MX23RW : Saturday, April 20 01:37:33| >> :600:13016757:13016757:

Live Commentary: ICC Champions Trophy, Group A: Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand - as it happened

Live text commentary of Sri Lanka against New Zealand in Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy that ends in a thriller.
2

New Zealand and Sri Lanka met in Cardiff on Sunday as both sides looked to open their Champions Trophy campaign with a victory.

Sri Lanka elected to bat first but struggled throughout their innings, with Kumar Sangakkara (68) the only batsman to pass fifty in a total of 138.

However, New Zealand were pushed all the way by an impressive bowling display and hopes of an unlikely victory for Sri Lanka were improved by Lasith Malinga's 4-34.

It was left to Tim Southee to hit an unbeaten 13 to lead his side to a tense one-wicket victory on a fascinating day in Wales.

Read below to find out how Brendon McCullum's side held on for a dramatic win.


Sort:
Newest
Oldest
Good morning everyone. The Champions Trophy continues today as the final two teams prepare to play their first game of the tournament. New Zealand are full of confidence at the moment but as we've seen before, Sri Lanka can be superb in this format of the game.

BREAKING NEWS: Sri Lanka win the toss and elect to bat first in Cardiff.

It's a very dry pitch in Cardiff, so there's no surprise in seeing Angelo Mathews choose to bat first. New Zealand have shown their control with the ball this summer and they'll need more of that today.

Sri Lanka will be happy to play on a used pitch and everyone seems to be expecting the ball to spin later on. However, New Zealand are able to welcome back Daniel Vettori following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

SRI LANKA: Dilshan, K. Perera, Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Chandimal, Mathews, Thirimanne, T. Perera, Herath, Malinga, Eranga

NEW ZEALAND: Ronchi, Guptill, Williamson, Taylor, B. McCullum, Franklin, N. McCullum, Vettori, Southee, Mills, McClenaghan

Dilshan will be key at the top of the order for Sri Lanka throughout this tournament. The opener can take the game away from you in an instant with his fantastic array of shots.

The national anthems are now being played in Cardiff, so that means we're not far away from some cricket. Important match for both sides. They'll be desperate to join England on one win in Group A.

Both teams are out in the middle now. Dilshan will open the batting with Kushal Perera for the Sri Lankans. Kyle Mills is going to bowl the first over of the match. 10.29am

Before the match even begins we have a delay. There's a problem with the sight-screen and the Sri Lankans are not happy. Poor from the organisers as it's an advertisement that's causing the problem.

WICKET! PERERA (0) C B. McCULLUM

Fantastic start for the Kiwis! Mills finds good bounce with his first delivery and Perera can only edge the ball towards the slips, where McCullum takes a brilliant diving catch at second slip. Did the delay play a part there? Perera departs, Sangakkara in next.

Sangakkara gets the first run on the board with a quick single on the leg-side. Dilshan nudges the ball to mid-on and sneaks another. Two from the over, great start for Mills and New Zealand.

Mitchell McClenaghan opens the bowling with Mills. The left-arm seamer is too straight midway through the over and that allows Dilshan to clip a couple to mid-wicket. Mills does the fielding at fine-leg when the batsman flicks two more off the pads. McClenaghan is then punished for a wide before ending a sloppy over by being punched down the ground for four by Dilshan.

Mills gets away with a couple of leg-side deliveries, with Sangakkara left looking at the umpires bemused at no wide being given. A nudge off the hip allows the number three to pick up a single. Great running from Dilshan, who hurries a single just wide of mid-off. It's another good over from Mills.

Too short from McClenaghan and Dilshan is comfortable pulling through square-leg for a boundary. The same batsman miscues another pull due to some extra pace from the bowler. Dilshan is late in leaving the ball outside off-stump and an inadvertent deflection brings a single.

Sri Lanka's physio has come out to the middle to treat Sangakkara, who looks to be struggling with a thigh injury. He's fine to carry on though so we'll see how he continues.

Brilliant delivery from Mills to beat the edge and miss Dilshan's off-stump by a couple of inches. Dilshan flicks the ball behind square on the leg-side for a single and Sangakkara then ends the over in style with a textbook cover drive for four.

