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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

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Match 41, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 09 Nov, 2023

Sri Lanka

SL

171/10

(46.4) ov

New Zealand

NZ

172/5

(23.2) ov

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets

Player Of The Match

Trent Boult,
New Zealand
New Zealand
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
New Zealand
Sri Lanka

New Zealand • 172/5 (23.2 overs)

D Conway 45 (42)

D Mitchell 43 (31)

A Mathews 2/29 (4)

D Chameera 1/20 (4)

Sri Lanka • 171/10 (46.4 overs)

K Perera 51 (28)

M Theekshana 38 (91)

T Boult 3/37 (10)

M Santner 2/22 (10)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this game and only four more games remain in the group stage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. New Zealand, with this big win, have left Pakistan and Afghanistan virtually knocked out of the competition and all four semifinal slots are all but locked in. Up next is a clash between two wounded teams but one of them is already through to the semifinals. It will be South Africa taking on Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. That game will begin at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) but as usual, our build-up will begin a lot sooner. Do join us then. Till then, take care and goodbye!

New Zealand's skipper, Kane Williamson says that it was a really good performance. States that they got early wickets and spin during the middle phase was challenging as well. Mentions that the guys were outstanding in the first half and came out with real intent in the second half. Shares that they expected the wicket in the Pakistan game again to be similar but it was not. Feels that it is hard to read the weather and surface. Reckons that Sri Lanka are a really dangerous side and it can be difficult to defend on this ground. Tells that there are still a couple of teams who can be on the same points and it is now not in their control. Shares that they have not planned yet what they are going to do in the next couple of days. On the potential semi-final against India, he says that these things do not happen often, and feels that it will be great to be involved in the semi-final.

Kusal Mendis, the captain of Sri Lanka Kusal says that in the first 10 overs, they lost four wickets and struggled in the middle overs but did fight back with the tail and reckons 300 would have been a good score on this wicket. Adds that Dilshan Madushanka bowled really well but since it was a small total, it was difficult for him. Adds that he got the captaincy after the first two games and enjoyed the captaincy but is a bit disappointed with his own performance. Says that he is very happy to see the young players putting their hands up and reckons that they will do well in the future.

Trent Boult is the Player of the Match for his early blitz with the ball. He says that it was nice to get a bit of success at the top. Adds that the bigger pleasure is to get the result. Mentions that it is a challenging format and these are challenging conditions to bowl in. Further adds that he used his experience which helped. Shares that conditions have changed a lot throughout the competition and hopes to push for a big finish. Mentions that everyone wants a piece of the host nation, India, who have been playing so well and feels that it will be an exciting game.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Kane Williamson had no hesitation in fielding first on a pitch that looked like a batting paradise but he was a bit weary of the inclement weather and didn't want to take any risks. This turned out to be a sensational decision as the duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult picked up early wickets with the latter picking up three inside the first Powerplay itself. With their backs on the ropes, Kusal Perera led the charge for Sri Lanka with a quickfire fifty but once he got out, they were highly under the pump. Mitchell Santner showed excellent control yet again in the middle phase and picked up a couple of wickets as well before Maheesh Theekshana put up a stern resistance. New Zealand did eventually manage to bundle out Sri Lanka for just 171 runs and when it came to the chase, they lost 5 wickets but ensured that the job was done and done inside 25 overs.

Sri Lanka have overcome a lot of adversity throughout this World Cup but their campaign ends in a disappointing way and they have all but been knocked out of the race for a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. A big positive for them was Dilshan Madushanka who surprisingly is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament thus far but didn't have the best of games here. Dushmantha Chameera came back from injury in the latter half of the group stage but has proved to be an asset and picked up a wicket as well. Maheesh Theekshana too got a wicket but was hit away early on and it was the clever variations of Angelo Mathews that brought about a couple of more wickets to the Lankans. All in all, a fairly underwhelming last three games from Sri Lanka but they will take a lot of positives heading into the future.

After a string of four defeats, the last of which would have taken a toll on them mentally given the manner of the loss, New Zealand have shown great mental toughness to put on a stellar showing and have virtually set a semifinal date against India. The bowlers had done the job upfront and all the Kiwis needed was a decent partnership up top. They certainly got that and a bit more as both Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got into the 40s before getting out and had taken the sting out of the run chase. It was then Daryl Mitchell who came out guns blazing and looked to finish things off in a hurry. The Kiwis lost a couple of more wickets and then Mitchell too got out in the 40s before Glenn Phillips added the finishing touch and wrapped up proceedings in just over 23 overs.

A FOOT AND A HALF IN THE SEMIFINAL FOR NEW ZEALAND! Mathematically, Pakistan still have a chance of making it through to the semifinals, but virtually it will be the Kiwis who will be the fourth and final team to qualify for the knockouts. For Pakistan to qualify, the hypothetical scenario would be as such - if they bat first and score 300 runs, they would need to bowl out England for just 13 runs and if they bowl second and get England bundled out for 50 runs, they would have to chase it in 2.3 overs which looks as close to impossible as it can get.

23.24

FOUR MORE! Glenn Phillips finishes the game off with back-to-back boundaries! Dilshan Madushanka pulls the length back and tries to go short, over middle and leg, Glenn Phillips swivels in his crease and pulls it hard and to the right of deep square leg for a boundary. A job well done for New Zealand as they win this encounter by 5 wickets and more than 26 overs to spare!

23.14

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! This is bowled on a fullish length, on off from over the wicket, Glenn Phillips stays still and hammers it past mid off for a boundary. New Zealand are just a hit away now.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 164/5

T Latham2 (2)

G Phillips9 (8)

A Mathews4-0-29-2

22.62

Angling away, on a length, outside off, Tom Latham gets the weight on the front foot and times the drive wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

22.50

A rather optimistic shout for LBW! Serves it fuller in length, around leg, Tom Latham leans on but misses the clip as he gets hit on the front pad. It looked to be pitching outside leg but Angelo Mathews is convinced and Kusal Mendis takes the review. Nothing on UltraEdge but it is pitching outside leg on Ball Tracking. A review more in desperation from Sri Lanka.

Tom Latham is the new man in.

22.4W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A fantastic grab from Charith Asalanka! Angelo Mathews keeps it slower, on a good length, on off, Daryl Mitchell opens himself up to go inside out. He gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery and goes through his shot early. Mitchell lobs it in the air towards deep point where Charith Asalanka covers good ground to his left and puts in a full-length dive. The ball stays in his hands even as his elbow hits the ground.

22.34

FOUR! Too easy! Angelo Mathews errs in line as he bowls it slower, down leg, on a length, Daryl Mitchell just has to get bat to ball and he does so to help it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

22.21

Length delivery, outside off, Glenn Phillips hangs back and punches it firmly through covers for a single.

22.10

At 123.4 kph, seaming away, on a length, around off, Glenn Phillips looks to thrash this one through the off side but the ball nips away to beat the bat.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 157/4

G Phillips8 (6)

D Mitchell39 (29)

D Madushanka6-0-50-0

21.61

Pitched up on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips plays it late and uses his wrists to tuck it away through mid-wicket for a run.

21.50

Good length around off, Glenn Phillips stands tall and punches it firmly toward mid off.

21.42

Hard length over middle, angled across, Glenn Phillips stays back and tucks it away neatly toward the gap at mid-wicket and speeds back for the second run.

21.41wd

Wide! Attempted bumper over the left shoulder but this one is spilled down the leg side.

21.31

A length ball on middle and leg, hit away on the up and down to long on for one more.

21.21

Banged in short and angled across the right-hander. Glenn Phillips pulls it away toward deep mid-wicket and looks for two but Daryl Mitchell denies the second run and they settle for the single.

21.11

Bowled slightly back of a length around the top of off, Daryl Mitchell punches it from his crease and straight back past the bowler between mid off and mid on for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 150/4

G Phillips4 (2)

D Mitchell37 (27)

A Mathews3-0-22-1

20.60

Good length around the top of off stump, Glenn Phillips blocks it out.

20.54

FOUR! Flailed away for a boundary! Short and wide outside off, Glenn Phillips throws his hands at it and the ball flies off the outer half of the bat, uppishly and between backward point and short third for a boundary.

20.41

Full and on off stump, driven down to long on for a run.

Glenn Phillips walks out to the middle.

20.3W

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! Mark Chapman storms off the field and that is poor cricket from New Zealand. Angelo Mathews pitches this one up on middle and leg, Chapman clears the front leg and looks to slog it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls toward backward point. Chapman is ball-watching while Daryl Mitchell is down at the batter's end. Sadeera Samarawickrama is the man who picks up the ball and throws it back to Mathews and Mitchell makes sure that he gets past Chapman, so when the bails are dislodged Chapman is the one who is out.

Commentary

Welcome back for New Zealand's reply. The two umpires and the Sri Lankan players make their way out to the middle. Out walk the Kiwi opening pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Dilshan Madushanka is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings with the new ball for Sri Lanka. Off we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, the Kiwi bowlers have done their job and it is now upon their batters to finish the job and take them a step closer to the semis. As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they will need early breakthroughs to stand any chance. Can Dilshan Madushanka and Co. manage to make a match out of this? We will find out when we return in a bit for the chase.

Trent Boult is in for a chat. He says that half the job done and they will now look to chase it down. Adds that the spinners bowled well and it was a lot slower than they expected and hopefully the dew sets in now and they can chase it down quickly. Mentions that it is alwatys a learning curve coming to this part of the world and they have had a couple of tough games and will now look to finish on a high.

As for Sri Lanka, there is not much to write home about except for the contributions from Kusal Perera and Maheesh Theekshana. After being inserted into the bat, it was an 'all or nothing' start from the Sri Lankan batters. Kusal Perera got an early life in Tim Southee's first over, but Pathum Nissanka perished on the very next delivery. It went from bad to worse for Sri Lanka as Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama fell in the space of four deliveries. Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Perera went about business as usual and registered his fifty off just 22 balls. The centurion from the last game, Charith Asalanka, could not repeat his heroics before the aggressive approach from Perera led to his downfall. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva then got together in an effort to steady the sinking ship, but neither of them had any answers to the guile and control of Mitchell Santner. As he has done in the past few games, Maheesh Theekshana showed stubborn resistance and was prepared to grind it out in the middle. He found an alley in Dilshan Madushanka and thanks to their 43-run stand, Sri Lanka have something to bowl at.

It was Tim Southee who set the tone for New Zealand with a wicket in his first over. His new ball partner, Trent Boult, joined in on the act as well and went bang, bang, in an over to pile more misery on Sri Lanka, getting to 600 international wickets in the process as well. After drawing the first blood, Southee tapered off a bit as he was taken on by Kusal Perera in his next couple of overs. This forced Kane Williamson to bring on Lockie Ferguson, and the speedster did what was asked of him to get rid of the dangerous-looking Perera. After the field restrictions were lifted, Mitchell Santer was introduced, and the master craftsman dented any hopes of a Sri Lankan recovery with twin blows. They were stalled by the gritty knock from Maheesh Theekshana as Kane Williamson kept ringing in changes to pick the final wicket. It was Rachin Ravindra who can do no wrong at this World Cup, as he accounted for Dilshan Madushanka to wrap up the innings. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name. He also became the 6th bowler to take 50-plus wickets in ODI World Cups. Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra took two wickets each while Tim Southee had a wicket to his name.

The last-wicket stand finally comes to an end and Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 171! Despite the fight shown by the Sri Lankan tail, this is nowhere close to what they would have set for at the start of the day. The Kiwi bowlers have vindicated their skipper's decision to bowl first, and how. They have certainly taken their game up a notch in what is a must-win game for them.

46.4W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Finally, an extremely gritty stand for the last wicket ends and New Zealand breathe a sigh of relief. Rachin Ravindra drifts this one in beautifully onto middle stump and gets it to dip nicely. Dilshan Madushanka is caught on the back foot and tries to block it out but the ball grips and turns away, taking a faint outside edge and the ball is gobbled up by Tom Latham behind the sticks. Sri Lanka are bowled out for 171!

46.30

Full and wide outside off, hit away firmly toward cover.

46.21lb

Loops this one up really full and down leg, Maheesh Theekshana plays it down toward short fine leg and picks up a single. This is given as leg byes though.

