Published: Jan 29, 2015, 10:24 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 29, 2015, 10:36 AM (IST)
Sri Lanka have set New Zealand a target of 288 runs to win the seventh One-Day International (ODI) at Wellington after a brilliant unbeaten century by Kumar Sangakkara. Sri Lanka got off to a good start, courtesy of some sensible batting by openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne. The duo put on 71 runs for the first wicket in 15 overs. New Zealand finally got the break through after Thirimanne was trapped LBW off the bowling of Corey Anderson. Sangakkara then walked on the field to join Dilshan and the duo played extremely well on their way to a superb 104-stand. Dilshan got to his 42nd half-century and looked well on course to get a big score.
Meanwhile Sangakkara became the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in ODIs barring the runs he got for ICC World XI and Asia XI. Sangakkara too went past his half-century and Sri Lanka were in the driving seat at that stage. The dismissals of Dilshan was followed by Mahela Jayawardene and Seekkuge Prasanna, which put New Zealand right back in the game. Dinesh Chandimal soon joined his teammates back in the hut after he was caught behind off the bowling of Anderson.Thisara Perera was trying to up the ante but in his pursuit to go for another big one, he edged the ball down to third-man’s throat, which ended his innings at 20 off 12 balls.
Sangakkara finished at 113 not out off 105 balls, but Sri Lanka will feel that they are at least 20 runs short considering the start they got. As far as the New Zealand bowling is concerned, Corey Anderson picked up three wickets, whereas Tim Southee finished with two scalps to his name. This is the last game either side will play before the start of ICC World Cup 2015.
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