Sri Lanka turn tables on New Zealand

AFP, NELSON (NEW ZEALAND): A cracking 91 by Tillakaratne Dilshan set Sri Lanka up for an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday to keep their one-day series alive.
Sri Lanka knocked off their 277-run target with 22 balls to spare in a remarkable turnaround after being outplayed in the first two matches.
In addition to Dilshan's heroics, Lahiru Thirimanne cracked an unbeaten 87 and Danushka Gunathilaka made 65.
Dinesh Chandimal was not out 27 at the end as the match followed the same formula as the first two where the team that lost the toss batted second and dominated.
New Zealand now lead the series 2-1 with two matches remaining.
Batting first in the opening matches on faster wickets in Christchurch, Dilshan, Thirimanne and Gunathilaka posted a total of 43 runs from their combined six innings.
But they were more at home on the accommodating Saxton Oval where Dilshan took 92 balls for his 91 and stood in partnerships of 98 with Gunathilaka and 111 with Thirimanne.
New Zealand strike bowlers Tim Southee and Adam Milne were belted out of the attack in five overs.
Doug Bracewell was brought on in the sixth over to arrest the onslaught only to have Gunathilaka smack his first ball for six to bring up Sri Lanka's 50.
It was the introduction of New Zealand's fourth quick, Mitchell McClenaghan, that snapped the opening stand when Gunathilaka was caught by Ross Taylor at first slip for 65.
Dilshan was run out when turned back by Thirimanne when attempting a difficult single.
In contrast to Sri Lanka's rollicking performance, the New Zealand innings showed signs of rust after so few batsmen had a chance to get in the middle in the first two games.
Kane Williamson's 59 was the only score to better a half-century.

Brief scores

New Zealand:   276/8 in 50 overs
Sri Lanka: 277/2 in 46.2 overs

 

Sri Lanka turn tables on New Zealand

AFP, NELSON (NEW ZEALAND): A cracking 91 by Tillakaratne Dilshan set Sri Lanka up for an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday to keep their one-day series alive. Sri Lanka knocked off their 277-run target with 22 balls to spare in a remarkable turnaround after being outplayed in the first two matches. In addition to Dilshans heroics, Lahiru Thirimanne cracked an unbeaten 87 and Danushka Gunathilaka made 65. Dinesh Chandimal was not out 27 at the end as the match followed the same formula as the first two where the team that lost the toss batted second and dominated. New Zealand now lead the series 2-1 with two matches remaining. Batting first in the opening matches on faster wickets in Christchurch, Dilshan, Thirimanne and Gunathilaka posted a total of 43 runs from their combined six innings. But they were more at home on the accommodating Saxton Oval where Dilshan took 92 balls for his 91 and stood in partnerships of 98 with Gunathilaka and 111 with Thirimanne. New Zealand strike bowlers Tim Southee and Adam Milne were belted out of the attack in five overs. Doug Bracewell was brought on in the sixth over to arrest the onslaught only to have Gunathilaka smack his first ball for six to bring up Sri Lankas 50. It was the introduction of New Zealands fourth quick, Mitchell McClenaghan, that snapped the opening stand when Gunathilaka was caught by Ross Taylor at first slip for 65. Dilshan was run out when turned back by Thirimanne when attempting a difficult single. In contrast to Sri Lankas rollicking performance, the New Zealand innings showed signs of rust after so few batsmen had a chance to get in the middle in the first two games. Kane Williamsons 59 was the only score to better a half-century. Brief scores New Zealand: 276/8 in 50 overs Sri Lanka: 277/2 in 46.2 overs