlers now. Lasith Malinga is the first of them.
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna. OUT! Another drag on! Pandemonium out there. Wickets are falling are like a pack of cards. Number 7 is down and this match is going away as quickly as fire goes off a matchstick if you hold it for a while. Full and outside off, Prasanna gets across and looks to slog. Gets a thick inside edge which deflects onto the stumps. Sorry state for the Lankans now.
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman.
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
Ish Sodhi to Seekkuge Prasanna. On middle and leg, worked to the leg side.
Seekkuge Prasanna is in at number 8, replacing Gunaratne.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. OUT! Gunaratne is run out now. Full and down the leg side, Thisara looks to work it to the leg side but the ball goes off his inner half of his bat towards short fine leg. The batsmen decide to go for the single but Jimmy Neesham is quick as a flash to get to the ball. Returns a very accurate throw to the keeper who manages to dislodge the bails. Asela Gunaratne dives in and the appeal is referred upstairs. Replays show that it is not enough.
Is that wicket number 6? A run out appeal is referred upstairs...
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. WIDE. Down the leg side, Perera misses his flick.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Full and around middle, flicked towards mid-wicket.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. Short and outside off, cut through point for one.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
James Neesham to Thisara Perera. A bouncer now, Perera ducks.
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne. On middle and leg, flicked towards the leg side for a single.
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne. FOUR! Not convincing. A short ball, around middle, Gunaratne looks to pull but the ball comes in with the angle, takes the top edge and goes over the keeper to the fine leg fence. The fielder at the ropes is pretty square.
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne. Landed outside off, punched straight to point.
Into the bowlers who can bat. Or batsmen who can bowl. Or players who can hit the ball hard. Whatever. They are termed all-rounders. Thisara Perera is the first of them.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. OUT! Wrong shot to a wrong 'un and Chandimal is gone too! Suddenly, a cluster of wickets have fallen. The googly outside off, Dinesh goes back to cut but the ball spins back in sharply, stays low, goes beneath the bat and hits the stumps! Half the side is down in the hut now. The match and the series seems to be going away from the Lankans... 9/3 in the last 3 overs!
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Full and outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
Ish Sodhi to Asela Gunaratne. WIDE. Down the leg side, Gunaratne misses his flick.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Full and outside off, Dinesh gets down and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Huge, massive appeal for LBW! Not out. No review taken again. Was there bat involved? Let's see. The googly from Sodhi, Chandimal lunged to defend but missed and was hit on the pads. There was a massive deviation after it passed the bat and on closer look, an inside edge is revealed. Excellent umpiring.
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne. The batsman defends it from within the crease. 4 runs and a wicket from the over, 6/2 in the last 2.
James Neesham to Asela Gunaratne. WIDE. On a length around middle, Gunaratne gets across and looks to flick but misses.
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal. On middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
Asela Gunaratne walks in next at number 6, replacing Gunathilaka.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. OUT! Caught! Gunathilaka's wonderful and entertaining knock ends. He tried his best while being out there and now, Sri Lanka are in big trouble with both set men dismissed. A length ball, around off, Danushka jumps down the track and looks to go big, aiming to hit it over long off. But the bounce gets big on him and the away-moving ball means that he has to fetch it from outside off. Gets a top edge which goes straight up in the air. Tim Seifert calls for it moving to his left but almost puts it down. Somehow manages to clasp it right at the end of his gloves. The Kiwis tightening the noose...
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
James Neesham to Dinesh Chandimal. On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a run.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. Landed outside off, chopped down to third man for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler. 2 runs and a wicket for Sodhi, technically a maiden for him. His figures read 5-1-17-1.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Huge shout for LBW, turned down. That looked close. No review taken. The googly from Sodhi, pitched around middle and off, Chandimal looked to sweep but missed and was hit on the pads. The bowler and keeper appealed but not that intensely. Hawk Eye shows why. The wrong 'un is predicted to be sliding down leg.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Similar ball, watchfully defended.
Ish Sodhi to Dinesh Chandimal. Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Dinesh Chandimal walks in at number 5, replacing Mendis.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. OUT! Caught down the leg side! Sodhi has his first. A short ball, real loosener, down the leg side, Mendis looks to pull but somehow, misses it. He tries to execute that shot down on a knee and is cramped for room. Maybe he was trying to help it more than pull it. Hence the cramp. The ball takes the inside edge and goes to the keeper who is blinded but still, manages to take it after a fumble in the first attempt. Sodhi and Seifert appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The appeal goes even louder but now, Mendis himself starts to walk. Slowly, the umpire's finger is raised. Another decent stand ends. Sri Lanka not doing too badly as of now. 208 more needed from 167 balls.