46.10

Excellent fielding from Glenn Phillips! Really slow at just 78 clicks and dropped short around off, Maheesh Theekshana hits it hard off the back foot to the left of Phillips at short extra cover but the Kiwi makes a brilliant diving stop.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 170/9

D Madushanka19 (46)

M Theekshana38 (89)

T Southee8-0-52-1

45.60

Another slower delivery that is bowled back of a length and this time over middle. Dilshan Madushanka gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.

45.51

Bowled back of a length and off-paced as well, Maheesh Theekshana hops back and deals with the bounce well, nudging it down toward third man for a single.

45.41

A touch short but pushed well wide of the off stump, Dilshan Madushanka reaches out and taps it in front of point for a single.

45.30

Doesn't carry! On a good length outside off, Dilshan Madushanka looks to hang back and slap it flat over mid off but gets it off the toe end and the ball goes on the bounce to Kane Williamson there.

45.21

Hard length over off, Maheesh Theekshana brings out and agricultural heave and gets it off the inner half of the bat toward wide long on for a single.

45.10

Banged in short and around off, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and looks to uppercut it over backward point but is well beaten.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 167/9

M Theekshana36 (86)

D Madushanka18 (43)

R Ravindra7-0-21-1

44.61

Short again on off, Maheesh Theekshana makes room and cuts it away past point for one more.

44.51

Slightly shorter around off, played off the back foot toward backward point for a single.

44.40

Way too full again, this time drifting it onto the leg stump, Dilshan Madushanka backs away and drills it back to the bowler.

44.30

Another fuller delivery that is looped up on middle stump, Dilshan Madushanka solidly defends it out.

44.20

Tossed up, full and on the stumps, Dilshan Madushanka pushes it out on the off side.

44.10

Lovely delivery! Flighted delivery, drifting onto off and middle but dips and grips, turning away past the outside edge.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 165/9

M Theekshana35 (85)

D Madushanka17 (38)

T Southee7-0-49-1

43.60

Hard length over off, cutting back in, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and taps it straight to point.

43.51

Back of a length and outside off, slower too, Dilshan Madushanka hops back and plays it with an angled bat wide of third man for a single.

43.40

Hard length outside off, Dilshan Madushanka stands tall and looks to thump it over mid off but fails to get any bat on it.

43.30

A bumper now by Southee, over middle stump and flying through. Dilshan Madushanka simply ducks under it.

43.21

Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot to wide mid off for an easy single.

43.10

Pitched up a bit on off stump, Maheesh Theekshana decides to play it off the back foot and pushes it away toward cover-point.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 163/9

D Madushanka16 (35)

M Theekshana34 (82)

R Ravindra6-0-19-1

42.60

On the shorter side around off, played off the back foot to extra cover.

New Zealand
Sri Lanka
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
D Conway

c de Silva b D Chameera

45 42 9 0 107.14
R Ravindra

c de Silva b M Theekshana

42 34 3 3 123.52
K Williamson

b A Mathews

14 15 2 0 93.33
D Mitchell

c C Asalanka b A Mathews

43 31 5 2 138.70
M Chapman

run out (S Samarawickrama / A Mathews)

7 6 1 0 116.66
G Phillips

not out

17 10 3 0 170
T Latham

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 0,w 2,nb 0,Penalty 0)

2
Total 23.2 (RR: 7.37)
172/5

Did not bat: M Santner, T Southee, L Ferguson, T Boult

Fall of wickets:

(D Conway, 12.2 ov) (R Ravindra, 13.3 ov) (K Williamson, 18.2 ov) (M Chapman, 20.3 ov) (D Mitchell, 22.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
D Madushanka
6.2 0 58 0 9.15
M Theekshana
7 0 43 1 6.14
de Silva
2 0 22 0 11.00
D Chameera
4 1 20 1 5.00
A Mathews
4 0 29 2 7.25
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
P Nissanka

c T Latham b T Southee

2 8 0 0 25
K Perera

c M Santner b L Ferguson

51 28 9 2 182.14
K Mendis

c R Ravindra b T Boult

6 7 1 0 85.71
S Samarawickrama

c D Mitchell b T Boult

1 2 0 0 50
C Asalanka

lbw b T Boult

8 8 1 0 100
A Mathews

c D Mitchell b M Santner

16 27 2 0 59.25
de Silva

c D Mitchell b M Santner

19 24 2 1 79.16
C Karunaratne

c T Latham b L Ferguson

6 17 1 0 35.29
M Theekshana

not out

38 91 3 0 41.75
D Chameera

c T Boult b R Ravindra

1 20 0 0 5
D Madushanka

c T Latham b R Ravindra

19 48 2 0 39.58
Extras

(b 0,lb 1,w 3,nb 0,Penalty 0)

4
Total 46.4 (RR: 3.66)
171/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(P Nissanka, 1.5 ov) (K Mendis, 4.1 ov) (S Samarawickrama, 4.4 ov) (C Asalanka, 8.2 ov) (K Perera, 9.3 ov) (A Mathews, 16.4 ov) (de Silva, 18.3 ov) (C Karunaratne, 23.3 ov) (D Chameera, 32.1 ov) (D Madushanka, 46.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
T Boult
10 3 37 3 3.70
T Southee
8 0 52 1 6.50
L Ferguson
10 2 35 2 3.50
M Santner
10 2 22 2 2.20
R Ravindra
7.4 0 21 2 2.73
G Phillips
1 0 3 0 3.00
New Zealand
Sri Lanka

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this game and only four more games remain in the group stage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. New Zealand, with this big win, have left Pakistan and Afghanistan virtually knocked out of the competition and all four semifinal slots are all but locked in. Up next is a clash between two wounded teams but one of them is already through to the semifinals. It will be South Africa taking on Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. That game will begin at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) but as usual, our build-up will begin a lot sooner. Do join us then. Till then, take care and goodbye!

New Zealand's skipper, Kane Williamson says that it was a really good performance. States that they got early wickets and spin during the middle phase was challenging as well. Mentions that the guys were outstanding in the first half and came out with real intent in the second half. Shares that they expected the wicket in the Pakistan game again to be similar but it was not. Feels that it is hard to read the weather and surface. Reckons that Sri Lanka are a really dangerous side and it can be difficult to defend on this ground. Tells that there are still a couple of teams who can be on the same points and it is now not in their control. Shares that they have not planned yet what they are going to do in the next couple of days. On the potential semi-final against India, he says that these things do not happen often, and feels that it will be great to be involved in the semi-final.

Kusal Mendis, the captain of Sri Lanka Kusal says that in the first 10 overs, they lost four wickets and struggled in the middle overs but did fight back with the tail and reckons 300 would have been a good score on this wicket. Adds that Dilshan Madushanka bowled really well but since it was a small total, it was difficult for him. Adds that he got the captaincy after the first two games and enjoyed the captaincy but is a bit disappointed with his own performance. Says that he is very happy to see the young players putting their hands up and reckons that they will do well in the future.

Trent Boult is the Player of the Match for his early blitz with the ball. He says that it was nice to get a bit of success at the top. Adds that the bigger pleasure is to get the result. Mentions that it is a challenging format and these are challenging conditions to bowl in. Further adds that he used his experience which helped. Shares that conditions have changed a lot throughout the competition and hopes to push for a big finish. Mentions that everyone wants a piece of the host nation, India, who have been playing so well and feels that it will be an exciting game.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Kane Williamson had no hesitation in fielding first on a pitch that looked like a batting paradise but he was a bit weary of the inclement weather and didn't want to take any risks. This turned out to be a sensational decision as the duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult picked up early wickets with the latter picking up three inside the first Powerplay itself. With their backs on the ropes, Kusal Perera led the charge for Sri Lanka with a quickfire fifty but once he got out, they were highly under the pump. Mitchell Santner showed excellent control yet again in the middle phase and picked up a couple of wickets as well before Maheesh Theekshana put up a stern resistance. New Zealand did eventually manage to bundle out Sri Lanka for just 171 runs and when it came to the chase, they lost 5 wickets but ensured that the job was done and done inside 25 overs.

Sri Lanka have overcome a lot of adversity throughout this World Cup but their campaign ends in a disappointing way and they have all but been knocked out of the race for a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. A big positive for them was Dilshan Madushanka who surprisingly is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament thus far but didn't have the best of games here. Dushmantha Chameera came back from injury in the latter half of the group stage but has proved to be an asset and picked up a wicket as well. Maheesh Theekshana too got a wicket but was hit away early on and it was the clever variations of Angelo Mathews that brought about a couple of more wickets to the Lankans. All in all, a fairly underwhelming last three games from Sri Lanka but they will take a lot of positives heading into the future.

After a string of four defeats, the last of which would have taken a toll on them mentally given the manner of the loss, New Zealand have shown great mental toughness to put on a stellar showing and have virtually set a semifinal date against India. The bowlers had done the job upfront and all the Kiwis needed was a decent partnership up top. They certainly got that and a bit more as both Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got into the 40s before getting out and had taken the sting out of the run chase. It was then Daryl Mitchell who came out guns blazing and looked to finish things off in a hurry. The Kiwis lost a couple of more wickets and then Mitchell too got out in the 40s before Glenn Phillips added the finishing touch and wrapped up proceedings in just over 23 overs.

A FOOT AND A HALF IN THE SEMIFINAL FOR NEW ZEALAND! Mathematically, Pakistan still have a chance of making it through to the semifinals, but virtually it will be the Kiwis who will be the fourth and final team to qualify for the knockouts. For Pakistan to qualify, the hypothetical scenario would be as such - if they bat first and score 300 runs, they would need to bowl out England for just 13 runs and if they bowl second and get England bundled out for 50 runs, they would have to chase it in 2.3 overs which looks as close to impossible as it can get.

23.24

FOUR MORE! Glenn Phillips finishes the game off with back-to-back boundaries! Dilshan Madushanka pulls the length back and tries to go short, over middle and leg, Glenn Phillips swivels in his crease and pulls it hard and to the right of deep square leg for a boundary. A job well done for New Zealand as they win this encounter by 5 wickets and more than 26 overs to spare!

23.14

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! This is bowled on a fullish length, on off from over the wicket, Glenn Phillips stays still and hammers it past mid off for a boundary. New Zealand are just a hit away now.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 164/5

T Latham2 (2)

G Phillips9 (8)

A Mathews4-0-29-2

22.62

Angling away, on a length, outside off, Tom Latham gets the weight on the front foot and times the drive wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

22.50

A rather optimistic shout for LBW! Serves it fuller in length, around leg, Tom Latham leans on but misses the clip as he gets hit on the front pad. It looked to be pitching outside leg but Angelo Mathews is convinced and Kusal Mendis takes the review. Nothing on UltraEdge but it is pitching outside leg on Ball Tracking. A review more in desperation from Sri Lanka.

Tom Latham is the new man in.

22.4W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A fantastic grab from Charith Asalanka! Angelo Mathews keeps it slower, on a good length, on off, Daryl Mitchell opens himself up to go inside out. He gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery and goes through his shot early. Mitchell lobs it in the air towards deep point where Charith Asalanka covers good ground to his left and puts in a full-length dive. The ball stays in his hands even as his elbow hits the ground.

22.34

FOUR! Too easy! Angelo Mathews errs in line as he bowls it slower, down leg, on a length, Daryl Mitchell just has to get bat to ball and he does so to help it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

22.21

Length delivery, outside off, Glenn Phillips hangs back and punches it firmly through covers for a single.

22.10

At 123.4 kph, seaming away, on a length, around off, Glenn Phillips looks to thrash this one through the off side but the ball nips away to beat the bat.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 157/4

G Phillips8 (6)

D Mitchell39 (29)

D Madushanka6-0-50-0

21.61

Pitched up on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips plays it late and uses his wrists to tuck it away through mid-wicket for a run.

21.50

Good length around off, Glenn Phillips stands tall and punches it firmly toward mid off.

21.42

Hard length over middle, angled across, Glenn Phillips stays back and tucks it away neatly toward the gap at mid-wicket and speeds back for the second run.

21.41wd

Wide! Attempted bumper over the left shoulder but this one is spilled down the leg side.

21.31

A length ball on middle and leg, hit away on the up and down to long on for one more.

21.21

Banged in short and angled across the right-hander. Glenn Phillips pulls it away toward deep mid-wicket and looks for two but Daryl Mitchell denies the second run and they settle for the single.

