Presentation coming up...
Ross Taylor is the Man of the Match: We knew 175 would be tough. Colin de Grandhomme got a lot of pressure off me with boundaries, so the asking rate was always in check. It's nice to know what your role is in the team and I can offer some experience at the other end while batting. We probably didn't field as well as we'd have liked. When Colin hit Udana for a four and a six was when we got the momentum. The focus is now on the T20 World Cup.
Malinga: It's a nice experience for the younger players to play under lights. For this kind of team we need to take opportunities as soon as we get them, but we couldn't. It happens in T20s. We were positive in this game and there were younger players in this game. Our bowlers need to be more accurate in such wet conditions and mental preparation is also important for next game.
Southee: The way Daryl finished it off was great with the bat. The experienced partnership got us back in the game and then the young guys at the end played with freedom. We were probably going to bat at the toss, but Ross and Colin got us back in the game, so who knows what would have happened. (On his unbeaten record): We have a great group of guys, younger ones play with some freedom and it's a great mix of youth and experience.
That's all we have from the game today in Pallekele. Do join us again on Tuesday for the second match of the series. Until then, it's goodbye and good luck from me, Vishal Dikshit, and Ankur Dhawan. Ciao!
Ahamed: "As a Sri Lankan fan, I will take this to the way we have been playing for the past two years in T20. This one was competetive until last two overs."
DJ: "@Osura Vindula, most heartbreaking matches are the test cricket. Haven't you watched that last ashes test and last SL vs NZ test? "
10.58pm How much did that drop of Ross Taylor cost Sri Lanka? The match probably. First, it was the consecutive sixes from Taylor against Akila Dananjaya, and then the four and six from de Grandhomme off Udana that brought the required rate under control, because they needed 113 in the last 10 overs. And the credit goes to NZ for keeping their nerve right till the end, including Daryl Mitchell who took on an in-form Malinga. The Sri Lanka captain accounted for two wickets with his yorkers, bowled 13 dots, but he didn't get much support from any other quick bowler. It was only debutant Hasaranga whose 2 for 21 from four overs kept Sri Lanka in the game but it wasn't enough.
Osura Vindula : "T20 is never a good format for heart patients. And they are proving it again & again."
Doesn't matter who bowls now, NZ are just three away. It's Isuru Udana and Malinga is setting the field
END OF OVER:19 | 15 Runs | NZ: 172/5 (3 runs required from 6 balls, RR: 9.05, RRR: 3.00)
- Daryl Mitchell23 (17b)
- Mitchell Santner14 (7b)
- Lasith Malinga4-0-23-2
- Isuru Udana3-0-36-0
Just three more required
Long-on goes deep
New Zealand should be happy even with singles in this over now
So 18 from 12, Malinga has the ball. He is wiping it with his towel to dry it first. Will he bowl right now? Yes! So Akila or Udana will bowl the last
END OF OVER:18 | 13 Runs | NZ: 157/5 (18 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 8.72, RRR: 9.00)
- Mitchell Santner11 (5b)
- Daryl Mitchell16 (13b)
- Isuru Udana3-0-36-0
- Wanindu Hasaranga4-0-21-2
So both teams have lost their reviews now and this is going to be a thriller. Last thing we want is a howler from the umpires
Short third man is almost like a wide slip
Prasad: "Next over should be bowled by akila, then isuru last over should be bowled bu Malinga". Let's see...we have Isuru Udana first. 31 needed from 18, fine leg and third man in the circle
END OF OVER:17 | 3 Runs 1 Wkt | NZ: 144/5 (31 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 8.47, RRR: 10.33)
- Mitchell Santner0 (1b)
- Daryl Mitchell15 (11b)
- Wanindu Hasaranga4-0-21-2
- Kasun Rajitha4-0-44-0
10.38pm The players are back on the field, Mitchell Santner on strike now for the last ball of the over
10.30pm Good news: it's not raining anymore. The game is set to resume in the next 10 minutes or so. That's good news for Sri Lankan fans, actually, not for everyone.
Rikas Buhary: "Malinga to take another big decision. Whether to bowl last over or 19th... Mali can defend even 6, but I don't think no one else will defend even 15.."
10.17pm What a moment in the match - the big wicket comes for Sri Lanka, there's a review struck down and the rain comes down too. The umbrellas are out, the pitch covers are out and it's raining hard now. New Zealand need to be 139 at this stage according to DLS, so they are well ahead. New Zealand will be very happy if it keeps raining from here, they have only five wickets left and need another 31 from 19 balls. Remember, six of those will be bowled by Malinga, and if a bowler like him is defending even six in the last over, the pressure is on the batsman
LRPL Taylor lbw b PW Hasaranga 48 (29b 3x4 2x6) SR: 165.51
Saf: "cake walk for New Zealand now .. ...." Malinga still has an over though
Taylor seems to be suffering from cramps now, he's down on the ground and getting some treatment. Gets some refreshments and he's back. Hasaranga has the ball