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for another single.
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis. A short ball outside off, Mendis hops and dabs it towards point for one.
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis. Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis. Landed outside off, dabbed towards third man for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. A long hop, pulled through mid-wicket for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. JUST OVER! A short ball around off, Mendis looks to pull but mistimes it badly. The ball just lobs over a leaping short mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Full and around off, pushed towards mid on.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. A dot to end an expensive over for the Kiwis, 10 from it. On a length and around off, it is kept out.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. Too much width again on offer outside off. Gunathilaka slashes at it, the ball goes uppishly but over point for a brace.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Super timing once again and once again the outfield being lightning quick is evident there. On the shorter side, Gunathilaka just guides it into the gap at point and it gets to the fence like a tracer bullet.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. A huge appeal but the umpire in return, turns towards the scorers and signals a wide. No review from the Kiwis so the appeal might be to put the umpire off. Down the leg side, Gunathilaka goes to flick but misses. An appeal follows but the umpire is not interested.
James Neesham to Danushka Gunathilaka. A full toss on the second ball. Gunathilaka strokes it through covers and the batsmen run two.
James Neesham to Kusal Mendis. Starts off with a ball on the pads, Mendis tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and a run is taken.
James Neesham is on now.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. The googly on off, Gunathilaka tries to pull it against the turn, gets a bottom edge towards short fine leg,
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Flatter and on middle, Mendis pushes it to mid-wicket for another run.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Tosses it up on middle, it is kept out.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good batting! Got a boundary on the last ball, now strokes it to long on and takes a run.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Brings out the reverse sweep and it is hit well. Right off the middle and it races through the backward point region for a boundary.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. The googly on middle, Mendis picks it and works it through square leg for a run.
DRINKS!
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Shortish and on middle, Mendis stands tall and pulls it through square leg for a run. 9 from the over.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good length on off, Gunathilaka guides it towards third man for a single.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Overthrow! Good running again! First Gunathilaka drops it beside the pitch on the off side the batsmen go for a run. Guptil charges in and tries to underarm it on the stumps at the striker's end but misses. The fielder backing up is too deep and hence, the batters take another run.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Attacks the stumps, Mendis pushes it to mid on for a quick run. They need to keep the singles ticking over.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. On the shorter side, the batsman ducks under it.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! Excellent timing! Shorter in length and the slightest of width on offer outside off. Mendis goes back and then just guides it through point. It is right off the middle, the ball races across the turf and into the fence in a jiffy.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Yes, he can, only a single on the last ball as Mendis eases it down to long on.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Just a run from the first 5 balls as Mendis defends this one onto the ground. Can Sodhi end the over well?
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. On the pads, it is worked around the corner for a run. Just a run from the first 4 balls.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, Gunathilaka prods forward and keeps it out.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Another tossed up delivery and once again it is played to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! Up and over! Not perfectly timed but due to the small boundaries, it races away. On middle and it is just ahead of a length. Mendis lofts it over the bowler's head and it trickles over the fence.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Slightly fuller this time on middle, Mendis strokes it back towards the bowler who makes a good stop by going down low to his right.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. A risky run but no harm done! Gunathilaka pushes it towards cover and calls for a run. Mendis responds. Nicholls in that position is quick to the ball, picks it up and has a shy but misses. Replay shows, had he hit, Mendis was a goner. Even the dive would not have saved him there.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. On the pads, Mendis flicks it nicely but can't find the gap in the square leg region. A single is taken.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Back of a length on middle, Mendis defends it.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fifty for Gunathilaka, his 8th in ODIs. He is making full use of the life he got but he needs to continue. His job is only half done and he would know that. He gets there by guiding it down to third man for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Gives it nice air and lands it around off, Mendis lunges and blocks it. A good delivery to finish by Sodhi.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter and outside off, Gunathilaka guides it to point for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. This one stays a touch low as it is bowled on the pads. DG does well to adjust and get bat to it.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! DEFT! Very nicely played that! It is tossed up outside off, Gunathilaka waits for it and then at the very end, guides it through the vacant slip region and into the third man fence.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Floats it up on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. He gets off the mark.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter and on off, Gunathilaka clips it through mid-wicket, with the turn for a single.
Ish Sodhi is on now.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Hits the length again on off, Mendis is solid in defense. Three dots to end the over, a very good one. A run and a wicket from it.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Back of a length on off, Mendis blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Flicks it with the angle to the man at mid-wicket.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. A little too straight on middle, Gunathilaka works it through mid-wicket for a run.