21.11

Bowled slightly back of a length around the top of off, Daryl Mitchell punches it from his crease and straight back past the bowler between mid off and mid on for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 150/4

G Phillips4 (2)

D Mitchell37 (27)

A Mathews3-0-22-1

20.60

Good length around the top of off stump, Glenn Phillips blocks it out.

20.54

FOUR! Flailed away for a boundary! Short and wide outside off, Glenn Phillips throws his hands at it and the ball flies off the outer half of the bat, uppishly and between backward point and short third for a boundary.

20.41

Full and on off stump, driven down to long on for a run.

Glenn Phillips walks out to the middle.

20.3W

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! Mark Chapman storms off the field and that is poor cricket from New Zealand. Angelo Mathews pitches this one up on middle and leg, Chapman clears the front leg and looks to slog it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls toward backward point. Chapman is ball-watching while Daryl Mitchell is down at the batter's end. Sadeera Samarawickrama is the man who picks up the ball and throws it back to Mathews and Mitchell makes sure that he gets past Chapman, so when the bails are dislodged Chapman is the one who is out.

20.21

Slower in pace, shorter and outside off too, Daryl Mitchell slaps this one without much timing in front of mid off and gets across for a single.

20.10

Pitched up on a nagging length and on off, Daryl Mitchell covers the line well and keeps it out on the off side.

Dilshan Madushanka has been caught on the right ankle by that last shot from Daryl Mitchell and that one must have stung a lot. The physio is out and Madushanka looks in a lot of pain. This could be a painful end to the competition for the leading wicket-taker. Hopefully, he is fine though.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 144/3

D Mitchell35 (24)

M Chapman7 (5)

D Madushanka5-0-43-0

19.61

Hit extremely hard! Dilshan Madushanka bowls it on a fullish length, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets his front leg out of the way and hammers it hard back towards the bowler. Dilshan Madushanka performs a brave stop in his followthrough with his right boot and saves a certain boundary. The ball deflects off his right ankle in front of long on for a single.

19.54

FOUR! Not in complete control but four nonetheless! Dilshan Madushanka bowls it slower, on a length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg to go down the ground but the bat twists in his hands and ends up hitting it towards wide long off for a boundary.

19.41

Much closer to off, on a back of a length, Mark Chapman gets a bit cramped for room but still manages to push it away from extra cover for a run.

19.31

Takes pace off this time from around the wicket, fuller and outside off, Daryl Mitchell prods forward and drives it down to long off for a single.

19.21

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Mark Chapman pats it in front of mid on for a single.

19.14

FOUR! Nicely done! Dilshan Madushanka starts off on a shortish length, outside off, Mark Chapman initially winds up to pull it away but changes his mind and slaps it over extra cover for a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 132/3

D Mitchell29 (21)

M Chapman1 (2)

A Mathews2-0-16-1

18.60

Lands it on a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line and blocks it out.

18.50

This is bowled on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell watchfully defends it out to cover.

18.41

Another delivery on a good length, on off, Mark Chapman pushes it towards mid off and calls Daryl Mitchell through for a quick single.

18.30

Serves it on a good length, at the stumps, Mark Chapman punches it firmly to mid off.

18.31wd

WIDE! Errs in line as he sprays this one down leg, on a length, Mark Chapman misses the tickle and it is called a wide.

Mark Chapman is the next batter in.

18.2W

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Angelo Mathews gets his man! Keeps it on a short of a length, much closer to the off-stump, Kane Williamson gets a bit cramped for room as he looks to cut this one away from the body. He fails to red the bounce as he gets a bottom edge that deflects back onto the stumps. New Zealand lose their skipper but they are only 42 runs away now.

18.14

FOUR! Kane Williamson gives the charge now! Back of a length, over middle, Kane Williamson shimmies down the track and angles the bat perfectly to hit it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 126/2

K Williamson10 (13)

D Mitchell29 (19)

M Theekshana7-0-43-1

17.61

Slanting back in, short and on the pads, the ball keeps a bit low but Kane Williamson still manages to flick it through square leg for a single.

17.51

Bowls it from the front of the hand, short and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell uses the depth of his crease to knock it down to long on for a single.

17.40

Sees the batter advance and fires it in flat, at the stumps, tucked to mid-wicket again..

17.30

Full and on off, clipped to mid-wicket.

17.26

SIX! Good use of the feet! Fractionally short, on off, Daryl Mitchell steps out and gets to the pitch of the ball. He frees his arms and tonks it over mid off for a flat maximum.

17.10

Turning in, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell prods forward and pushes it off the inner half of the bat towards the bowler.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 118/2

D Mitchell22 (14)

K Williamson9 (12)

A Mathews1-0-10-0

16.61

Width offered again, on a length, Daryl Mitchell punches it through covers to retain the strike with a single.

16.51

On a good length, on off, Kane Williamson runs it late and down to third man for a single.

16.44

FOUR! Shot of authority! A nothing delivery by Angelo Mathews as this is back of a length, slower as well, outside off, Kane Williamson gets the width he needs and crouches to hammer it past extra cover for a boundary.

16.31

Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell swivels to pull this one but gets an inside edge onto his body and the ball rolls on the leg side for a single.

16.22

In the air..but well wide! Angelo Mathews bowls it back of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell tries to go for the pull off the front foot. He does not get it where he intended as the ball skies high in the air but drops well in front of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

16.11

Starts off with a bit of a loosener, short and outside off, Kane Williamson hops and crunches it hard to deep point for a single.

Drinks break! Well, as expected New Zealand are making light work of this run chase and that is due to the good foundation laid down by the openers. Devon Conway looked back to his best after a bit of a lean patch but couldn't get to a half-century and neither could an in-form Rachin Ravindra. Daryl Mitchell has come out guns blazing and the Kiwis want to finish things off quickly. Sri Lanka know they are on the ropes but will look to pick up more wickets.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 108/2

D Mitchell18 (11)

K Williamson3 (9)

M Theekshana6-0-35-1

15.60

Full and turning in, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets a good stride in and keeps it out.

15.50

Bowls it from the front of the hand, full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell prods forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

15.44

FOUR! Top shot! Fuller, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell premeditates and goes for the reverse sweep. He executes it to perfection as hits it wide of backward point for a boundary.

15.31

Loses his grip as he bowls a low full toss, on middle, Kane Williamson knock it down to long on for a single.

15.20

An optimistic shout for LBW but the umpire says no! Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, Kane Williamson gets caught in his crease as he looks to whip it and gets hit high on the back leg. Maheesh Theekshana went up in appeal but did not find much support from the rest.

15.10

Nicely bowled! Tossed-up delivery, outside off, Kane Williamson gets a good stride in to defend but the ball keeps straight and goes past his outside edge.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 103/2

D Mitchell14 (8)

K Williamson2 (6)

D Chameera4-1-20-1

14.64

FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and straying on the pads, Daryl Mitchell does not miss out as he flicks it aerially off his pads to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

14.50

Fullish delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it firmly but straight to mid on.

14.46

SIX! Launched down the ground! Dushmantha Chameera delivers it on a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell puts the dancing shoes on and swings through the line to clear the long off fence for a maximum.

14.30

Short of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to use his feet again and pats it towards mid on.

14.20

Half a shout, turned down! Keeps it in the channel, on a good length, Daryl Mitchell gives the charge and looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. There is a noise though and Dushmantha Chameera is the only one that looks interested. Kusal Mendis has a long thought and decides not to review.

14.11

Edgy! Shortish delivery, in the channel, Kane Williamson hops to punch it through the off side but gets an outside edge that beats the diving Angelo Mathews to his right at wide slip. A single taken.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 92/2

D Mitchell4 (3)

K Williamson1 (5)

M Theekshana5-0-30-1

13.60

Flatter and quicker, on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes it from the crease towards mid on.

13.50

Missed out! Maheesh Theekshana loses his grip and bowls a waist-high full toss, Daryl Mitchell premeditates as he goes for the switch hit again. He gets a bit surprised and fails to get it away as he picks out the man at backward point.

13.44

FOUR! Daryl Mitchell is away! Looped up by Maheesh Theekshana, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in front and is quick to pull out the reverse sweep. He controls it well and gets it wide of short third man for a boundary.

Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.

13.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! The move to persist with Maheesh Theekshana pays off for Kusal Mendis and Sri Lanka! This is bowled much slower, fuller and on off, Rachin Ravindra gets down on one knee and sees that mid on is inside the circle. He angles his bat face to get it over that man but does not get a proper connection or the elevation. Rachin hits it flat and towards mid off where Dhananjaya de Silva reacts quickly to his right and completes the catch near his chest. New Zealand have now lost both their set batters.

13.21

Quicker through the air, short and turning in, on middle, Kane Williamson shuffles a bit and pushes it through mid on for a run.

13.11

Darts this one back in, short and on middle, Rachin Ravindra gives himself room and punches it through mid off for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 86/1

K Williamson0 (4)

R Ravindra41 (32)

D Chameera3-1-9-1

12.60

A wicket-maiden from Dushmantha Chameera! Lands it on a good length, in the channel on off, Kane Williamson tries to force it through the off side but closes the bat face a bit early and ends up mishitting it back to the bowler.

12.50

Chameera continues to bowl on that nagging length, just outside off, Kane Williamson hops by lifting his back leg and punches it along the ground to cover-point.

12.40

Short of a length, around off, Kane Williamson stands tall and pushes it firmly on the bounce to backward point.

12.30

At 143.1 clicks, on the fourth stump line, on a good length, Kane Williamson allows the ball to come to him and steers it late towards gully.

Kane Williamson walks out to bat next.

12.2W

OUT! TAKEN! Dushmantha Chameera gets his reward! Devon Conway was looking a bit frustrated after that blow and he departs now. Keeps it on a good length, zoning in at the stumps, Devon Conway wants to put Chameera off his line and length and gives the charge. He moves leg side as well to free his arms to go through the off side. The bat twists in his hands and he ends up miscuing it straight to Dhananjaya de Silva at mid-wicket who takes a low catch. A much-needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka.

12.10

On a good length, on middle and leg, the ball gets a bit big on Devon Conway who takes the bottom hand off to dab it in front of mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 86/0

D Conway45 (40)

R Ravindra41 (32)

M Theekshana4-0-24-0

11.61

Fired in, much fuller, at the stumps, Devon Conway plays it from the crease towards long on and keeps the strike.

11.51

Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, knocked down to long on for a single..

11.40

A bit quicker and flatter, on off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and pushes it in front of short extra cover.

11.34

FOUR! Short and punished! Maheesh Theekshana drags it down, short and around off, Rachin Ravindra is quick to pick the length again and rocks back to pull it over mid-wicket for an easy boundary.

11.20

Angles it back into the batter, on a length, Rachin Ravindra tucks it in front of mid-wicket.

11.10

Bowls the off break, full and turning away, on middle, Rachin Ravindra gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 80/0

D Conway44 (39)

R Ravindra36 (27)

D Chameera2-0-9-0

10.60

Seaming away, on a good length this time, Devon Conway gets on his toes to ride on top of the bounce and jams it down on the off side. Chameera has consistently hit the upper half of the bat of these two Kiwi batters.

10.50

At 136 clicks, on a hard length, on off, Devon Conway tries to get on the front foot but gets a bit taken aback by the extra bounce and adjusts well to dab it down.

10.41

Width on offer outside off, full in length, Rachin Ravindra throws his hands at the delivery and drives it towards deep cover for a single.

10.36

SIX! BOOM! Dushmantha Chameera serves it on a back of a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra picks the length early and gets his front leg out of the way. He pulls it off the front foot and gets it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

10.20

Continues to bowl on a tight line and length does Dushmantha Chameera, Rachin Ravindra hops and gets on top of the bounce before dabbing it in front of backward point.

10.10

Lands it on a good length, just over middle, Rachin Ravindra watches it all the way through and taps it from right under his eyes towards point.

Powerplay 2! Sri Lanka can now have 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 73/0

D Conway44 (37)

R Ravindra29 (23)

M Theekshana3-0-18-0

9.60

Quicker and flatter outside off, punched away off the back foot but straight to extra cover. At the end of the first Powerplay, New Zealand are racing along at 73/0!

9.50

Slows it up a touch and angles it in full on leg stump, Devon Conway blocks it out.

9.44

FOUR! Quick hands from Devon Conway and he gets this one through the infield. A bit too full outside off and sliding onto the bat nicely, Conway thrashes this one through cover-point for the second boundary of the over.

