Photographs: Michael Steele/Getty Images
New Zealand pulled off a nail-biting one-wicket victory in a low-scoring Group A thriller against Sri Lanka in the ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff.
Chasing a paltry score of 139, New Zealand had to earn each and every run as they huffed and puffed their way to victory with 13.3 overs to spare at Sophia Gardens.
Earlier, electing to bat first on a sunny day at Cardiff, Sri Lanka were off to the worst possible start, losing Kushal Perera off the first ball of the innings.
Kyle Mills bowled a perfect away-going delivery, which induced the edge from Perera and was taken wonderfully by Brendon McCullum at second slip.
Mitchell McClenaghan, then removed the other opener, Tilakarathne Dilshan, going past his defences to rattle the stumps.
Vettori snaps Jayawardene
Photographs: Rebecca Naden/Reuters
Daniel Vettori, who is making a comeback after injury, struck in his first over itself, removing Mahela Jayawardene for 4.
Jayawardene failed to read the arm ball from Vettori and was adjudged leg-before-wicket.
Dinesh Chandimal didn't even bother to trouble the scorers as he edged one to Ronchi off Kyle Mills.
Sangakkara stands tall amidst the ruins
Photographs: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Kumar Sangakkara waged a lone battle in the middle with a fighting 68. He first joined hands with skipper Angelo Mathews and put on 31 runs stand for fifth wicket; then with Thissara Perera he added 36, which was the highest partnership of the innings.
Sangakkara, however, did not last long; he top-edged a Nathan McCullum delivery to Kane Williamson at point.
In the end, the Sri Lankans were dismissed for a paltry 138.
Malinga strikes for Lanka
Photographs: Rebecca Naden/Reuters
Chasing a paltry 139 for victory, New Zealand were off to a poor start as well.
Shaminda Eranga first had Luke Ronchi caught behind by keeper Kumar Sangakkara for 7.
However, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptil steadied the ship a bit before Malinga deceived Williamson with a trademark slower delivery.
Ross Taylor too didn't last long, as Rangana Herath had him caught in front of the stumps.
Dilshan adds to NZ woes
Photographs: Rebecca Naden/Reuters
Part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan then had James Franklin walking back to add to New Zealand's problems.
Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews rotated his bowlers intelligently to ensure that all bowlers had enough overs in the kitty to make an impact.
However, a crucial 35-runs stand between the McCullum brothers titled the match in New Zealand's favour.
Malinga's deadly yorkers turn the game
Photographs: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Malinga was brought back by Mathews as last throw of the dice and he didn't disappoint.
He first removed the dangerous Brendon McCullum with a peach of a yorker, then trapped the elder McCullum – Nathan in front of the stumps.
However, Tim Southee kept a cool head on his shoulder to see the team through.
Comment
article