Cricket Update: Sri Lanka Sneak Home in 2nd Tri Series Match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754
Hosts http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 recovered from a slump towards the end of their run chase to post a three wicket win over the New Zealanders, in the second match of the tri-series One Day tournament being staged at the Rangiri International stadium in Dambulla.
Batting first, the visitors got off to a poor start and were stuttering at 123 for 7 at one stage before recovering to post a fighting total of 192 runs.
Their effort revolved around a brilliant half century by debutant BJ Watling, who opened the batting scoring 55 runs in 68 balls and striking 8 fours in the process.
After his departure, the rest of the batting caved in against the penetration of Lasith Malinga and Angelo Matthews, the two pacers were at their best knocking the opposition with crucial blows through out the innings.
Malinga, who is the spearhead of the Sri Lankan attack accounted for three batsmen, he was on a hat-trick at one stage, when he got wicket-keeper Howard and seamer Tuffey dismissed on consecutive deliveries.
However, he missed out on three on three, when Nathan McCullum survived the hat-trick ball.
Angelo Matthews was the other successful seamer, the all-rounder snapped three wickets of his own conceding 36 runs to halt the progress of the Kiwis.
Rangana Herath also claimed a brace of wickets, to ensure that the Black Caps do not cross the 200 run mark.
In reply, the Lankans lost their prolific opener Tilakaratne Dilshan for only 5 runs, the right hander attempted to flick a ball form Kyle Mills but succeeded in only skying it in the air.
After his departure, skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Upul Tharanga steadied the ship for the hosts; the two brought their team back on top with an intelligent display of batting.
The two took full advantage of some loose bowling that was on offer adding 85 runs in their partnership that lasted 107 balls.
Sri Lankan captain Sangakkara was dismissed by Scott Styris within two runs of his half century; his 48 run knock came off 62 balls and included five fours.
Veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene was the next one to go the right hander scored only 5 runs before perishing to the part time off spin of Nathan McCullum.
Another veteran batsman and prolific run maker Thilan Samaraweera held the Sri Lankan innings together after the departure of Tharanga, who spooned a catch to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BJ-Watling-c1172 in the extra cover region after making 70 runs.
Tharanga struck 9 fours in his innings, the Sri Lankans then lost three quick wickets, as they aimed for the bonus point which would have come their way if they would have chased down the runs before the end of the 40th over of the innings.
Samaraweera held his composure to take his team home, as Angelo Matthews, Kulasekara and Herath all fell tamely.
Kapugedra joined Samaraweera with the Lankans 13 runs away from the target, the Sri Lankan nerves were eased by the duo as they strolled home scoring a crucial win with 9 overs in spare.
Tharanga was named man of the match for his match winning knock, for the Black Caps Kyle http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321 claimed four wickets, while Southee, McCullum and Styris captured a wicket each.
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