9.30

Fired in fuller and on middle stump, Devon Conway blocks it out.

9.20

Quicker and flatter around off, Devon Conway gets on the back foot and forces it out toward cover.

9.14

FOUR! Short and hammered away! Maheesh Theekshana comes from around the wicket and bowls a quick short one well outside off. Devon Conway latches onto the width and slaps it past point for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 65/0

R Ravindra29 (23)

D Conway36 (31)

D Chameera1-0-2-0

8.60

Good length on off at 141.3 clicks. Rachin Ravindra defends it under his eyeline.

Halt! Devon Conway has taken a blow to his right hand and the physio is out to check on him. The 'magic spray' has done its job and Conway is ready to resume.

8.51

Flush on the gloves and that one has more than just stung Devon Conway! A fraction shorter around leg, shooting up off the deck and Conway gets in an uncomfortable position. Conway looks to fend it away but the ball goes off the gloves down to fine leg and they get a single.

8.40

On a good length around leg stump, flicked straight to square leg.

8.30

Hits the bat hard and Devon Conway feels that one! Bowled on a hard length over off, Conway hangs back and looks to defend it with soft hands and does so as well but gets jarred a bit on the gloves.

8.21

SAFE! This is potched up on off stump, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and bunts it out to mid off before taking off for the quick single. The fielder there, Dilshan Madushanka picks up the ball and scores a direct-hit at the bowler's end. The replays show that Rachin did well enough to slide his bat in and is comfortably safe.

Is that out? Dilshan Madushanka has scored a direct hit at the non-striker's end but Rachin Ravindra looks pretty confident and there was not much of an appeal from any of the Sri Lankan players. The replays show that Rachin was well in when the woodwork was disturbed.

8.10

Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a hard length over middle and leg at 142.4 clicks. Rachin Ravindra gets right behind the line of the ball and blocks it out on the deck.

Dushmantha Chameera is handed the ball now by Kusal Mendis.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 63/0

R Ravindra28 (20)

D Conway35 (28)

de Silva2-0-22-0

7.61

Fuller and on the stumps, Rachin Ravindra comes forward and eases it down to long off for one.

7.50

Flatter delivery on the stumps, Rachin Ravindra leans on and keeps it out.

7.44

FOUR! Through the off side now! Quicker and shorter around off, Rachin Ravindra rocks back and clears the front leg before hammering it through the cover region for a boundary. Rachin has now become the leading run-scorer in thsi tournament.

7.36

SIX! The sound off the bat was music to the ears! This is tossed up around off, Rachin Ravindra gets down on one knee, picks it up and slogs it handsomely over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

7.20

Fires this one into middle, Rachin Ravindra blocks it out.

7.11

Tosses this one up, full and around off, Devon Conway drives it away to wide long off and picks up a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 51/0

R Ravindra17 (15)

D Conway34 (27)

D Madushanka4-0-31-0

6.60

Beaten! Full and outside off, this one seams away off the deck. Rachin Ravindra looks for the cover drive but is well beaten.

6.51

Slightly fuller and angling it into middle, Devon Conway looks to work it leg side but ends up just easing it past the bowler for a quick run.

6.40

On the shorter side and angled into middle and leg, Devon Conway keeps it out toward mid on.

6.34

FOUR! Whipped away for back-to-back boundaries! Too full on middle and leg, slower too, Devon Conway gets the front leg out of the way and whips it away well in front of mid-wicket for another boundary. The 50 is also up for New Zealand!

6.24

FOUR! Crunched away for another boundary! Overpitched outside off, Devon Conway plants his front leg forward and punches it through the cover region for a boundary.

6.10

Fuller in length and on off, shaping away a touch, Devon Conway gets on the front foot and hits it hard toward mid off.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 42/0

D Conway25 (22)

R Ravindra17 (14)

de Silva1-0-10-0

5.61

Flatter and pushed through onto middle and leg, Devon Conway dabs it down in front of mid-wicket for a single.

5.50

Tossed up full and outside off, Devon Conway creams the cover drive but finds the man on the edge of the circle.

5.41

Floated up on middle, angling in a bit, Rachin Ravindra looks for the big shot again but ends up chipping it over wide mid off for a single.

5.36

SIX! BANG! Tossed-up delivery, full and outside off, Rachin Ravindra goes inside-out and lofts it stylishly over the wide long off fence for a maximum.

5.21

On a length and angling onto the pads, worked away off the pads to deep square leg for a single.

5.11

Starts with a bit of a drag down from around the wicket. This is bowled around off and Rachin Ravindra forces it off the back foot down to long on for a single.

Dhananjaya de Silva is introduced into the attack, replacing Maheesh Theekshana.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 32/0

D Conway23 (19)

R Ravindra9 (11)

D Madushanka3-0-22-0

4.60

On a good length over the stumps, Devon Conway solidly defends it out. 14 off that over, a good one for the Kiwis.

4.54

FOUR! A third boundary in the over and Devon Conway is starting to really fire now. Banged in short over middle and leg, Conway gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away through backward square leg for a boundary.

4.44

FOUR! The timing on that one was unreal! Pitches this one up on middle, angling it in, Devon Conway leans on and just jabs at it gently looking to pinch a single to mid on but the ball fizzes across the turf and beats the diving fielder at mid on to run away into the fence.

4.32

Shortish length, angled in at the body, Devon Conway nudges it down around the corner and picks up a couple of runs.

4.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Pitched up in the channel around off, shaping a bit in the air. Devon Conway with a tentative cover drive away from the body and his feet go nowhere. The outside edge is induced and the ball goes off the outside edge in between the keeper and a wider first slip into the third man fence.

4.10

Good length, angling in from middle and just straightening a bit. Devon Conway is pressed back and has to defend it back onto the deck.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 18/0

R Ravindra9 (11)

D Conway9 (13)

M Theekshana2-0-10-0

3.60

Flatter delivery at the stumps, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and pushes it out toward cover.

3.50

The carrom-ball now, at 102 clicks and coming in sharply into off and middle, Rachin Ravindra gets pushed onto the back foot but manages to keep it out on the off side.

3.41

Very full on middle, Devon Conway drives it firmly down to long off and turns the strike over.

3.31

Gives it some more air this time and throws it up around off, Rachin Ravindra manages to get to the pitch of the ball and strokes it down to long off for a single.

3.20

Floats it up a bit, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra drives it along the ground and to the man at short covers.

3.10

Flatter one from around the wicket, bowled at 100 clicks and around off. Rachin Ravindra leans on and eases it toward cover.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 16/0

D Conway8 (12)

R Ravindra8 (6)

D Madushanka2-0-8-0

2.60

Back of a length around off, Devon Conway stylishly jabs it off the back foot but straight to mid on.

2.50

Pitched up again around off, driven on the up but can't beat mid off to his left this time around.

2.44

FOUR! That will fill Devon Conway with confidence! Overpitched on off stump, looking for some swing, Conway just leans into it and drives it straight back past the bowler into the long off fence for a boundary.

2.30

Lovely delivery! Dilshan Madushanka is very interested in this one but the keeper, not so much. Kusal Mendis does review it though eventually. This is served on a perfect length and on a tighter line around off stump, leaving the left-hander off the deck. Devon Conway is pushed back and has to play at it but the ball zips past the outside edge and the UltraEdge confirms daylight between bat and ball. A review wasted by Sri Lanka!

2.20

Hits the deck hard and angles it in from around off, Devon Conway remains a bit tentative and just jams it down in front of covers.

2.10

Back of a length and outside off, Devon Conway stays back and plays it late down toward backward point.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 12/0

R Ravindra8 (6)

D Conway4 (6)

M Theekshana1-0-8-0

1.64

FOUR! Thrashed away! Full and wide outside off, there to be hit, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and firms it through cover-point for his first boundary of the game.

1.50

Shorter in length and around off, played off the back foot toward covers.

1.42

Misfield! Flatter one, slightly short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets on the back foot and chops it down to the left of backward point where Charith Asalanka looks to get behind the ball but is beaten by the spin and Rachin gets another brace.

1.32

Full and quick at the pads, this is clipped away nicely behind square leg and Rachin Ravindra gets off the mark with a couple of easy runs.

1.20

Flatter one at 102 clicks and drifting away from middle, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and pats it back to the bowler.

1.10

Starts with a fullish delivery on leg stump, curving it away from the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra gets forward and blocks it out.

It will be the spin of Maheesh Theekshana from the other end.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 4/0

D Conway4 (6)

R Ravindra0 (0)

D Madushanka1-0-4-0

0.60

A dot to end the first over of the chase, just the boundary off it! Good length outside off and shaping away, Devon Conway lets it through to the keeper.

0.54

FOUR! Devon Conway and New Zealand are up and running! A half-tracker around off, Conway gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down well in front of square on the leg side and gets enough on it to take it to the ropes.

0.40

Edgy! Pitches this one much further up and bowls it outside off. Devon Conway looks to drive it on the up but plays a loose shot away from the body and gets it uppishly toward point.

0.30

On a hard length around off and angling back into the left-handers. Devon Conway hangs back and jams it down on the deck.

0.20

Pulls the length back this time, keeps it in the channel around off and extracts a bit of an extra bounce. Devon Conway hops back and is taken aback a bit but keeps it down on the deck.

0.10

Starts off with a fuller delivery from over the wicket, bowled in the channel. Devon Conway lets the ball come on and blocks it out in front of point.

Commentary

Welcome back for New Zealand's reply. The two umpires and the Sri Lankan players make their way out to the middle. Out walk the Kiwi opening pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Dilshan Madushanka is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings with the new ball for Sri Lanka. Off we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, the Kiwi bowlers have done their job and it is now upon their batters to finish the job and take them a step closer to the semis. As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they will need early breakthroughs to stand any chance. Can Dilshan Madushanka and Co. manage to make a match out of this? We will find out when we return in a bit for the chase.

Trent Boult is in for a chat. He says that half the job done and they will now look to chase it down. Adds that the spinners bowled well and it was a lot slower than they expected and hopefully the dew sets in now and they can chase it down quickly. Mentions that it is alwatys a learning curve coming to this part of the world and they have had a couple of tough games and will now look to finish on a high.

As for Sri Lanka, there is not much to write home about except for the contributions from Kusal Perera and Maheesh Theekshana. After being inserted into the bat, it was an 'all or nothing' start from the Sri Lankan batters. Kusal Perera got an early life in Tim Southee's first over, but Pathum Nissanka perished on the very next delivery. It went from bad to worse for Sri Lanka as Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama fell in the space of four deliveries. Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Perera went about business as usual and registered his fifty off just 22 balls. The centurion from the last game, Charith Asalanka, could not repeat his heroics before the aggressive approach from Perera led to his downfall. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva then got together in an effort to steady the sinking ship, but neither of them had any answers to the guile and control of Mitchell Santner. As he has done in the past few games, Maheesh Theekshana showed stubborn resistance and was prepared to grind it out in the middle. He found an alley in Dilshan Madushanka and thanks to their 43-run stand, Sri Lanka have something to bowl at.

It was Tim Southee who set the tone for New Zealand with a wicket in his first over. His new ball partner, Trent Boult, joined in on the act as well and went bang, bang, in an over to pile more misery on Sri Lanka, getting to 600 international wickets in the process as well. After drawing the first blood, Southee tapered off a bit as he was taken on by Kusal Perera in his next couple of overs. This forced Kane Williamson to bring on Lockie Ferguson, and the speedster did what was asked of him to get rid of the dangerous-looking Perera. After the field restrictions were lifted, Mitchell Santer was introduced, and the master craftsman dented any hopes of a Sri Lankan recovery with twin blows. They were stalled by the gritty knock from Maheesh Theekshana as Kane Williamson kept ringing in changes to pick the final wicket. It was Rachin Ravindra who can do no wrong at this World Cup, as he accounted for Dilshan Madushanka to wrap up the innings. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name. He also became the 6th bowler to take 50-plus wickets in ODI World Cups. Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra took two wickets each while Tim Southee had a wicket to his name.

The last-wicket stand finally comes to an end and Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 171! Despite the fight shown by the Sri Lankan tail, this is nowhere close to what they would have set for at the start of the day. The Kiwi bowlers have vindicated their skipper's decision to bowl first, and how. They have certainly taken their game up a notch in what is a must-win game for them.