Dilshan finds the gap wide of short extra cover to pick up four more at the start of a new over.

WICKET! DILSHAN (20) B McCLENAGHAN

Now this could be very, very important. McClenaghan brings the ball back in slightly to knock back Dilshan's middle-stump. The batsman will be disappointed with the gap between his bat and bad there. Jayawardene in next for Sri Lanka.

Jayawardene defends his first two balls before guiding a single to the fielder at third man. An optimistic lbw appeal is quickly rejected by the umpire and Sri Lanka are able to sneak a leg-bye.

Guptill makes a mistake at square-leg to allow Sangakkara to sneak a single. Jayawardene adds another run just in front of square on the leg-side. Mills continues to bowl with great control. Both sides know how important this partnership is in the innings.

Vettori is given an early bowl for the Kiwis and he immediately finds the inside edge but Jayawardene is able to claim two to fine-leg. The spinner then surprises the batsman with some extra bounce outside off-stump.

WICKET! JAYAWARDENE (4) LBW B VETTORI

Vettori's return starts in the best possible way as he hits Jayawardene on the back pad to give the umpire an easy lbw decision. Clever bowling from the spinner there. Sri Lanka in real trouble now.

McCullum comes in at silly point for the new batsman Chandimal but the Kiwi skipper is met by some good defence. Great first over from Vettori.

Mills is slightly too wide early in the over and Sangakkara is able to guide the ball behind point for a single. Chandimal does well to dodge a well directed bouncer from the bowler.

WICKET! CHANDIMAL (0) C RONCHI B MILLS

Mills gets the ball to just hold its line outside off-stump and Chandimal ends his short stay at the crease with a thin edge through to Ronchi. New Zealand are fired up in Cardiff. Superb cricket.

Captain Mathews is forced back into his crease by Mills but he survives his first ball. Sri Lanka's leader needs to rebuild alongside Sangakkara.

Vettori comes out of the attack but he may just swap ends. Southee replaces the spinner and he begins the over with a tight line outside off-stump. A wider ball allows Sangakkara to drive the ball through cover for three. Four runs in the over.

It's Mills who continues his successful spell. Sangakkara breathes a sigh of relief when he manages to sneak back into his crease after being left stranded in the middle of the pitch following a call for a single. A nudge behind square on the leg-side does provide an opportunity for a run. Mills finds some good bounce again but Mathews hurries a single into the leg-side.

Southee's yorker at the start of a new over is well kept out by Mathews. The seamer's accuracy has been impressive throughout his time in England this year and he continues his good work with a maiden.

Nathan McCullum is given the ball to begin his bowling duties for the day. The spinner is taken for a single by Sangakkara at the beginning of the over but finds a better line to Mathews, who continues to defend.

Sangakkara pushes the ball past Southee for two straight down the ground early in a new over. The batsman is frustrated in his attempts to pick the gap by two fielders at cover. Careful stuff from Sri Lanka and you can't blame them. Time for a drinks break.

Both Sri Lankan players play cut shots early in McCullum's new over to pick up singles. Two more are added but New Zealand will be happy with that kind of over.

Sri Lanka finally pass fifty when Sangakkara drills Southee through the off-side for four runs. A clip off the pad brings another to square-leg. Mathews picks up a single when Vettori fumbles the ball at mid-on. Worrying signs following that shot when Vettori limps away.

Mathews nudges a single to long-on before N. McCullum comes round the wicket to the left-handed Sangakkara. A cut shot through the off-side allows the batsman to collect two and a nudge into the leg-side does the same. Captain McCullum will be happy with his brother's control at the moment.

Vettori continues to limp but manages to breeze through a maiden over on his return to the attack. Mathews and Sangakkara struggle to communicate effectively in the over when calling for a run. Sri Lanka do not need a run out now.

McClenaghan is back into the attack as New Zealand look to end this partnership before it can begin to blossom. Sangakkara strikes a cut shot straight to a fielder before ducking a tame bouncer. Another short ball is pulled away for a single and Sangakkara will keep the strike.

