Sports
Corey Anderson gets Rangana Herath to provide an easy catch to cover. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 233 in 46.1 overs. New Zealand win by 98 runs.
Updated : Sep 29, 2017, 07:35 PM IST
Rangana Herath and Suraj Lakmal are now delaying the inevitable after Sri Lanka went 9 wickets down. Some slow, plodding cricket from the Lankans.
New Zealand are winning their encounter against Sri Lanka, and winning quickly as we speak. Chasing a mammoth 331, Sri Lanka have slumped to 196/7 in the 38th over. Only Angelo Mathews stands between New Zealand and defeat now.
Earlier, Brendon McCullum (65), Kane Williamson (57) and Corey Anderson (75) took the Black Caps to a commanding score of 331. Here's the match report from the first half.
Lasith Malinga, touted to be the danger man New Zealand had to watch out for, was taken for 23 runs in an over by McCullum and Guptill. He finished with ghastly figures of 10-0-84-0.
People are already expressing their delight/ consternation at the turn of events.
So my first match prediction is going well... SL have dug their own grave! Good going NZ! #NZvsSL #CWC15
— Ankit Sanklesha (@iCrappyWriter) February 14, 2015
Sangakara out! Why oh why did I back Sri Lanka? Reviewed it - unsuccessfully! #NZvSL #SLvsNZ #NZvsSL #SLvNZ #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/60VsvEK2LJ
— Paul Dennett (@the_summer_game) February 14, 2015
In the last five World Cup encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the black caps have been defeated each time. But that is unlikely to dent the spirits of the host nation when they take on Angelo Mathews' side in the opening match of 2015 World Cup in Christchurch.
Also Read: Match Preview: New Zealand favourites against Sri Lanka in World Cup opening clash
In the last few years, black caps have upped their game a few notches. Always a consistent performer in ICC events, pundits believe New Zealand have the team to go the distance this time around. They have the third best win/ loss percentage in ODIs since 2014. In Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Ken Williamson, New Zealand have ample fire power in the batting unit. The bowling too looks comprehensive with the likes of Tim Southee, Adam Milne and veteran Danniel Vettoori.
Also Read: Confident Brendon McCullum hails 'best' New Zealand World Cup team
Sri Lanka on the other hand have suffered indifferent form in the recent time including humiliating loss to Zimbabwe in the warm-up match. But they have rich pedigree in their batting order. The likes of Dilshan, Sangakara, Jayawardene are veteran war horses who know how to play their best in the big stage. Additional impetus will be to do a double after winning the World T-20 championship last year. But for the side to win, the bowling needs to come to the party and all eyes will be on Malinga and Herath to deliver the goods. Over all the first match is all set to be a mouth-watering contest and it will also give us a chance to gauge the nature of pitches in New Zealand.
Weather though may act as a spoilsport in Christchurch. So far so good however..
Morning has broken in @Christchurch_NZ! Just four hours until the first ball is bowled at #cwc15! #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/FhRold5RfR
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 13, 2015
The Press Box is ready for action at Hagley Oval today! Who is your pick to win the #cwc15 opener? #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/Ty2ykwnFO2
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 13, 2015
Some perspective
Four years ago this month Christchurch was struck by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. Today the city hosts the opening fixture of #CWC15. #NZvSL
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) February 13, 2015
Fans are also excited to see their favourite stars in action.
Looking forward to cheering on @BLACKCAPS in #CWC15 and hoping for a run like 1992! #happymemories #goodluckboys
— Vicky Ledbury (@mrsled1) February 13, 2015