Kane Williamson says that he is happy to see improvement in every game. Reckons that they were put under pressure in all the games and they did well top come on top. Credits Taylor and Nicholls for their knock today. Adds saying that this is a great team and hopes to continue winning games. On the World Cup he feels that there is still time for it and wants to keep improving on their cricket. Ends saying that they are happy to win 3-0.
Lasith Malinga says the top 4 are getting runs, but he is disappointed that in the last 15 overs they are not bowling well and going for plenty of runs. Also says before the world cup, they need to get team formation right. Mentions Dickwella and Kusal Perera are playing well and would like them to continue their good form. Ends by saying he is enjoying the captaincy and would like the results going in his way in the upcoming matches.
Man of the Match, Ross Taylor, feels that they were nervous at the start and wanted to get things back together. Mentions that all the three games were good and the guys raised their hands and played well. On his batting he mentions that he keeps things simple. On the team batting he says that they grind up first and then catch up well to put the icing on the cake later.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson was the most impressive bowler on show. He was quick and also used smart variations to deceive the batsmen. The other pacers though were not too convincing. Ish Sodhi with a 3-fer also left his impact as he along with skipper Kane Williamson bowled some tidy overs to create pressure.
Once Sri Lanka’s top three departed, the middle order failed to cope up with the pressure. The century partnership between Thisara Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka reignited some hope in the Lankan camp but once the former fell to a stunning catch by Martin Guptill, the writing was on the wall. The last five wickets went down for just 5 runs as New Zealand registered a convincing win to make it 3-0.
A big win for the Kiwis this time! They weren’t clinical in the previous two games but today everything clicked. Powered by Taylor and Nicholls’ centuries, they posted a massive total on the board and then their bowlers put their best foot forward. However, at the beginning, the Lankan openers managed to scare them. In fact, they were going on smoothly initially and did well to keep the required rate under control.
Nuwan Pradeep is the last man to the crease. A slip in place.
Ish Sodhi back for another spell.
Read more: Sri lanka lion
Lakshan Sandakan walks in at number 10.
Lasith Malinga, the skipper makes his way to the middle now.
Dushmantha Chameera is the next batsman to the crease.
Lockie Ferguson to steam in…
Matt Henry returns into the attack. 129 needed off 78 balls.
Tim Southee is back on.
Drinks break! New Zealand have picked up a few wickets and have sent half the side back to the pavillion. But they will know that the job is not done. The danger man Thisara Perera is still out there and has just warmed up with a few sixes. Can he take them home today? 156 more required off the remaining sixteen overs. James Neesham to bowl after the Drinks break.
Tim Southee is back on.
Ish Sodhi back for another spell.
Read more: Sri lanka frogmouth
The bowler pulls out.
A change of bats here for Thisara Perera. Maybe he is looking for the one which helped him smash 140 in the previous game.
Matt Henry is back for another spell.
Danushka Gunathilaka is in at number 7, an unfamiliar batting position? Also, Kane Williamson comes onto bowl, maybe some tactical play going on here!
Kusal Perera has been adjudged caught behind! He walks forward towards his partner and then takes the DRS. Ain’t looking too sure there.
Kusal Perera seems to have hurt his finger while playing this ball. It has bounced more and caught him on the gloves. The physio is out there in the middle and we have a halt in play.
Lockie Ferguson returns into the attack.
Thisara Perera is in at number 6. No signs of Danushka Gunathilaka yet. 248 runs required off 197 balls now.
Drinks break. Sri Lanka got off to a flying start with their openers firing on all cylinders. But the Kiwis have managed to bounce back in the last few overs and now with three wickets down, the touring team once again is under the pump. Let’s see how they respond from hereon. Dasun Shanaka is the new batsman.
Read more: Hoteles de sri lanka
Appeal for a run out! It looks touch and go and has been referred upstairs. Let’s wait and watch…
Kusal Mendis comes to bat at no 4.
Ish Sodhi comes on now, replacing his skipper.
Kane Williamson on for a bowl.
Powerplay 2 begins now. 4 fielders can now be stationed outside the ring. Also, James Neesham is into the attack.
Matt Henry is back into the attack.
Kusal Perera walks in at number 3. 299 runs needed in 251 balls.
Lockie Ferguson is the first change in bowling.
Matt Henry to bowl from the other end.