One Kusal replaces the other. Mendis comes out at number 4.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. OUT! In the air... taken! The dangerous Perera departs. A well-deserved wicket for Henry. He is amidst a good spell and gets the reward. It is slightly short outside off, Perera looks to drag his pull but the extra bounce on the delivery proves to be his undoing. It takes the top edge, it goes towards third man. It is with the wind and hence carries easily. Boult there judges it well and takes it. So a timely wicket for the Kiwis as this partnership was starting to look good. Sri Lanka will now have to look to re-build again. Hence, the Kiwis can now pile up some more pressure by bowling a few tight overs.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. On a length and around off, it is guided down to third man for a run.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Closer to the off pole this time but the length is same. Gunathilaka this time hits it to sweeper cover for a single.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Another much-needed boundary! Just a little loose from Williamson, it is short and outside off. Gunathilaka has enough time to go back and cut it through point. Neesham in the deep runs to his right, dives but fails to stop it.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fires it on the off stump, Gunathilaka keeps it out.
Kane Williamson to Kusal Perera. Slower through the air but the line is outside off, Perera slaps it through covers for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter and outside off, Gunathilaka guides it to point for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. This one stays a touch low as it is bowled on the pads. DG does well to adjust and get bat to it.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! DEFT! Very nicely played that! It is tossed up outside off, Gunathilaka waits for it and then at the very end, guides it through the vacant slip region and into the third man fence.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Floats it up on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. He gets off the mark.
Ish Sodhi to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter and on off, Gunathilaka clips it through mid-wicket, with the turn for a single.
Ish Sodhi is on now.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Hits the length again on off, Mendis is solid in defense. Three dots to end the over, a very good one. A run and a wicket from it.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Back of a length on off, Mendis blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis. Flicks it with the angle to the man at mid-wicket.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. A little too straight on middle, Gunathilaka works it through mid-wicket for a run.
One Kusal replaces the other. Mendis comes out at number 4.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. OUT! In the air... taken! The dangerous Perera departs. A well-deserved wicket for Henry. He is amidst a good spell and gets the reward. It is slightly short outside off, Perera looks to drag his pull but the extra bounce on the delivery proves to be his undoing. It takes the top edge, it goes towards third man. It is with the wind and hence carries easily. Boult there judges it well and takes it. So a timely wicket for the Kiwis as this partnership was starting to look good. Sri Lanka will now have to look to re-build again. Hence, the Kiwis can now pile up some more pressure by bowling a few tight overs.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. On a length and around off, it is guided down to third man for a run.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Closer to the off pole this time but the length is same. Gunathilaka this time hits it to sweeper cover for a single.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Another much-needed boundary! Just a little loose from Williamson, it is short and outside off. Gunathilaka has enough time to go back and cut it through point. Neesham in the deep runs to his right, dives but fails to stop it.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fires it on the off stump, Gunathilaka keeps it out.
Kane Williamson to Kusal Perera. Slower through the air but the line is outside off, Perera slaps it through covers for a run.
Kane Williamson to Kusal Perera. This is closer to the off pole, Perera hit it to covers.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Slightly short outside off, Gunathilaka cuts it through cover-point and a single is taken.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. Full and around off, driven straight back to the boler.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. WIDE. A slower bouncer around middle, Perera lets it go.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a run.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Full and wide outside off, Gunathilaka reaches out and drives it through the covers for a single.
Kane Williamson to Kusal Perera. BEATEN! Short and outside off, Perera looks to cut but is done in by the extra bounce. End of a very good first over by Williamson. Only a single from it, he could have easily had a wicket too.
Kane Williamson to Kusal Perera. On the shorter side again, Perera slaps it to the man at covers.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter and outside off, Gunathilaka pushes it through covers for a single.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Floats it on off, DG lunges and blocks it out.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. Slower through the air outside off, Gunathilaka looks to drive but it goes off the bottom edge back towards the bowler.
Kane Williamson to Danushka Gunathilaka. DROPPED! The skipper almost struck off the very first ball! Sri Lanka should have been two down, that was a sitter there for Nicholls. Not the greatest of deliveries, it is short and outside off, Gunathilaka goes for the cut. He does not keep it down though. Henry at point, tries to take it, gets two hands to it but does not hang onto it. A life for Gunathilaka, can he make the Kiwis pay?