46.4W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Finally, an extremely gritty stand for the last wicket ends and New Zealand breathe a sigh of relief. Rachin Ravindra drifts this one in beautifully onto middle stump and gets it to dip nicely. Dilshan Madushanka is caught on the back foot and tries to block it out but the ball grips and turns away, taking a faint outside edge and the ball is gobbled up by Tom Latham behind the sticks. Sri Lanka are bowled out for 171!

46.30

Full and wide outside off, hit away firmly toward cover.

46.21lb

Loops this one up really full and down leg, Maheesh Theekshana plays it down toward short fine leg and picks up a single. This is given as leg byes though.

46.10

Excellent fielding from Glenn Phillips! Really slow at just 78 clicks and dropped short around off, Maheesh Theekshana hits it hard off the back foot to the left of Phillips at short extra cover but the Kiwi makes a brilliant diving stop.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 170/9

D Madushanka19 (46)

M Theekshana38 (89)

T Southee8-0-52-1

45.60

Another slower delivery that is bowled back of a length and this time over middle. Dilshan Madushanka gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.

45.51

Bowled back of a length and off-paced as well, Maheesh Theekshana hops back and deals with the bounce well, nudging it down toward third man for a single.

45.41

A touch short but pushed well wide of the off stump, Dilshan Madushanka reaches out and taps it in front of point for a single.

45.30

Doesn't carry! On a good length outside off, Dilshan Madushanka looks to hang back and slap it flat over mid off but gets it off the toe end and the ball goes on the bounce to Kane Williamson there.

45.21

Hard length over off, Maheesh Theekshana brings out and agricultural heave and gets it off the inner half of the bat toward wide long on for a single.

45.10

Banged in short and around off, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and looks to uppercut it over backward point but is well beaten.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 167/9

M Theekshana36 (86)

D Madushanka18 (43)

R Ravindra7-0-21-1

44.61

Short again on off, Maheesh Theekshana makes room and cuts it away past point for one more.

44.51

Slightly shorter around off, played off the back foot toward backward point for a single.

44.40

Way too full again, this time drifting it onto the leg stump, Dilshan Madushanka backs away and drills it back to the bowler.

44.30

Another fuller delivery that is looped up on middle stump, Dilshan Madushanka solidly defends it out.

44.20

Tossed up, full and on the stumps, Dilshan Madushanka pushes it out on the off side.

44.10

Lovely delivery! Flighted delivery, drifting onto off and middle but dips and grips, turning away past the outside edge.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 165/9

M Theekshana35 (85)

D Madushanka17 (38)

T Southee7-0-49-1

43.60

Hard length over off, cutting back in, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and taps it straight to point.

43.51

Back of a length and outside off, slower too, Dilshan Madushanka hops back and plays it with an angled bat wide of third man for a single.

43.40

Hard length outside off, Dilshan Madushanka stands tall and looks to thump it over mid off but fails to get any bat on it.

43.30

A bumper now by Southee, over middle stump and flying through. Dilshan Madushanka simply ducks under it.

43.21

Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot to wide mid off for an easy single.

43.10

Pitched up a bit on off stump, Maheesh Theekshana decides to play it off the back foot and pushes it away toward cover-point.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 163/9

D Madushanka16 (35)

M Theekshana34 (82)

R Ravindra6-0-19-1

42.60

On the shorter side around off, played off the back foot to extra cover.

42.50

Quicker this time and fired in around middle and leg, Dilshan Madushanka manages to get a bat on it yet again and New Zealand keep getting more and more frustrated here by this Lankan pair.

42.40

Gives it a bit more flight and bowls it on middle, Dilshan Madushanka strides forward to defend.

42.30

Fuller and a bit quicker on off, blocked out toward cover-point.

42.20

Slightly shorter and turning away from off stump, Dilshan Madushanka plays it off the back foot and toward cover.

42.11

Floated up on a nagging length around off, Maheesh Theekshana looks to drop and run on the off side and after a bit of a stop-start, does get through to the other end.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 162/9

M Theekshana33 (81)

D Madushanka16 (30)

G Phillips1-0-3-0

41.61

Drops this one short outside off, Maheesh Theekshana cuts it square in front of deep point and picks up yet another single.

41.51

Flatter delivery around off, played off the back foot and off the outer half of the bat through cover-point for a single.

41.40

Quicker one on middle, kept out on the off side.

41.30

Pushed through on a nagging length around off, pushed out toward cover and once again Maheesh Theekshana looks for the run but is sent back by his partner.

41.21

Another shorter one down leg, this time Maheesh Theekshana pulls it away wide of short fine leg and picks up a single. Theekshana wants two and is halfway down the track but has to rush back. The throw from the deep is at the bowler's end but Theekshana manages to get back.

41.10

Gets away with it! A genuine drag-down on leg stump, Maheesh Theekshana gets inside the line but mistimes the pull straight to short fine leg.

Kane Williamson now turns to the golden arm of Glenn Phillips.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 159/9

D Madushanka15 (27)

M Theekshana31 (78)

T Southee6-0-47-1

40.60

Full this time and angled into the legs, Dilshan Madushanka gets his hands out in front and blocks it with a straight bat.

40.50

Beaten! Perfect length in the channel and just holding its line. Dilshan Madushanka looks to block it from his crease but the ball zips past the outside edge.

40.40

Pitched up on off stump, Dilshan Madushanka is early into the shot and ends up pushing at it. The ball goes uppishly but lands well in front of the man at cover-point.

40.30

Fuller and outside off, Dilshan Madushanka backs away and plays it away toward point.

40.24

FOUR! Slogged away! Pitches this one up right in the slot around off, Dilshan Madushanka fetches this one and heaves it off the inner half of the bat toward cow corner for a boundary.

40.10

A good-length delivery around the top of off, Dilshan Madushanka eases it on the up toward cover.

Oh, that is a nasty blow and Maheesh Theekshana is down on the deck! Theekshana seems in agonizing pain and the physio rushes out to have a look. It looks like he got hurt on the right arm and that does not look nice. The good news is that Theekshana is back on his feet and is good to continue.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 155/9

M Theekshana31 (78)

D Madushanka11 (21)

L Ferguson10-2-35-2

39.60

Ouch, that has hurt! Lockie Ferguson bowls this one with pace behind it, on a hard length, over middle, Maheesh Theekshana stays back as he looks to play at it but the ball skids on to rush him. He gets hit on the right forearm and looks in some serous discomfort as he lays down on the floor.

39.50

The length is pulled back now, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana gets behind the line and keeps it out.

39.40

Hurls it on a yorker length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana manages to jam this one out down the wicket.

39.31

Oh...sharp delivery! A well-directed bumper, at the batter, Dilshan Madushanka gets caught by surprise and takes his eyes off the ball. Luckily for him, the ball does not lob off his gloves and rolls behind square on the leg side for a single.

39.21

Bends his back and goes into the wicket, on off, Maheesh Theekshana hangs back and steers it to the right of Daryl Mitchell at wide slip for a single.

39.10

Full and zoning in, on off and middle, Maheesh Theekshana presents the full face of the bat and pushes it on the bounce to mid off.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 153/9

M Theekshana30 (73)

D Madushanka10 (20)

R Ravindra5-0-18-1

38.61

Pulls the length back more and bowls it on middle, Maheesh Theekshana whips it from the crease to long on and keeps the strike with a single.

38.50

Quicker now and flatter, on off, Maheesh Theekshana shows a straight bat and pats it back to the bowler.

38.40

Bowls it slower and shorter, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana defends it right under his eyes.

38.30

Serves it away from the batter, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana covers his off-stump and leaves the ball alone.

38.21

Pushed through this time, full and around off, Dilshan Madushanka gets half-forward and steers it in front of point for one.

38.11

Short and turning away, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana plays it with the turn to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 150/9

D Madushanka9 (19)

M Theekshana28 (68)

L Ferguson9-2-33-2

37.60

Switches to around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, at the batter, Dilshan Madushanka is solid in defence this time.

37.50

On a shortish length, over middle, Dilshan Madushanka fends this one awkwardly to the left of the bowler.

37.44

FOUR! Up and over! Lockie Ferguson keeps it back of a length, on off, Dilshan Madushanka stays back in his crease and slaps it over backward point for a boundary. The 150 is up for Sri Lanka and still, New Zealand unable to close out the innings.

37.31

This is bowled on a back of a length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana hangs back and steers it wide of backward point for a single.

37.20

Back-of-the-hand slower delivery, on a length, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana looks to play at it but misses out.

37.11

Good running! Full and honing in at the stumps, Dilshan Madushanka stays leg side of the ball and drops it on the leg side. Glenn Phillips at short leg runs behind to his left and gets to the ball quickly. He misses the shy at the non-striker's end but Madushanka was well in.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 144/9

D Madushanka4 (15)

M Theekshana27 (66)

R Ravindra4-0-15-1

36.61

Low full toss, on the off-stump line, Dilshan Madushanka carves this one with an open bat face and hits it on the bounce to deep point for a single.

36.50

Short again, on middle, Dilshan Madushanka blocks it out off the back foot.

36.40

Fired in quicker and shorter, on middle and leg, Dilshan Madushanka gets hurried an manages to keep this one out on the leg side.

36.30

Slows it up and bowls it full, outside off, Dilshan Madushanka prods forward to defend with soft hands as the ball drops in front of first slip.

36.20

Drags the length back and bowls it on off, Dilshan Madushanka goes back in his crease and pushes it to cover-point.

36.11

Loops it up, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana drives it square and wide of backward point for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 142/9

D Madushanka3 (10)

M Theekshana26 (65)

T Boult10-3-37-3

35.60

Takes pace off this time and bowls it on a length, outside off, the ball does not rise much and Dilshan Madushanka is happy to leave the ball alone.

35.50

Hurls it on a hard length, over middle, Dilshan Madushanka gets behind the line and stabs it on the off side.

35.41

Short of a length this time, on off, Maheesh Theekshana hops and punches it with an angled bat over extra cover for a single.

35.41wd

WIDE! Strays down leg, on a length, Maheesh Theekshana misses the tickle and it is called a wide.

35.30

Lands it on a good length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana taps it on the off side.

35.20

Short of a length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana hangs back and pushes it away to point.

35.10

Bangs it into the wicket, over off, Maheesh Theekshana goes for the hook but the ball climbs on him to beat the bat.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 140/9

D Madushanka3 (8)

M Theekshana25 (61)

R Ravindra3-0-13-1

34.60

Fuller and on off, Dilshan Madushanka defends it off the front foot.

34.51

Short and turning away, on off, Maheesh Theekshana steers it wide of point for a single.

34.41

Tosses it up, full in length, outside off, Dilshan Madushanka drives it to wide long off for a single.

34.30

Quicker and shorter, on off, dabbed to point by Dilshan Madushanka.

34.20

Full and on off, kept out on the off side off the front foot.

34.11

In the air..but it falls right between three fielders! Floats it up and offers width outside off, Maheesh Theekshana frees his arms to go over cover but slices it high in the air towards extra cover where three fielders converge but the ball falls out of their reach.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 137/9

D Madushanka2 (4)

M Theekshana23 (59)

T Boult9-3-35-3

33.60

Full on off, driven straight to mid off.

33.51

Quick single! Keeps it full and around off, Maheesh Theekshana creams the drive to Kane Williamson at mid off and scampers across to the other end.

33.44

FOUR! Gets that one away! Full again and around off, Maheesh Theekshana crouches a bit and slaps it like a tennis-forehand to the left of mid on and gets enough on it to take the ball to the ropes.

33.30

Very full again, this time on off stump, blocked in front of point.

33.20

Fuller and angled in on the stumps, this is hit away without much timing toward mid on.

33.10

Bowled back of a length over off and angling in, Maheesh Theekshana hops back and keeps it down.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 132/9

M Theekshana18 (54)

D Madushanka2 (3)

R Ravindra2-0-10-1

32.61

Short and wide outside off, Maheesh Theekshana with a lovely late cut off the back foot and behind backward point. The batters pick up a single but really it should have been two.

32.51

Flatter again, this time fuller and on middle, Dilshan Madushanka tentatively pushes at it and gets it toward mid on for a quick run.

32.40

Flatter delivery on off stump, kept out.