Sangakkara rushes a single at the start of a new Vettori over. Mathews then advances down the pitch to heave the ball through mid-wicket to score four. Good response from the bowler, who brings Mathews forward to defend the remainder of the over.

McClenaghan fires in a shorter ball again but Sangakkara comfortably pulls the ball away for a single.

WICKET! MATHEWS (9) B McCLENAGHAN

Disaster for Sri Lanka as Mathews heads back to the dressing room just as his side had started to settle down. McClenaghan knocks the leg-stump out of the ground when the Sri Lankan captain misses while attempting to flick the ball away and the Kiwis go wild.

Lahiru Thirimanne is the new batsman and he's wise to leave a good ball outside off-stump. His first run then comes through mid-wicket. Sangakkara then takes a big risk when calling for two to deep mid-wicket but the throw misses and both batsmen remain in the middle.

Thirimanne sits back in his crease to nudge Vettori away for a single. Sangakkara rotates the strike again and Vettori then finds some good flight to Thirimanne, who defends well.

Sri Lanka do have a long batting lineup so all is not lost just yet. McClenaghan is driven through the covers for one by Sangakkara. Thirimanne edges the ball towards first slip but it drops short of Ross Taylor. McCullum adds another fielder close to the bat but there's no more mistakes form the batsman. Good over from McClenaghan.

Sangakkara continues to find the singles as he eases a run early in Vettori's over. Thirimanne looks comfortable against the spin but he can't picks the gaps in the field. It looks like it's time for Kane Williamson to have a bowl.

Once again it's Sangakkara who claims a single on the leg-side. Williamson gives the ball plenty of flight but Thirimanne doesn't attack too much and instead nudges the ball straight down the ground for one. Sangakkara is forced to dive into his crease when he calls for a quick run into the leg-side. Thirimanne is then tempted into driving outside off-stump but he fails to make contact with his loose shot. Good start from Williamson.

Thirimanne is handed the strike by Sangakkara, who moves to 37. The left-handed batsman displays his skill with a sweep shot over mid-wicket for four to encourage some cheers from the small number of Sri Lanka supporters. A push down the ground brings a single and Thirimanne will keep the strike.

Ronchi puts down a difficult chance when Thirimanne drives outside off-stump. Williamson is left frustrated by the wicketkeeper but the ball went behind at pace.

WICKET! THIRIMANNE (9) RUN OUT (GUPTILL)

It was the one thing that Sri Lanka just could not afford at this stage. Sangakkara sends Thirimanne back when he rejects the opportunity to take a single. The batsman is stranded though as Williamson pulls the stump out of the ground with the ball in hand after disturbing the bails too early following Guptill's throw.

Sangakkara skips down the pitch and lofts the ball just over Vettori at mid-on for four. Sri Lanka's number three clearly feels attack is now the best form of defence as he cuts the ball to the rope at third man before launching another four straight down the ground. 13 runs and a wicket from the over.

Thisara Perera is the new batsman and his attempt to get off the mark is halted by Vettori's good fielding at mid-on. Guptill dives to his left at short mid-wicket to stop a thick edge racing away for a run. Southee then misses a big chance to remove Perera when he puts down a relatively simple caught and bowled opportunity. The bowler is disappointed and his mood is made worse when Franklin allows the ball to pass him at mid-off to gift four runs to Perera.

Nathan McCullum is back into the attack for New Zealand. Sangakkara reaches 50 with a single through cover. Who knows where Sri Lanka would be without him? Scary moment for Perera when he's given out lbw. The batsman quickly reviews the decision and Hotspot shows the batsman got a big inside edge on the ball. Good use of DRS on display. Just a single from the over.

Sri Lanka finally pass 100 in the 30th over when Sangakkara flicks the ball to the rope at fine-leg. The batsman is slightly fortunate just a ball later when he nearly drags on driving at a wider ball. Perera takes a big risk with a slice into the air on the off-side but the ball drops in a gap behind point and he survives. Eight runs come in the over.

Clear signs in the last couple of overs that Sri Lanka feel it's time to attack. It's important they post a challenging total but captain McCullum won't mind seeing some shots being played.