Powerplay 2 has been signaled now! A maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over. Also, Kane Williamson has brought himself into the attack.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On the middle stump, Perera pushes it back to the bowler. A maiden to end Powerplay 1! Sri Lanka's score is the same as New Zealand's. The only difference is, the Kiwis had lost a wicket extra.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On the shorter side, Perera pushes it to covers.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On off, Perera blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. Back of a length on off, the batsman stands tall and blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. A low full toss on off, Perera strokes it to mid off.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On a length and around off, Perera tries to slap it through the off side, ends up mistiming it towards mid off. Gunathilaka wants a run but is sent back by his partner. The fielder at mid off fumbles and DG makes it back easily.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Pierced the gap to perfection. There are around three fielders in that point region, Gunathilaka still finds the gap and then, the ball races away. Good way to end what was a tight over till then. 50 up for Sri Lanka and it has come up in good time.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Shortish and outside off, Gunathilaka this time is beaten by pace as he is a touch late in trying to cut it.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The slower one outside off, Gunathilaka tries to guide it down to third man but is beaten by the pace on the delivery.
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera. Works it with the angle towards mid-wicket for a single.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. The umpire signals a leg Bye.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Back of a length on off, DG pushes it back to the bowler.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. A couple to end! On the pads, once again Perera fails to flick, the ball hits his pads and goes towards square leg. The batsmen run the first one hard, go for the second and complete it. It is signaled as leg byes. Another decent over, 7 from it and 14 from the last two for Lanka, just the rate they need to go at.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. On the pads, it is worked around the corner for another single.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Gunathilaka receives a half volley, he takes full toll of it as he lofts it over the bowler's head and into the fence.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Swing and a miss! The sucker ball, full and wide outside off. Gunathilaka tries to go over covers but misses.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good fielding again! This will just keep building the pressure and frustrate the batsman. On a length and around off, Gunathilaka guides it towards point. Guptill makes a good stop diving to his left. Saves at least a couple.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Length ball outside off, Gunathilaka swings at it but the ball goes off the inner half towards mid on.
Matt Henry is on now.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On off, Perera blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. Back of a length on off, the batsman stands tall and blocks it out.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. A low full toss on off, Perera strokes it to mid off.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. On a length and around off, Perera tries to slap it through the off side, ends up mistiming it towards mid off. Gunathilaka wants a run but is sent back by his partner. The fielder at mid off fumbles and DG makes it back easily.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Pierced the gap to perfection. There are around three fielders in that point region, Gunathilaka still finds the gap and then, the ball races away. Good way to end what was a tight over till then. 50 up for Sri Lanka and it has come up in good time.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Shortish and outside off, Gunathilaka this time is beaten by pace as he is a touch late in trying to cut it.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The slower one outside off, Gunathilaka tries to guide it down to third man but is beaten by the pace on the delivery.
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera. Works it with the angle towards mid-wicket for a single.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. The umpire signals a leg Bye.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Back of a length on off, DG pushes it back to the bowler.
Matt Henry to Kusal Perera. A couple to end! On the pads, once again Perera fails to flick, the ball hits his pads and goes towards square leg. The batsmen run the first one hard, go for the second and complete it. It is signaled as leg byes. Another decent over, 7 from it and 14 from the last two for Lanka, just the rate they need to go at.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. On the pads, it is worked around the corner for another single.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Gunathilaka receives a half volley, he takes full toll of it as he lofts it over the bowler's head and into the fence.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Swing and a miss! The sucker ball, full and wide outside off. Gunathilaka tries to go over covers but misses.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good fielding again! This will just keep building the pressure and frustrate the batsman. On a length and around off, Gunathilaka guides it towards point. Guptill makes a good stop diving to his left. Saves at least a couple.
Matt Henry to Danushka Gunathilaka. Length ball outside off, Gunathilaka swings at it but the ball goes off the inner half towards mid on.
Matt Henry is on now.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. A single! Gunathilaka guides it down to third man and gets to the other end. A good over this for Sri Lanka after a quiet period.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Back of a length on off, Gunathilaka guides it towards point.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! This was on the cards right, a big shot? The good thing for Sri Lanka is, it has come off. This should ease a little pressure now. Gunathilaka gives the pacer the charge. Boult does shorten his length. DG still whacks it over the mid off fielder and into the fence.