32.31

Loops this one up full and throws it outside off, Maheesh Theekshana goes hard at it but mistimes the drive through the gap at cover-point for a single.

32.21

Oh, that could have been all over! Fired in around off, Dilshan Madushanka bunts it out in front of Trent Boult at backward point and sets off for the single. Boult attacks it quickly and fires in the throw at the bowler's end. Rachin Ravindra collects the ball but is standing a bit too far away from the stumps and can't whip off the bails.

Dilshan Madushanka is the last man in for Sri Lanka.

32.1W

OUT! CAUGHT! A wicket right after the interval and Sri Lanka on the verge of being bundled out here. Rachin Ravindra immediately floats this one up outside the off stump at 91 clicks, inviting the drive. Dushmantha Chameera obliges and goes for the drive but doesn't move his feet. Chameera ends up slicing this one uppishly to the right of backward point where Trent Boult completes a simple catch and Ravindra picks up his first wicket of the game.

Drinks break! New Zealand continue to dominate the proceedings here despite a fight from the Lankan tail. Maheesh Theekshana has held one end and he will be hoping for similar support from the other end. With rain expected to arrive later in the day, New Zealand would not want to take any chances and bowl Sri Lanka out as quickly as possible. It will be Rachin Ravindra to bowl after the break.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 128/8

M Theekshana16 (52)

D Chameera1 (19)

T Boult8-3-30-3

31.60

Half an appeal for LBW and it is turned down! Kane Williamson has opted for the review though. Trent Boult changes the angle of attack again and comes from around the stumps. This is bowled fuller around middle and angled in. Maheesh Theekshana looks to drive at it but is beaten on the inside edge and gets struck on the pads. The third umpire is called into action and there's nothing on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is sliding down and Theekshana's gritty fight will continue.

31.50

Switches to over the wicket now and spears in a very full ball on leg stump, Maheesh Theekshana punches it away to mid on.

31.40

A bumper now, on a tighter line around off and angling in, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and bends his back before leaving a dangling bat but the ball zips past the willow through to the keeper.

31.30

Very full and around off at almost 138 clicks and angled into the off stump, Maheesh Theekshana hits it on the full toward mid off.

31.20

A length ball now, trying to slide it in from outside off, Maheesh Theekshana stays on the front foot and defends it out.

31.10

Fullish length attacking the stumps, Maheesh Theekshana gets some bat on it and gets it toward backward point.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 128/8

D Chameera1 (19)

M Theekshana16 (46)

M Santner10-2-22-2

30.60

Pushed through quicker and a bit fuller on off and middle, Dushmantha Chameera gets a good stride in and defends it out.

30.51

Slightly shorter around off, forced off the back foot through extra cover for a single.

30.40

Pulls the length back and drifts it in from around off. This one holds in the pitch and turns away sharply as Maheesh Theekshana pokes at it but not enough to get an outside edge.

30.31

Flighted delivery around off, turning away a touch, Dushmantha Chameera looks to drive at it but gets it off the outside edge through the gap at point and picks up a single.

30.21

Floats this one up, full and around off, Maheesh Theekshana thrashes this one away wide of mid off and down to wide long off for a single.

30.10

Nagging length, bowled with a higher release and angled into middle and leg, Maheesh Theekshana defends it off the front foot.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 125/8

D Chameera0 (17)

M Theekshana14 (42)

T Boult7-2-30-3

29.60

Oh, down it goes! Pitched up full and straight, Dushmantha Chameera drives at it and gets it dead straight but without much timing and a bit uppishly as well. Trent Boult sticks out his left hand on the followthrough but the ball doesn't stick and a sharp chance goes down.

29.50

Switches to over the wicket and bangs in a sharp bouncer over leg stump, Dushmantha Chameera does well to duck under it.

29.40

Full and quick this time, fired in at the pads, Dushmantha Chameera fails to get it away and gets a blow to the pads.

29.30

Full and honing on the stumps, slightly slower as well, Dushmantha Chameera manages to jam it out toward mid on.

29.20

A fraction shorter over middle, Dushmantha Chameera gets behind the line and keeps it out on the off side.

29.10

Comes from around the wicket and angles it in on a good length from outside off. Dushmantha Chameera gets his hands out in front and edges it down toward backward point.

Trent Boult (6-1-30-3) has been brought back into the attack to wrap up the tail.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 125/8

M Theekshana14 (42)

D Chameera0 (11)

M Santner9-2-19-2

28.60

Just sliding! Quicker and, trying to slide one into the pads, Maheesh Theekshana lunges forward to defend but gets beaten and gets struck on the pads. End of another maiden by Mitchell Santner.

28.50

Swing and a miss! Tossed up a bit more fuller and outside off, turning it away. Maheesh Theekshana sits down on one knee and looks for the big heave against the turn and is beaten all ends up.

28.40

Angles this one in from around middle, Maheesh Theekshana pushes it out toward short mid-wicket.

28.30

On the shorter side and turning away from off stump, Maheesh Theekshana goes back in his crease and keeps it down past the man at silly point.

28.20

Flatter delivery attacking the stumps, Maheesh Theekshana keeps it out.

28.10

BEATEN! Flighted delivery, on a length and drifting in from around off. This one dips, grips and then turns away sharply past the outside edge of Maheesh Theekshana's bat.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 125/8

D Chameera0 (11)

M Theekshana14 (36)

L Ferguson8-2-27-2

27.60

Hard length over off and angled in, Dushmantha Chameera gets right behind the line and solidly blocks it out.

27.51

Another short ball, this time outside off and bounces a bit extra as well, Maheesh Theekshana does well to get on the back foot and guide it down to third man for one.

27.40

A spicy short ball, over the left shoulder and angled in from over the wicket. Maheesh Theekshana does well to duck under it.

27.30

Bowled back of a length and around off, Maheesh Theekshana hops and dabs it down in front of covers.

27.20

Full and outside off, Maheesh Theekshana looks to drive at it but mistimes it toward extra cover.

27.10

Banged in short from around the wicket and at the rib cage, Maheesh Theekshana stays back and awkwardly fends it off onto the off side.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 124/8

D Chameera0 (10)

M Theekshana13 (31)

M Santner8-1-19-2

26.60

Fired in, shorter and on off, Dushmantha Chameera successfully manages to defend this one out from the crease.

26.51

Much fuller and slower, on off, Maheesh Theekshana drives it through mid off for a single.

26.40

Slower and shorter, on off, Maheesh Theekshana goes back and plays it right under his eyes on the off side.

26.30

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana keeps it out off the back foot.

26.24

FOUR! This is even better! Floated up and offered width outside off, Maheesh Theekshana gets it in his arc again and he hammers it wide of extra cover for four more runs.

26.14

FOUR! Up and over! Loops it up, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana accepts the invitation and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. Sri Lanka need a few more of these.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 115/8

D Chameera0 (9)

M Theekshana4 (26)

L Ferguson7-2-26-2

25.60

Low full toss, on leg, Dushmantha Chameera jams it out safely to the leg side.

25.50

Bangs it in short, over off, Dushmantha Chameera drops his wrists and ducks to let the ball pass.

25.40

On a fullish length, on off, Dushmantha Chameera gets his bat down in time and jams it out down the wicket.

25.31

On a hard length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana gets an outside edge this time as he tries to play it late. The ball rolls wide of Daryl Mitchell at wide slip for a single.

25.20

Back of a length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana steers it on the bounce towads wide slip.

25.10

Back of a length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana dabs it in front of point and sets off for a suicidal run. He gets sent back in the nick of the time before the throw arrives from Mitchell Santner.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 114/8

D Chameera0 (6)

M Theekshana3 (23)

M Santner7-1-10-2

24.60

Beaten again! Short and turning away, slower as well, Dushmantha Chameera hangs back to defend but the ball pitches and spins away from the outside edge.

24.50

Almost another! Slows it up, turning away, full and on off, Dushmantha Chameera does not get fully forward to defend and gets it off the shoulder of the bat. Luckily for him, the ball drops wide of Glenn Phillips at short second slip. Phillips was actually fielding on his knees there and hence couldn't conjure up a dive.

24.40

Fuller and on off, Dushmantha Chameera gets on the front foot and blocks it out.

24.31

Floated up again, on off, Maheesh Theekshana knocks it down to long off for a single.

24.20

Beaten! Turning away, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana does well to play inside the line as the ball spins past his outside edge.

24.10

Tossed up, on off, Maheesh Theekshana defends it by lunging forward.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 113/8

D Chameera0 (3)

M Theekshana2 (20)

L Ferguson6-2-25-2

23.60

Closer to the off-stump, on a length, Dushmantha Chameera has a feel for the delivery and is lucky to not nick this one behind.

23.50

On a length, on off, Dushmantha Chameera gets behind the line and blocks it out on the off side.

23.40

A poor, poor review from New Zealand! Lockie Ferguson looks to go full again, around off, but ends up serving a loopy full toss, Dushmantha Chameera stays back in his crease as he looks to play at it. It looked in real-time that Chameera had gotten an inside edge onto the front pad. But, New Zealand will feel that it is only pad and they go for the review. The front on replays confirm that there was bat involved and New Zealand lose their review.

Dushmantha Chameera is the new man in. A slip, gully and forward short leg in place.

23.3W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The full ball does the trick for Lockie Ferguson! Switches to over the wicket and goes full, in the channel on off, Chamika Karunaratne is rooted to the crease due to the barrage of short balls and drives away from the body. His feet go nowhere and ends up getting a feather on it which is pouched safely, diving in front by Tom Latham. Lockie Ferguson has two and Sri Lanka are now 8 down.

23.20

Digs it in short with pace behind it, over middle, Chamika Karunaratne ducks underneath quickly and sees the ball sail over his head.

23.10

Gets this one to angle across the right-hander, at 143.5 clicks from around the wicket, on a good length, Chamika Karunaratne hangs back in his crease and gets beaten on the outside edge as the tries to defend.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 113/7

M Theekshana2 (20)

C Karunaratne6 (14)

M Santner6-1-9-2

22.60

Loops it up, slower and shorter, at the stumps, Maheesh Theekshana waits for the ball to arrive and defends with an open bat face past silly point.

22.50

Speared in, short and on off, kept out on the off side by Maheesh Theekshana.

22.40

A bit fuller, on off, Maheesh Theekshana prods forward and drives well but can't get it past extra cover.

22.30

Slanting in, fuller and on off, Maheesh Theekshana slices this one but Glenn Phillips at silly point gets a hand on it and makes a good stop.

22.20

Angles it in with a round arm, fuller and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana plays it from close to his body towards point.

22.11

Fractionally short, around off, at 82.1 clicks, Chamika Karunaratne rocks back in his crease and punches it through cover for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 112/7

M Theekshana2 (15)

C Karunaratne5 (13)

L Ferguson5-1-25-1

21.60

A maiden from Lockie Ferguson! Charges in from over the wicket and bangs it into the deck, over off and middle, Maheesh Theekshana is up to the task again as he ducks under the delivery comfortably.

21.50

There comes the bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, at the left shoulder, Maheesh Theekshana hurriedly gets out of the way and leaves the ball alone.

21.40

Switches to around the wicket and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana hangs back expecting another bumper and guides it off the crease to point.

21.30

Tries to surprise the batter with a bumper, around off, Maheesh Theekshana sways away and drops his gloves to let the ball go harmlessly through to the keeper.

21.20

Zoning in, near the yorker length, on middle and leg, Maheesh Theekshana just about manages to get his bat down in time and jams it out towards forward short leg.

21.10

Starts his new spell with a full delivery, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana stays leg side of the ball and goes for the drive but the ball zips past his outside edge.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 112/7

C Karunaratne5 (13)

M Theekshana2 (9)

M Santner5-1-8-2

20.60

Slows it up even more and keeps the length short, on off and middle, Chamika Karunaratne gets squared up a bit and somehow manages to defend this one on the off side.

20.51

Turning away from the right-hander, much slower and shorter, on off, Maheesh Theekshana stays back and punches it through covers for a single.

20.40

Fires it in a bit quicker and fuller, on off, Maheesh Theekshana knocks it back to the bowler.

20.30

Spears it in, on off, Maheesh Theekshana gets back and across and dabs it to point.

20.20

Darts this one in by dragging the length back, around leg, Maheesh Theekshana tucks it off the crease to mid-wicket.