The bowling McCullum delivers an inviting full toss early in a new over and Perera is more than happy to whip the ball through mid-wicket for four runs. Guptill can't stop a drive at cover and Sri Lanka cruise another single. Much better cricket from the batting side.

Southee targets Perera with a sharp bouncer but the left-handed batsman doesn't edge the ball when he attempts a risky cut over third man. Just a single scored in the over when Perera heave is stopped by Vettori at mid-on. Time for a drinks break.

A thick edge from Perera brings a single at the start of a new over from Nathan McCullum. Ronchi does well to chase down the ball and throw to the non-striker's end when Sangakkara calls for a risky run. A quick replay shows the batsman was safely in his ground though. Perera skips down the pitch to loft a single down the ground before Sangakkara adds another to mid-off.

Sangakkara swings wildly at the start of a new spell from McClenaghan but there's no edge to Ronchi behind the stumps. An inside edge into the pad provides the opportunity for a quick single to be taken.

WICKET! PERERA (15) C VETTORI B McCLENAGHAN

Crucial wicket for New Zealand as the batting powerplay approaches. Perera attempts the big shot over long-on but he doesn't hit it well enough and Vettori gets himself in position to take a good catch.

Herath is the new batsman but he's off strike for now. Sangakkara's drive isn't well timed but he still manages to pick up four runs straight down the ground. Good over for McClenaghan, who has three wickets now.

Sri Lanka decide to take the batting powerplay one over before it would have been mandatory. The batsmen trade singles off Nathan McCullum early on. Herath does well to keep out a delivery that skids on. Good defence, just two from the over.

McClenaghan is slightly wayward in a new over and Sangakkara can easily flick the ball away for four to fine-leg. A push to cover brings Herath on strike and he proves his batting credentials with a beautiful drive through extra cover for four. He'll keep the strike too following a nudge into the leg-side.

WICKET! SANGAKKARA (68) C WILLIAMSON B N. McCULLUM

Big moment in the game as Sangakkara departs. All of his hard work is ruined when he slices the ball behind square on the off-side, where Williamson is able to take a simple catch. Eranga in next for Sri Lanka.

WICKET! ERANGA (0) C MILLS B N. McCULLUM

Eranga defends his first three balls before deciding it's time to attack and proceeds to loft the ball straight into the hands of Mills at long-on. Poor shot to give McCullum his second wicket in the over.

Herath is happy to hand the strike to Malinga, the new batsman, at the beginning of McClenaghan's over. Malinga gets off the mark with a couple through mid-wicket.

WICKET! MALINGA (2) C TAYLOR B McCLENAGHAN

McClenaghan claims his fourth wicket to bring the innings to a premature close. Malinga attempts to work the ball into the leg-side but he can only edge the ball to Taylor at slip. Brilliant performance from New Zealand but that's just not good enough from Sri Lanka.

Due to Sri Lanka's poor batting display, New Zealand will begin their innings earlier than scheduled. It will be a quick interval, with the Kiwis starting their run chase at 1.35pm. Brendon McCullum's side need 139 runs for victory.

McClenaghan ended with figures of 4-43 to show why he's rated so highly by the New Zealand hierarchy. Mills was impressive early in the innings as he picked up two wickets while Nathan McCullum did a very good job for his brother Brendon.

New Zealand will now bat for 25 minutes and an interval will then be taken for 45 minutes. You think that's strange? Yes, me too. Guptill and Ronchi to open for the Kiwis.

Predictably, it's Malinga who opens the bowling. Sri Lanka need something special from their pace bowler.

Good start from Malinga, who bowls an accurate maiden to Guptill. No risks taken by New Zealand. They'll be eager to reach the interval without losing a wicket.

Eranga opens the bowling alongside Malinga. Ronchi is beaten on the outside edge by a hint of swing early in the over. The same batsman gets off the mark with a single through cover. Guptill finds his first runs with a clip to fine-leg, where Malinga does well to stop the ball reaching the boundary. However, there's no fielder in place to stop Guptill reaching the rope when he drives powerfully through the off-side for four.