Trent Boult to Kusal Perera. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Back of a length around off, Gunathilaka guides it through point and a run is taken. Good effort in the deep by Sodhi, he makes good ground to his left and stops it with a dive. Not letting the pressure let off here.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fuller on the pads, Perera works it towards square leg. There were runs on offer there, Gunathilaka will be disappointed he could not put that away.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. Another single to end as Gunathilaka works it to fine leg. Good period this for the Kiwis.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. So finally a run for Sri Lanka. On the pads, Perera tries to flick but misses. The ball hits his pads, rolls towards square leg and the batsmen take a leg bye.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. On the off stump, Perera defends it out.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Perera tries to find the gap through point as he opens the face of the bat. His shot though finds point.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Back of a length on off, Perera keeps it out.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. 8th dot in a row! Length and around off, Mendis keeps it out.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Yes, he can! Top over this by Boult. Continuously bowled it on a length and on the off stump line. Does that so on the last ball also, the batsman can't do a lot about it. He defends it onto the ground. Good follow-up over after the wicket in the last one. Exactly what the Kiwis wanted.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. 5 dots in a row! Attacks the off pole again, Gunathilaka is solid in defense. Can Boult bowl a maiden?
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Tight lines this from Boult. Once again it is on off and just behind a length. Gunathilaka is half-forward as he defends the ball.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. A little too straight this time, DG shuffles across and works it towards mid-wicket.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. On a length and around off again, this time Gunathilaka plays it with a straight bat and back towards the bowler.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Excellent stop! Saves a few runs for his side. On a length and around off, Gunathilaka opens the face of the bat and tries to guide it through cover-point. Neesham there dives to his right and makes a brilliant stop.
Kusal Perera comes in at number 3, replacing Dickwella.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. OUT! Chops it on! Early strike by the Kiwis. Dickwella is gone. A slower ball, around off, 107.8 kph, Dickwella looks to run it down to third man but the ball comes slowly off the surface, takes the inside edge and hits the stumps. A sluggish knock from the southpaw today.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. A short ball, around off, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. WIDE. Down the leg side, this time Gunathilaka misses his flick.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. WIDE. Full and down the leg side, slower delivery gone awry, Gunathilaka misses his flick. In fact, lets it go at the last moment.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! SLAP! Boult seems to be struggling a bit here. Under pressure is he. A short ball, down the leg side, Gunathilaka swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary! He has moved on to 13 from 10 balls.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Landed outside off, left alone.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. A length ball outside off, Gunathilaka looks to go inside out with a wild slash but misses.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! Lovely shot to end the over. Full and around middle, Dickwella comes forward and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary! 12 from the over.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman flicks
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Excellent stop! Saves a few runs for his side. On a length and around off, Gunathilaka opens the face of the bat and tries to guide it through cover-point. Neesham there dives to his right and makes a brilliant stop.
Kusal Perera comes in at number 3, replacing Dickwella.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. OUT! Chops it on! Early strike by the Kiwis. Dickwella is gone. A slower ball, around off, 107.8 kph, Dickwella looks to run it down to third man but the ball comes slowly off the surface, takes the inside edge and hits the stumps. A sluggish knock from the southpaw today.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. A short ball, around off, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. WIDE. Down the leg side, this time Gunathilaka misses his flick.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. WIDE. Full and down the leg side, slower delivery gone awry, Gunathilaka misses his flick. In fact, lets it go at the last moment.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! SLAP! Boult seems to be struggling a bit here. Under pressure is he. A short ball, down the leg side, Gunathilaka swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary! He has moved on to 13 from 10 balls.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Landed outside off, left alone.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. A length ball outside off, Gunathilaka looks to go inside out with a wild slash but misses.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! Lovely shot to end the over. Full and around middle, Dickwella comes forward and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary! 12 from the over.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. Down the leg side, helped through fine leg for a couple.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. WIDE. Down the leg side, Danushka misses his tuck.
Tim Southee to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! Fine shot. On a length outside off, Gunathilaka punches this through the covers for a boundary!
Tim Southee to bowl with the second new ball.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. IN THE AIR... DROPS SHORT! Almost a wicket. Full on middle, Dickwella pushes this uppishly towards mid on. Henry Nicholls comes charging in to his right but is not quite able to get to the catch.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Full and outside off, Gunathilaka looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man. A run taken.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. On a good length outside off, tapped towards cover for a run.
Trent Boult to Danushka Gunathilaka. Around off, pushed towards cover for a single.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. Sri Lanka are away.
Trent Boult to Niroshan Dickwella. Full and around middle, pushed towards mid on.
The beautiful Bay Oval is bathed in sunshine as the Kiwis get into a huddle. Out come the Lankan openers now - Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka. 119 last time around. Can they do it again? Here comes Trent Boult. He will bowl to Dickwella first up.