Tue, 29 Mar 2011 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2011, 1st Semi Final Match - Bulletin

Sri Lanka outclass kiwis to set up all-Asian grand finale

Irrespective of the result on April the second, one thing is certain now- the 10th world cup will remain in sub continent. The credit for turning the prospect of having an all-Asian final into possibility goes to Sri Lanka who put up a tremendous all-round performance to outclass spirited New Zealand by 5 wickets in the first semi final in Colombo.

Sri Lanka will now await the winner of tomorrow’s epic clash between arch-rival India and Pakistan.

Chasing the victory total of 218, Sri Lanka had stated off confidently with openers Tharanga and Dilshan setting Colombo ablaze with breathtaking strokeplays. Though Tharanga was dismissed thanks to an acrobatic catch by Jesse Ryder at point, the experienced duo of Sangakkara(54 off 79) and Dilshan(73 off 93) played with aplomb putting together a century stand for the second wicket.

With Sanga and Dilshan around, Sri Lanka had looked to make a light of kiwis’ first innigs effort but thanks to some breathtaking intensity on the field, the black caps brought themselves back into the game with a few quick wickets. At one stage, even the miracle looked possible but Samarveera played a little cameo to ensure Sri Lanka’s place into the grand finale.

Among the kiwi bowlers, Tim Southee was the the most successful picking up 3 wickets for 57 runs. Vettori and young McKay also shared a wicket a piece.

Earlier, in what could be termed a repeat of what they did against England in the quarter final, the versatile Sri Lankan bowling shone again as New Zealand slumped from commanding 204 for 5 to 217 all out in the first semi final in Colombo.

Riding on the half century of veteran Scott Styris (57 off 77), New Zealand had gone past 200 and with five more overs to go, they looked set to post a target of around 250 when Sri Lankan bowlers scripted a kind of comeback they had become famous for.

The power of ‘three M”- Murlitharan(2for 42), Malinga(3 for 55) and Mendis (3 for 35) all but choked the Kiwis as wickets fell like ninepins at death.

Playing his last international game on his home soil, Murali signed off his bowling rendition before his home crowd with a wicket off Scott Styris. As the champion bowler walked back to the pavilion, some 30000 people gave him standing ovation.

For New Zealand, all of their six top order batsmen got the start but none of them barring Styris was even able to go past fifty. Taylor was the second highest scorer with 36 off 55 balls.

With its top order in menacing form, the target of 217 is not expected to test Sri Lanka too much during its run chase unless the kiwis pull off something spectacular. Kumar Sangakkara was named man of the match for his spectacular innings that proved the bulwark of Sri Lankan’s run chase.

Sri Lanka win by 5 wickets

Sri Lanka: 220 / 5 in 47.5 overs RR: 4.60

And here it is! Sri Lanka are through to their second consecutive world cup final. Samarveera and Mathews have taken the Lankans home after the little period of tension when they lost some quick wickets amidst some spectacular Kiwi bowling fielding.

Sri Lanka have played some wonderful cricket tonight to stun the kiwis who, despite limited resources, put up a brave fight.

Smiles can be seen all around as Sri Lankan fans are shouting in glee.

Overall, a great game of cricket!

Remember it’s going to be an all-Asian grand finale come April the second. Sri Lanka are already through and now they would wait for the winner of tomorrow’s epic clash between arch-rival India and Pakistan.

Sri Lanka: 204 / 5 in 46.0 overs RR: 4.43

It’s nearly all over for the Kiwi squad. They have played some competitive cricket tonight but it’s just not going to be good enough to halt the Sri Lankan juggernaut.

Plenty of drama was witnessed in this over. A wide down the leg side beat McCullum to all the way to the fence behind the wicket. And then appeal for caught behind was turned down by the umpire. McCullum went for the review but of no avail.

Sri Lanka: 190 / 5 in 44.0 overs RR: 4.32

Samarveera has got the boundary he was looking for.the pressure is eased again. Sri Lankan supporters have begun to beat drum and chant slogans again.

What a game we have had here! Despite scoring a below-par total, the Kiwis have fought well but Sri Lanka are proving just a touch better side.

Angela Mathews has come out to bat with a limping leg. Jayaverdane is out in the middle playing the role of runner for him.

Sri Lanka: 185 / 5 in 42.2 overs RR: 4.37

Last man out: Chamra Silva: 13(25) b. Southee

Southee has knocked over Chamara Silva to keep the Kiwis alive in the contest.

Sri Lanka though need only 33 but Kiwis have still not given it up.

True goes the saying it’s never over till the fat lady has sung and she has definitely not set off her rendition yet. Intense battle going on.

Sri Lanka: 174 / 4 in 40.0 overs RR: 4.35

The game has suddenly become interesting. Three quick wickets and the runs have dried out completely.

Can the kiwis pull off a miracle here?

Sri Lankan middle order has not been tested yet so this is an opportunity for Samarveera and Silva to get feel of the pressure coodker situation. Sri Lanka are still favorite but the black Caps have sniffed something for sure.

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