New Zealand set up 227-run target for Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match

New Zealand and Sri Lanka play their first warm-up match of the ICC World T20 2016 at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson elected to bat first. Williamson and Martin Guptill gave New Zealand a blistering start. Though Williamson departed on 9, it was Guptill and Colin Munro who kept the scoreboard ticking. At the end of 5 overs, New Zealand were 68/1. Guptill took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners  and plundered 25-ball 41, including four 4s and one 6.

It was then Colin Munro and Corey Anderson’s turn to fire on all cylinders. Together they stitch 92-run partnership for the third wicket. Munro smashed four consecutive 6s off Dasun Shanaka’s over and smashed 21-ball half-century, including seven 6s. Munro was soon knocked over by Shanaka on 67 (34).

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Corey Anderson, then, left no stone unturned to continue the blistering momentum. In 16th and 17th over, Anderson scythed four 6s off Senanayake and Lakmal’s over. Anderson brought up his half-century in just 27 deliveries.

Sri Lankan bowlers gave their best to contain the onslaught by the New Zealand players but had no assistance from the Wankhede’s belter of a pitch. While Suranga Lakmal leaked 50 runs off his 4 overs, Sachitra Senanayake gave away 35 runs off 4 overs. Though Dilshan gave only 5 runs off his first over, he was then smashed all over the park in his next 2 overs, conceding 23 runs. It wasn’t the start Sri Lankan bowlers expected. However, Sri Lankan batsmen will make full use of the batting conditions and chase down 227-run mammoth total.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 226 for 4 (Martin Guptill 41, Colin Munro 67, Corey Anderson 60; Suranga Lakmal 1 for 50, Dason Shanaka 2 for 48) vs Sri Lanka.