Sri Lanka shatter http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 to finish at top of Group A
One of the host nations of the ICC World Cup, 2011, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820.
Already assured a place in the knock-out stages of the competition, the Sri Lankan team was vying for a top spot in group standings, so as to face the weakest team in Group B in the knock-out stage.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Sri Lankans lost both their openers early on until a captain’s innings by wicket keeper Kumar Sangakkara steered the Sri Lankans to a more comfortable position.
Supported by Mahela Jayawardene, 66 runs, and Angelo Mathews, 41 runs, the captain played the Kiwi bowlers all over the park scoring 111 runs: a knock that consisted of 12 fours and 2 sixes.
The Kiwi bowlers did take charge in the last few overs taking wickets in quick succession and restricting the Sri Lankan lower order to just 50 runs after taking Sangakara’s wicket.
Tim Southee and Nathan McCullum were the only New Zealand bowlers managing to take more than one wicket, with the former taking three and the latter taking 2 wickets.
New Zealand knew that a win would guarantee their side a top spot as they went out to bat. The Kiwi batting line up however, was not given a chance to settle as the Sri Lankan bowlers applied pressure right from the start.
Nuwan Kulasekara and Angelo Mathews took early wickets before Captain Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 and Jesse Ryder combined for the Kiwis only significant partnership. Consisting of 49 runs and lasting a little over nine overs, the pair gave their side hope of a victory
before http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajantha-c42419 Mendis sent Ryder back to the stands with his first wicket.
Wickets fell at regular intervals as the Sri Lankan spin bowlers began dominating the game. Living legend Muttiah Muralitharan lead the assault taking four wickets with Ajantha Mendis taking two wickets and the remaining bowlers taking a wicket each.
New Zealand ended the game with a whimper at the end of the 35th over; managing only 153 runs in their innings the Kiwis did little to help their run rate.
The Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara’s ton earned him the Man of the Match award, beating off competition from fellow countryman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Muttiah-Muralitharan-c78157 for the honour.
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