ICC Champions Trophy 2017, warm-up match: New Zealand crush Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in 357-run chase

In the penultimate match of the warm-up rounds, New Zealand cruised to a comfortable 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka despite chasing 357. Sri Lankan batsmen, riding of century from Upul Tharanga and fifties from Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, reached a mammoth 356 for 7 (their second consecutive total in excess of 300 in the warm-up matches) only to falter in front of Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson. Ahead of their tournament opener in the main draw of ICC Champions Trophy 2017, the Black Caps have salvaged an easy win with two of their main batsmen coming back to full form. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will play their first game against South Africa and have lots to ponder upon especially in the bowling department. Full Cricket Scorecard, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2017, warm-up match

Opting to bowl, New Zealand bowlers were hammered all over the park with Trent Boult leaking runs. Barring Mitchell Santner, Corey Anderson and Tim Southee, all bowlers remained expensive as Sri Lanka piled up a mammoth 356 for 7 in 50 overs. Tharanga was breathtaking during his 110 with 13 fours and 3 sixes. Chandimal and Mendis notched up fifties before late flourish came from Kusal Perera and Seekkuge Prasanna. In reply, New Zealand opened with their regular pair Tom Latham and Guptill, and they responded with an aggressive start.

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Latham fell for 49-ball 44 but Williamson and Guptill led the onslaught with fearless striking. Guptill’s form was the highlight of the day for the Kiwis as he slammed 116, studded with 16 fours and 5 sixes. Williamson played second fiddle with a 60-ball 88. The duo retired out to give more chance to other batsmen. Ross Taylor failed to grasp the chance, but Neil Broom and Corey Anderson initiated the finishing act with perfection courtesy an unbeaten stand.

New Zealand will play Australia in their tournament opener, whereas Sri Lanka will face South Africa on June 3.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 356 for 8 in 50 overs (Upul Tharanga 110, Kusal Mendis 57, Dinesh Chandimal 55; Trent Boult 2 for 47, Tim Southee 2 for 48) lose to New Zealand 359 for 46.1 in overs (Martin Guptill 116, Kane Williamson 88, Corey Anderson 50*; Seekkuge Prasanna 2 for 63) by 6 wickets with 23 balls to spare.

Full Cricket Scorecard, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2017, warm-up match