Sri Lanka Defeat New Zealand by 3 Wickets in Tri-Series 2010

Sri Lankan cricket team has beaten New Zealand by 3 wickets with 55 balls remaining at hand at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Sri Lanka scored 195 for 7 in 40.5 overs.

Sri Lanka’s brilliant bowling performance contributed by Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews helped to bundle out the opponent team in a low chasing score of 192 in the second match of the tri-nation ODI series.

Sri Lanka could successfully chase down the target thanks to Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara. These two batsman put 85-run partnership in the second wicket stand. Sri Lanka also suffered after the departure of their wickets.

With the ball, Kyle Mills could raise some hope of winning the match, but Thilan Samaraweera snatched the dream with his not out 36-run innings.

New Zealand was in buoyant form after defeating India by a massive 200 runs in the opening match. However, they failed to do the same thing against the home team as they made poor start after opting to bat first winning the toss. Half of their players were sent back to the pavilion inside 23.1 overs putting 101 runs in the score board.

Scoring 55 runs from 68 balls including 8 boundaries, BJ Watling was the highest run scorer in his debut game. His brilliant effort could not help the team to make a huge score as New Zealand kept losing wickets regularly. New Zealand started losing wickets with the opener Martin Guptill who was caught out in the second ball of the first over.

Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews took 6 wickets, 3 wickets apiece. Rangana Herath took two wickets alone while other two wickets were shared between Nuwan Kulasekara and Ajantha Mendis.

In the next match, Sri Lanka will take on India on August 16, 2010 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. No doubt, Sri Lanka should take some inspiration from this victory.

New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup 2010

New Zealand is always a strong team in any form of cricket game. Despite being considered as strong team, they have not won any big trophy till now. So, the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010 is a big challenge for them. New Zealand cricket team will try hard to win their maiden world cup trophy. Let’s hope, their dream comes true in the third edition of Twenty20 World Cup. To achieve their landmark, New Zealand selectors announced a strong 15-member squad. Here is the players’ list:

New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup 2010: Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Aaron Redmond, Brendon McCullum, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Shane Bond. Tim Southee, Ian Butler.

Players on standby: Jeetan Patel, Peter Ingram, Shanan Stewart, Andy McKay, Brent Arnel, James Franklin and Peter McGlashan.

Rob Nicol, 26, is the only new face in this squad. This young player has the possibility to make his debut in the forthcoming event. He has been included depending on his domestic performance. He can play an important role as a middle order batsman and occasional offspin bowler.

New Zealand’s most important batsman Brendon McCullum is now free from wicket keeping responsibility as Gareth Hopkins has been included as the wicketkeeper in this squad. Daniel Vettori will lead the team.

Prolific all rounder, Jesse Ryder, has made his return to the squad. No doubt, it is a strong squad which can win the T20 World Cup this time.