After 5 straight World Cup losses to Sri Lankans, finally New Zealand could stop the losing trail registering their first win against Sri Lanka since 1992 World Cup, which is their overall 4th win in SL vs NZ World Cup rivalry. New Zealand made a confident start with good batting and bowling as they won by 98 runs, their biggest win by runs vs Sri Lanka in the tournament.
2015 World Cup: Complete Fixture in Indian Time
Match Statistics
- 98 runs win is biggest win for NZ vs SL in WC.
Head to Head: SL 6, NZ 4.
Kiwis won against SL after 5 consecutive losses in WC.
111 run 1st wicket partnership between Guptill, Brendon McCullum.
3rd WC half-century for McCullum.
On debut half-century for Corey Anderson and Thirimanne in WC.
1st 50+ score for Williamson in WC.
Fun and Run for Kiwis
Sent to bat first by Lankans, captain Brendon McCullum (65 runs) and Guptill started the World Cup with a 111 run partnership as they batted for 15.5 overs. The man-in-form Kane Williamson (62-ball 49 runs) continued started his World Cup with a half-century.
Ross Taylor (14) and Elliott (29) could not contribute much as New Zealand reached healthy 258/5 in 43.5 overs. From there hurricane Anderson and another man-in-form Ronchi (19-ball unbeaten 29 runs) added 73 runs in 6 overs as Anderson was out on the last ball. New Zealand scored 331/6.
Sri Lankan Bowling
The pace duo of Kulasekara (1/78) and Malinga (0/84) failed to control the run flow. Captain Mathews (0/28 in 6 overs) and Herath (1/37 in 9 overs) were impressive but Lakmal (2/62) and Dilshan (0/35 in 5 overs) went for runs. Mendis could bowl only 2 overs in which he grabbed 2 wickets for 5 runs.
Sri Lankan Chase of 332 runs
Thirimanne (60-ball 65 runs) started the chase well, but Dilshan (24), Sangakkara (39), Mahela (0), Karunaratne (14) failed. Captain Mathews (46) tried but he got no support from tail. Mendis (4), Kulasekara (10), Herath (13), Malinga (0) failed to tackle the impressive Kiwi bowlers.
New Zealand Bowling
Southee (2/43), Vettori (2/34) were economical. Boult (2/64), Milne (2/56) and Anderson (2/18) were expensive but grabbed wickets.
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