Updated on
Summary
In a sensational tri-series encounter in Dambulla, hosts Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by three wickets to start their campaign in style. A terrific contest between the bat and the ball was witnessed throughout the match. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. They could muster just 192 in 48.1 overs. Watling was the top scorer with 55, while McCullum made 36. Scott Styris contributed 24. For Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews took 3 wickets each. Rangana Herath took 2 wickets. Chasing a victory target of 193, Sri Lanka lost Dilshan early. However, Tharanga and Sangakkara added 85 runs for the second wicket, which was the turning point of the game. Tharanga scored 70, while Sangakkara made 48. Although Sri Lanka lost quick wickets in the middle, their batsmen held their nerves and reached 195/7 in 40.5 overs. Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 36. For New Zealand, Kyle Mills took four wickets. Upul Tharanga was declared Man of the Match.
