 In a do-or-die encounter at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, New Zealand posted a huge target of 316 runs to win in front of Sri Lanka to ensure their ICC Champions Trophy berth in the semi final.
After winning the toss Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakara put New Zealand into bat. New Zealand openers started with caution as the bowl seemed and zipped around but suddenly Jesse Ryder pulled his thigh muscle and from where the game has been changed for New Zealand. Jesse Ryder who are running out of form from last few games decided it’s useless to hand around with the runners already taken. So he smashed all Sri Lankan bowlers without any fear all around the park. He reached his half century in just 28 balls which included eight 4’s and one huge six of L.Malinga. However the real drama began when the first wicket partnership was over. From 125/0 in the 20th over New Zealand reduced to 161/5 in the 30th over that means in space of sixty deliveries they have loss five wickets and scored just 36 runs. S.Jayasurya and Angelo Mathews peg back New Zealand innings by picking up three and two wickets respectively. When all looks over for New Zealand at that stage, the fighter Daniel Vettori (48 runs of 44 balls) and M.Guptill (66 runs of 76 balls) put on a most crucial partnership of 69 runs of just 62 balls to bring New Zealand inning back on track. In the end New Zealand scored 60 runs in their batting Powerplay which was taken from over 46th to 50th. Thanks to some lusty hitting by M.Guptill, James Franklin (28* runs of 21 balls) and Kyle Mills (18* runs of 6 balls). For this game Sri Lanka decided to left out M.Muralitharan and bring T.Tushara in the playing XI, while New Zealand bring all-rounder James Franklin in the squad in place of G.Hopkins. Playing XI for both Teams New Zealand Squad: B.McCullum (WK), Jesse Ryder, M.Guptill, R.Taylor, G.Elliot, N.Broom, J.Franklin, D.Vettori (Captain), K.Mills, D. Tuffey, S.Bond. Sri Lanka Squad: S.Jayasurya, T.Dilshan, K.Sangakara (WK & Captain), M.Jayawardne, T.Kandamby, T.Samarweera, A.Mathews, T.Tushara, N.Kulasekara, L.Malinga, A.Mendis. Match Summary New Zealand– 315/7 in 50 Overs Jesse Ryder- 76 M.Guptill– 66 D.Vettori- 48 B.McCullum– 46 S.Jayasurya– 10-0-39-3 A.Mathews- 6-0-33-2 L.Malinga– 10-0-85-1 N.Kulasekara- 7-0-52-1 |