20.10

Floats it up on the off-stump line, full as well, Maheesh Theekshana gets half-forward as he pushes it in front of cover.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 111/7

C Karunaratne5 (12)

M Theekshana1 (4)

R Ravindra1-0-6-0

19.60

Flighted again, this time a bit more straighter and yet again Chamika Karunaratne stays solid in defense.

19.50

Flights this one up on off stump, Chamika Karunaratne lunges forward and defends this one out.

19.44

FOUR! Well played! Loopy delivery, drifting down leg, Chamika Karunaratne gets in position early and sweeps it well behind square leg for a much-needed boundary.

19.31

Slows it up a bit and floats it up on a length around off, Maheesh Theekshana dabs at it and gets it down past first slip for a single.

19.21

Tossed up full on middle, Chamika Karunaratne gets leg side of the ball and eases it away through covers for a single.

19.10

Starts with a fuller delivery angled into middle and leg, Chamika Karunaratne pushes it out in front of mid-wicket.

THIS JUST IN! Former Australia Women's captain and seven-time World Cup winner, Meg Lanning has announced her retirement from international cricket. The talismanic top-order batter led the national side to five World Cup titles, including four T20 World Cups and one ODI World Cup.

Time for more spin as Rachin Ravindra comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 105/7

M Theekshana0 (3)

C Karunaratne0 (7)

M Santner4-1-7-2

18.60

Pushed through flatter and quicker around off, Maheesh Theekshana goes on the back foot and keeps it out on the off side. A wicket-maiden from Mitchell Santner!

18.50

On a length and around middle, Maheesh Theekshana defends it out from his crease.

18.40

Nicely bowled! Mitchell Santner gets the extra slip in place and flights it up in the channel around off, looking to extract another outside edge. Maheesh Theekshana has a poke at it but pulls out in time.

Maheesh Theekshana is the new man in.

18.3W

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner has done it again! Floats this one up on a shorter length outside off at just above 81 clicks and allows the ball to grip and turn. Dhananjaya de Silva watches it all the way through and hangs back before deciding to stick out his bat at the last moment and glide it away. The ball though catches the outside edge and goes down to the right of first slip where Daryl Mitchell takes a fine catch and Santner is all pumped up. Sri Lanka in dire straits now.

18.20

A bit more round-arm and flatter, angled into the body, Dhananjaya de Silva goes on the back foot and keeps it out.

18.10

Nicely looped up and drifted onto middle and leg, Dhananjaya de Silva watchfully keeps it out.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 105/6

C Karunaratne0 (7)

de Silva19 (21)

T Southee5-0-43-1

17.60

Goes full now and hones in on the stumps, Chamika Karunaratne watchfully keeps it out toward mid on.

17.50

Very short delivery over middle and bowled at a gentle pace as well. Chamika Karunaratne decides to duck under it.

17.40

Good length outside off, played with soft hands and in front of the man at cover-point.

17.30

Pitches this one up in the channel, a bit wider though, Chamika Karunaratne looks to play at it but makes a good leave instead.

17.20

Bowled slightly back of a length and in the channel, Chamika Karunaratne looks to punch off the back foot but gets an inside edge back onto the deck.

17.11

On a good length over middle and leg, angling in, tucked away off the thigh pad down to fine leg for a single by Dhananjaya de Silva.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 104/6

C Karunaratne0 (2)

de Silva18 (20)

M Santner3-0-7-1

16.60

Flighted delivery on off and turning away, Chamika Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.

16.50

Floated up full and around leg, Chamika Karunaratne gets across the stumps and pushes it down to mid-wicket.

Chamika Karunaratne walks out to bat with Sri Lanka reeling at 104-6.

16.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! A lovely variation in pace from Mitchell Santner and he breaks the stand. Throws this one up on a length and around off at just 78.7 clicks, allowing the ball to grip and turn and bounce. Angelo Mathews gets a big stride forward and tries to block but is beaten in the flight and tries to take the gloves out of the way. The ball takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs wide of Daryl Mitchell at first slip and Mitchell takes an easy catch there. Sri Lanka lose their sixth now!

16.30

Fires this one in on middle, Angelo Mathews blocks it off the front foot.

16.20

Pushed through quicker and on a nagging length on off, Angelo Mathews keeps it out on the off side.

16.12

Throws this one up outside off and invites the drive, Angelo Mathews reaches out and plays it away wide of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 102/5

de Silva18 (20)

A Mathews14 (23)

T Southee4-0-42-1

15.66

SIX! WOW! The most pleasing shot you'll see and that came out of nowhere! Served on a good length around middle and angling in. Dhananjaya de Silva just puts one half-stride forward and nonchalantly lifts it right back over the bowler's head and the ball sails over long on for a biggie.

15.50

Good length around the top of off and angling in, Dhananjaya de Silva stays in his crease and nudges it toward wide mid on.

15.40

Length ball on off, angled in, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it out with a straight bat.

15.30

Bowls it on a hard length and over off stump, Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and taps it down in front of point.

15.20

Pitches this one up again, this time on off stump, Dhananjaya de Silva solidly defends it out.

15.11

Pitched up, a bit too straight and Mathews clips it away to deep square leg for a single.

Drinks break! It has been an eventful start to this crucial clash. Even though Kusal Perera got Sri Lanka off to a flier before departing, they lost half their side inside the Powerplay. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva have a rebuilding job to do to get their side anywhere close to a respectable total. New Zealand are right on top at the moment, and they are not far away from getting into the Lankan tail. Kane Williamson brings Tim Southee (3-0-35-1) back into the attack.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 95/5

A Mathews13 (22)

de Silva12 (15)

M Santner2-0-5-0

14.61

Shorter one outside off, bowled a bit quicker as well, Angelo Mathews rocks back and slaps it to deep point for one.

14.50

Very full and on off stump, Angelo Mathews leans on and pushes it out on the on side.

14.41

Floated full on off, this is eased away down to long off for a single.

14.31

Beautifully bowled and that is a chance gone begging as well. Mitchell Santner loops this one up and flights it outside off at just 81 clicks. This one drifts in a bit and then just drifts and turns away sharply, bouncing quite a bit extra as well. Dhananjaya de Silva looks to block but gets a faint outside edge that goes quickly past the keeper's gloves and down to third na. They pick up a single.

14.21

Slightly shorter and angled onto the pads, this is nudged away behind square leg for a run.

14.10

Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and outside off. Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and just dabs it down toward third man.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 91/5

A Mathews11 (19)

de Silva10 (12)

L Ferguson4-0-25-1

13.60

Back of a length outside off, Angelo Mathews plays it off the back foot and hits it straight to cover.

13.51

Slower delivery, in the mid 120 clicks and bowled short at the batter. Dhananjaya de Silva gets inside the line and helps the pull short down to fine leg for a single.

13.44

FOUR! Stylishly done! Bowled back of a length and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva rocks back a bit and glides it to the left of the diving man at point for a boundary.

13.30

Full and around off at almost 148 clicks, Dhananjaya de Silva drives at it well but fails to get it through the cover region.

13.20

Pitches it up now at 143.6 clicks and angles it into the off stump. Dhananjaya de Silva is caught on the back foot expecting a short one but does well to keep this one out.

13.11

A sharp short ball outside off, Angelo Mathews hops and awkwardly plays at it but does well to keep it down toward third man for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 85/5

de Silva5 (8)

A Mathews10 (17)

M Santner1-0-1-0

12.60

Nicely slowed up again and drifting it into the body, Dhananjaya de Silva goes back and across to keep it out. A tidy start by Mitchell Santner, just the single off it.

12.50

Slightly shorter on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva goes back in his crease and plays it back to the bowler.

12.40

Angles this one onto middle and leg and on a length, Dhananjaya de Silva stays watchful and nudges it out on the on side.

12.30

Nicely flighted and slower through the air as well, drifting into middle, Dhananjaya de Silva keeps it out.

12.21

Drags it down a bit and drifts it into middle and leg, Angelo Mathews goes on the back foot and tucks it past square leg for a single.

12.10

Starts with a flighted delivery, full and angled onto middle. Angelo Mathews pats it back to the bowler.

It will be interesting to see how does spin fare on this surface.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 84/5

A Mathews9 (15)

de Silva5 (4)

L Ferguson3-0-19-1

11.61

Switches to over the wicket for the final delivery and bowls it a bit short and outside off. Angelo Mathews slaps it off the back foot to the right of point and once again Glenn Phillips gets a hand on it. The ball rolls away outside the inner ring and Mathews gets a single.

11.50

A quick bumper at 144.8 clicks and over middle and leg, Angelo Mathews looks to take it on but mistimes it to the man at square leg.

11.40

Back of a length outside off, Angelo Mathews taps it to the right of point where Glenn Phillips makes another diving stop.

11.34

FOUR! Nicely done! Banged in short and just down leg, Angelo Mathews gets inside the line and helps it down to fine leg for a boundary.

11.20

Excellent work from Glenn Phillips at point! Lockie Ferguson steams in from around the stumps and serves a fuller one on the pads, trying to angle it across. Angelo Mathews gets squared up and gets a leading edge that goes on the bounce to the left of point but Phillips dives in to make a stop.

11.11

Attempted shorter one, just sliding onto the legs, Dhananjaya de Silva hops and tickles it down to fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 78/5

A Mathews4 (10)

de Silva4 (3)

T Boult6-1-30-3

10.60

A touch fuller and angling across, Angelo Mathews goes back in his crease and pats it away in front of cover-point.

10.50

Bowled on a hard length on the fifth stump line, Angelo Mathews caresses this one to cover.

10.40

Bangs it in short over middle and leg but takes a bit pace off. Angelo Mathews gets in position to pull but has to adjust and just keep it out due to the lack of pace.

10.30

Good length again outside off, Angelo Mathews keeps this one out on the off side.

10.24

FOUR! Lovely shot to get off the mark! Trent Boult goes full and wide, searching for a bit of swing but ends up serving a half-volley. Angelo Mathews opens up his arms and creams it through covers for a boundary.

10.10

On a good length around off and angled across the right-hander. Angelo Mathews stays back and keeps it down toward backward point.

Powerplay 2! End of a fast and furious first 10 overs and now the fielding restrictions are relaxed. Although, New Zealand might look to have more men in the ring for a few more overs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 74/5

de Silva4 (3)

A Mathews0 (4)

L Ferguson2-0-13-1

9.60

Lands it short of a length again, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva rides on top of the bounce and keeps it out on the off side.

9.54

FOUR! Dhananjaya de Silva is up and running! Lockie Ferguson goes short again, over middle, Dhananjaya de Silva gets on top of the bounce by getting on his toes and rolls his wrists to control the pull through square leg for a boundary.

9.40

Beaten! Shortish delivery, outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva has a waft at the delivery away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in.

9.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Lockie Ferguson gets his first wicket and it's the big one of Kusal Perera! Sri Lanka are in dire straits having lost half their side. Delivers it fuller than the previous delivery, outside off, Kusal Perera gets tempted by the line and length and tries to go over the top on the off side. Slices it high in the air towards extra cover where Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner converge. There is a bit of confusion for the catch but it is Santner who settles under it and does the rest.

9.20

This is bowled on a hard length, in the channel on off, Kusal Perera hangs back and taps it in front of cover.

9.10

Serves it on a back of a length again, on middle, Kusal Perera stays leg side of the ball and defends it on the off side.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 70/4

A Mathews0 (4)

K Perera51 (25)

T Boult5-1-26-3

8.60

A wicket-maiden from Trent Boult! Angled across the right-hander, on a good length, Angelo Mathews dabs it with an angled bat in front of mid on. He wants a single but sees the fielder swoop in and aborts the single.

8.50

Bangs it into the wicket, at the left shoulder of the batter, Angelo Mathews ducks underneath the delivery and lets it go.

8.40

Bowls it on a shortish length, over middle, Angelo Mathews hops and keeps it out on the leg side comfortably.

8.30

Goes full and around off, Angelo Mathews pushes it out from the crease towards mid off.

Angelo Mathews walks out to bat now.

8.2W

OUT! LBW! A fantastic review from New Zealand and Trent Boult has another! Sri Lanka in more trouble as the centurion from the last game goes now. Trent Boult angles it in, on a good length, on middle, Charith Asalanka opts to stay back in his crease as he looks to defend. The ball jags back in after pitching and pings him on the front pad before making contact with the back leg. A confident appeal for LBW but turned down! Trent Boult is convinced and Kane Williamson takes the review. Nothing on UltraEdge and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. The on-field decision will have to be overturned and Trent Boult gets his third wicket.

