For a long time the first semi-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand looked like a replay of Sri Lanka’s quarter final match with England. Substitute in the stubborn Black Caps of New Zealand in place of an England team almost relieved to be going home, and the crowd would have been wondering if it was Groundhog Day.
Sri Lanka strangled the New Zealand top order, denying them any momentum with tight bowling and occasional wickets.
As the English had done, New Zealand batsmen made good starts, but weren’t able to capitalise when the run rate needed to rise, and were eventually dismissed for 217 in the 49th over.
Styris top scored with 57, but Taylor’s laboured 36 from 55 with one lonely boundary was representative of the grind.
In contrast, Sri Lanka flew out of the gate, Tharanga dominating early proceedings as he made a run a ball 30. His loss in the 8th over with 40 on the board for Sri Lanka had little impact as Sangakkara was quickly away.
Boundaries and sixes came at a steady rate, and Sri Lanka seemed to be cruising to another emphatic victory at 1/160.
But this New Zealand team are used to being under-estimated, although to be fair, that has been hard in recent years. Still, they suddenly have some self-belief after South Africa’s capitulation, and they won’t lie down now.
Once again, they were able to drag themselves back into the contest with a couple of wickets and tight bowling.
Dilshan (73) and Sangakkara (54) departed, as did Jayawardene for just one, and at 4/169 it was suddenly game on.
Sri Lanka’s strong form in recent matches suddenly counted against them – the four batsmen back in the pavilion have scored a mighty 1,478 runs in this tournament but, such had been their form, few other batsmen had had much of a hit.
All of a sudden, scoring ground to a halt. An over from Ryder cost nine, breaking the shackles, but Southee immediately returned to claim his third victim and the crowd was silenced once more.
Angelo Mathews came out with a runner to join Samaraweera who was struggling to score. Ryder bowled another over for five to leave Southee and McKay to bowl out the innings. More wickets were needed – runs weren’t going to be an issue by themselves with the required run-rate around 4.5/over.
McKay’s first over of the new spell proved pivotal with a delivery spearing down the leg side for five wides, while Mathews survived a referral for a caught behind verdict.
When Mathews hit the first ball from Southee’s next over for six, the crowd could finally breathe again.
Sri Lanka move on to the final in good shape. The top order continue their imposing form; the bowling line up continue to take wickets and restrict runs, and their middle order will feel better for getting the side home under pressure.
They can sit back and enjoy tomorrow’s India vs Pakistan final, as they prepare to leave their home support (and pressure) for Mumbai and Saturday’s final.
New Zealand have again exceeded expectations in making the semi final. Hopefully, the confidence gained will lead to somewhat of a resurgence in their international fortunes.
Lack of depth will remain an issue, but hopefully the new blood will come through to back up the efforts of world class players like Vettori and Taylor.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
New Test, same result, same problems for Australia as they finish their tour of New Zealand with a fifth win from five matches. Christchurch,…
At the beginning of this second Test between New Zealand and Australia, the Australians formed a guard of honour for Marais Erasmus standing in…
With his place as Australian wicketkeeper suddenly in jeopardy after a poor run of scores with the bat, Alex Carey's brilliant unbeaten 98 to…
It was 50 years ago that New Zealand recorded their first Test Cricket win over Australia.
A five-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood helped Australia run through New Zealand on the first day in Christchurch, but familiar batting woes have prevented…
New Zealand have tapped uncapped quick Ben Sears for the second Test against Australia, ending hopes of a farewell outing for retired Black Caps…
