A decimating batting display from the returning Martin Guptill who scored a magnificent 138 meant that the Blackcaps registered a comprehensive 45 runs win and took the early honours in the three-match ODI series.
In a monstrous first innings score of 371, Ross Taylor, skipper Kane Williamson were the other contributors for the hosts with 54 and 76 runs respectively to their name. Playing an international game after a span of almost a year, Jimmy Neesham made his presence felt with the bat as he hit a blistering 47 of just 13 deliveries which included 6 humongous sixes.
Sri Lanka were on the backfoot throughout the first innings as their bowlers were tonked all around the park. Irrespective of the clumsy bowling effort, they were way too good in the chase as there openers Danushka Gunathilaka (43 off 62) and Niroshan Dickwella (76 off 50) stitched 119 for the opening wicket in just 17.1 overs.
After the fall of Gunathilaka’s wicket, in came Kusal Perera who blasted his way to a magnificent 102 of just 78 balls. Till the time he was at the crease, the target looked achievable but once he got out, wickets went down in clusters which eventually meant that the hosts go 1-0 up in the series.
Where – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
When – 06:30 AM IST, January 05, 2019
Sri Lanka Squad:
New Zealand Squad:
Sri Lanka:
Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Danushak Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Sekkuge Prasanna (Doubt: Dhanjaya de Silva)
New Zealand:
Tom Seifert, Jimmy Neesham, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson. (Doubt: Tim Southee)
Sri Lanka Fantasy Picks
New Zealand Fantasy Picks
Make SL vs NZ Dream11 Team as per your discretion from the squad listed in the article.