8.10

Full and honing in at the pads, Charith Asalanka clips it in front of mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 70/3

K Perera51 (25)

C Asalanka8 (6)

L Ferguson1-0-9-0

7.60

On a hard length, on off, Kusal Perera gets on top of the bounce and stabs it on the off side.

7.50

Keeps it short of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera dabs it from the crease to point.

7.40

Back of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera flat bats it off the back foot towards cover.

7.34

FOUR! FIFTY FOR KUSAL PERERA! An entertaining innings from the southpaw despite the fall of wickets at the other end. A half-volley by Lockie Ferguson, outside off, Kusal Perera does not miss out and hammers it through extra cover for a boundary. Brings up the fifty off just 22 balls, the fastest by any batter against New Zealand in World Cups.

7.21

Full again, at pace, on middle, Charith Asalanka pushes it in front of mid on for a run.

7.14

FOUR! Easy pickings! Starts off on a fullish length, on the pads, Charith Asalanka flicks it off his toes and gets it wide of deep square leg for a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson comes in to replace Tim Southee.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 61/3

K Perera47 (21)

C Asalanka3 (4)

T Boult4-0-26-2

6.64

FOUR! A gift and Kusal Perera accepts it gleefully! Trent Boult serves a juicy full toss, on middle, Kusal Perera drills it with a straight bat and hits it past mid on for a boundary.

6.54

FOUR! Streaky! Another bumper, at the batter, Kusal Perera takes on the short ball again but this time he gets a top edge that goes over the keeper and into the fine leg fence for a boundary.

6.40

Slightly on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Perera shapes to pull this one but mistimes his shot a bit uppishly to mid on.

6.30

Sharp bumper! Bends his back and bangs it in short, over off, Kusal Perera goes for the hook but the ball climbs on and sails over the bat.

6.21

Full and slanting in, on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka knocks it to the left of mid on and calls Kusal Perera through for a single.

6.10

Bowls it on the off-stump line, on a length, defended with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 52/3

K Perera39 (17)

C Asalanka2 (2)

T Southee3-0-35-1

5.64

FOUR! Clipped away with ease! Tim Southee gets it to shape into the batter, on a fuller length, Kusal Perera lunges forward and clips it through the mid-wicket region for yet another boundary. A great over for Sri Lanka, 18 runs off it.

5.54

FOUR! All timing on that one! Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera gets on his toes to ride on top of the bounce and punches it past point for another boundary.

5.40

Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera hangs back and dabs it towards point.

5.34

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller and just outside off, Kusal Perera picks the length early and carves it uppishly towards the cover region. He gets more than enough bat on it to clear the infiled and picks up a boundary.

5.26

SIX! Kusal Perera is unfazed with the wickets falling at the other end! Tim Southee pitches this one right up on the stumps, trying to test Perera but the latter just hits through the line and clubs it over wide long on for another biggie.

5.10

Back of a length outside off, angling away, Kusal Perera stands tall and eases it wide of mid off.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 34/3

C Asalanka2 (2)

K Perera21 (11)

T Boult3-0-17-2

4.62

Angling in, at the batter, on a good length, Charith Asalanka tucks this one through square leg and opens his account with a couple of runs.

4.50

Around off, full as well, Charith Asalanka shoulders arms and lets the ball go.

Charith Asalanka walks out to bat with Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

4.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Two in the over for Trent Boult! Bowls this one on a good length, at 141 cliciks, over the off-stump, Sadeera Samarawickrama has no option but to play at it. The ball rises off the deck and catches the outside edge and travels straight to Daryl Mitchell at wide slip who snaffles it with both hands. Sri Lanka are now 3 down inside the first five overs.

4.31

Back of a length, at the batter, Kusal Perera swivels and pulls it down to fine leg for a single.

4.21

Greets Sadeera Samarawickrama with a bumper, directed at the left shoulder. He fends it off his gloves towards backward square leg for a single.

Sadeera Samarawickrama is the new man in.

4.1W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Trent Boult gets into the act now! He gets his 50th ODI World Cup wicket! A big blow for Sri Lanka as their skipper walks back cheaply. Serves it in the channel on off, on a fuller length, Kusal Mendis goes for his favourite pick-up shot but pays the price for slogging across the line. Gets a top edge that flies all the way down to third man where Rachin Ravindra stationed on the boundary, runs and slides forward to complete a safe catch.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 30/1

K Perera20 (10)

K Mendis6 (6)

T Southee2-0-17-1

3.64

EDGED AND FOUR! Angled away, outside off, on a length, Kusal Perera goes for a drive away from the body without much foot movement. Gets an outside edge that flies past the outstretched left hand of Daryl Mitchell at second slip for a boundary.

3.56

SIX! Powered down the ground! Full again, in the slot, on middle and leg, Kusal Perera swings through the line and thumps it cleanly to clear the long on fence for a maximum.

3.44

FOUR! Gets it over! Full and angling in, at the stumps, Kusal Perera holds his shape and tries to go over mid on. He does not get a proper connection but gets enough to clear mid on for a boundary.

3.31

At the pads, on a good length, Kusal Mendis drops it with soft hands in front of mid-wicket and takes a single.

3.20

This is bowled full again, swinging away, outside off, Kusal Mendis gives the charge and leaves the ball alone.

3.10

Full and going away, outside off, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and defends it to cover.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 15/1

K Mendis5 (3)

K Perera6 (7)

T Boult2-0-13-0

2.61

On the off-stump line, on a length, Kusal Mendis tries to defend from the crease but gets an outside edge again that rolls to third man for one.

2.54

FOUR! Edgy! Angling across, in the channel on off, on a good length, Kusal Mendis looks to play at it but gets an outside edge that goes past the wide first slip and beats Rachin Ravindra at third man to his left for a boundary.

2.51wd

WIDE! Looks to angle it away but loses his radar and bowls it beyond the tramline on off, left alone by Kusal Mendis for a wide.

2.41

On a length, outside off, Kusal Perera tries to force this one wide of mid off but does not this time this one too well as the ball rolls to wide mid off for a single.

2.41wd

WIDE! Errs in line as he sprays this one down leg, on a length, Kusal Perera gets inside the line and lets it go.

2.30

Full again, around off, Kusal Perera is solid in defence again as he blocks it out off the front foot.

2.20

Full again, on off, Kusal Perera drills it hard but Trent Boult gets a hand on it in his follow through.

2.14

FOUR! Flailed away! Trent Boult offers width outside off, full in length, Kusal Perera sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies over backward point for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 3/1

K Mendis0 (1)

K Perera1 (3)

T Southee1-0-2-1

1.60

Pitches it up now, swinging away, outside off, Kusal Mendis gives the charge and covers his off stump to leave the ball alone. End of a successful over from Tim Southee.

The Lankan skipper, Kusal Mendis is in early at number 3.

1.5W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Tom Latham holds on this time and it is Pathum Nissanka who departs early! In the channel again, shaping away, on a length, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive it on the up through mid off. He fails to account for the away movement as the ball moves away enough to catch the outside edge and Tom Latham makes no mistake this time.

1.41

DROPPED! Tom Latham has put down a regulation catch! Kusal Perera gets an early life! In the channel on off, angling away, on a length, Kusal Perera plays a loose shot to push this one through the off side. He gets an outside edge that travels at shoulder height to the left of Tom Latham who gets his gloves to it but fails to hang on. The ball pops out and drops behind first slip for a run.

1.30

Keeps it full again, at the stumps, Kusal Perera drives it neatly towards mid off.

1.20

Full and going away, outside off, Kusal Perera shoulders arms to the delivery.

1.11

Starts off with a gentle outswinger, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka pushes at the delivery with soft hands. He gets an outside edge that rolls to third man for a single.

Tim Southee to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 1/0

P Nissanka1 (6)

K Perera0 (0)

T Boult1-0-1-0

0.61

A half-stop and Sri Lanka are underway! Gets this one to angle across the right-hander, on a full length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka drives it square towards point where Glenn Phillips makes a good diving stop but parries it away from the cover fielder, allowing Pathum Nissanka to open his account with a single.

0.50

This is bowled on a hard length, at the hips, Pathum Nissanka stands tall and stabs it on the leg side.

0.40

Pulls the length back a bit and bowls it on middle, a bit of inward movement, Pathum Nissanka gets half-forward and tucks it in front of square leg.

0.30

Goes full again in search of swing, on the off-stump line, Pathum Nissanka gets a good stride in and blocks it onto the deck.

0.20

Back of a length, angling across, outside off, Pathum Nissanka hangs back to force it though the off side but does so without much timing towards cover.

0.10

On the money right away! Starts off from over the wicket and serves it full, shaping in, on middle, Pathum Nissanka prods forward and defends it to the left of the bowler.

Done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play! The two umpires are out in the middle and the Kiwi players have taken their places on the field as well. Kusal Perera will open the innings for Sri Lanka alongside Pathum Nissanka. Trent Boult has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Just the one slip in place, let's go...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of this crucial game. But first, the two sets of players along with their mascots will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Sri Lanka first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

Sri Lanka's skipper Kusal Mendis says that they wanted to bowl first but adds that it is not much of a worry. Feels that the wicket looks good and they will look to play good cricket and put a good total on the board. Mentions that it is a very important game in the context of the Champions Trophy berth. Adds that they need to do the basics right and stick to the team's plans. Shares that New Zealand is a much calmer team as compared to their last opponent. Reckons that they played well here in the last game against England where the bowlers bowled well. Informs that Chamika Karunaratne comes into the side in place of Kasun Rajitha.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand says they will have a bowl first due to the inclement weather and will look to make use of the conditions early on. Adds that they have won a few and lost a few but have been able to play the way they want to. Mentions that there were so many factors to the losses and some of them were really close losses and will look to focus on this game and get the job done. Informs that Lockie Ferguson comes in for Ish Sodhi and that is a decision made according to the pitch which looks a bit different to the previous one here.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne (In for Kasun Rajitha), Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham (WK), Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson (In for Ish Sodhi).

TOSS - New Zealand have won the coin toss and they have opted to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Mark Howard is pitchside. He says there have been heavy thunderstorms in the last few days over here but the chance of rain is not much today. Adds that 73m straight is the longest hit and the square boundaries aren't big. Sanjay Manjrekar joins him and says that the pitch is exactly like the previous ones here and it is a batting paradise. Adds that the pace reduction is the least here and hence, the batters can score more and hit more sixes. Manjrekar reckons that considering the weather and the conditions, both captains might think to chase.

On the flip side, it has been a dismal campaign for the 1996 winners, Sri Lanka. With them out of semi-final contention at the World Cup, there is still a Champions Trophy berth to play for Kusal Mendis and Co. They are coming off a loss against Bangladesh, and it was one to forget, especially for Angelo Mathews for that timed-out incident. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis have been their batting mainstays, but the Sri Lankan think tank will be happy with the way Charith Asalanka stepped up to score a century in the last game. Dilshan Madushanka has been their find of the tournament, but a lack of support for him has been a cause for concern. Will Sri Lanka manage to deny New Zealand the two points? Or will rain have the final say? We will find out soon. Toss and team news coming up shortly...

It has been a tale of two halves for New Zealand, who started the World Cup with four wins on the trot before losing four games on the bounce. The Kiwis are still the best-placed team to make it to the semis courtesy of their NRR, which is the best among the three teams in contention. Their last outing against Pakistan marked the return of skipper Kane Williamson, who performed as if he never left to provide a much-needed boost to their batting. Ever since the opening night, Devon Conway has struggled for runs, but it has been more than made up for by young sensation Rachin Ravindra's purple patch. Trent Boult was uncharacteristically expensive, as was Ish Sodhi, but expect them to pull their socks up in this all-important game.

Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen! Match number 41 of the 2023 ODI World Cup is upon us, which sees New Zealand go up against Sri Lanka at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With only one semi-final spot up for grabs, this is a crunch game for New Zealand, as a win here will take them one step closer to the semis. A lot is riding on this game for Pakistan and Afghanistan as well, who will be hoping for a New Zealand defeat, which will make their job a little bit easier. The weather is iffy, and if this fixture gets washed out, it will favour the two Asian sides.

... MATCH DAY ...