Ronchi is shown Malinga's variations when the bowler follows a slower ball with a fierce bouncer. The batsman remains watchful before chipping a full toss straight down the ground for four runs. Ronchi then swings at a wider ball but fails to make contact with the ball this time. Good start for New Zealand.

Guptill nudges a single at the start of Eranga's over and Ronchi adds two more with a clip through the vacant square-leg region.

WICKET! RONCHI (7) C SANGAKKARA B ERANGA

Sri Lanka make the crucial early breakthrough when Ronchi edges the ball just outside off-stump into the grateful hands of Sangakkara. Important moment but there's a long way to go.

Williamson is immediately off the mark with a single to wide mid-on. The new batsman will keep the strike for the next over.

Malinga catches the outside edge at the start of the over but Williamson defends with soft hands and the ball drops short of the slips. A thicker edge races away to third man and New Zealand easily run for two. Williamson plays and misses but manages to survive a challenging over.

Eranga pushes the ball down the leg-side and a wide is given by the umpire. Guptill rocks back to punch the next ball through point for four runs. A shorter delivery is pulled behind square on the leg-side for another. Williamson helps himself to three runs when Chandimal makes a mistake at deep extra cover. Strange scenes when Eranga lets a ball drop to the ground after Guptill had fired a shot into his own boot. That's a missed opportunity for Sri Lanka.

INTERVAL: Both sides walk off the pitch following that short spell. Sri Lanka will be delighted to have taken an early wicket but they face a tough battle if they are to somehow snatch an unlikely victory.

We'll take a quick break during the interval but make sure you return in around 35 minutes as New Zealand chase 113 more runs for victory.

Welcome back everyone. We're just a few minutes away from the resumption of play in Cardiff. New Zealand are targeting 139 to win this Group A contest. Sri Lanka just haven't been good enough so far and they'll need to do something remarkable to claim a win.

Ronchi may have gone but New Zealand have two of their best players at the crease at the moment. Guptill and Williamson know they've got plenty of time to chase the total. 44 overs left in the innings.

A loss in the first game of the competition is very damaging but a crushing defeat can really halt a side's progress. Angelo Mathews will expect a reaction from his side and he'll want to push the Kiwis all the way.

Malinga is to bowl the first over following the break.

Williamson cuts powerfully but picks out the fielder at point. Malinga is too wide at the start of the over but does beat the outside edge with a beauty. The pace bowler produces an even better ball to beat the bat again but there is a sound and Sri Lanka feel there's an edge. Mathews reviews the not out decision but a closer look shows the ball clipped Williamson's trousers on the way through to Sangakkara.

First look at spin as Herath comes into the attack. Guptill sits deep in his crease to whip the ball through the leg-side for three runs. Herath delivers a beauty that spins and bounces to beat Williamson's outside edge. The next ball is swept to fine-leg for two more but a second sweep shot is blocked by the fielder in the circle. Herath loses his length slightly and Williamson gets enough of a top edge on the ball to pick up four to fine-leg. Nine from the spinner's over.

Perfect drive from Guptill at the start of Malinga's new over sees four more runs come to New Zealand. The bowler responds by delivering a shorter ball but Guptill stands tall to pull through square-leg for another boundary. A mistake at cover allows the Black Caps to sneak a single. Williamson is a superb back-foot player and he showcases his ability with a punch through the covers. The ball doesn't reach the boundary but some impressive running allows New Zealand to run four.

WICKET! WILLIAMSON (16) LBW B MALINGA

Stunning bowling from Malinga. Williamson begins to duck when the ball comes in without bouncing but Malinga's brilliantly disguised slower delivery drops sharply and hits the pad. The batsman reviews when he's given out but the umpire is proven correct. Taylor in next for the Kiwis, 91 runs needed.

Guptill flicks Herath away for a single early in the over. Taylor's attempts to find a quick run to get off the mark are halted by some good fielding from Sri Lanka.

WICKET! TAYLOR (0) LBW B HERATH

Do we have a close game on our hands now? Taylor's short stay at the crease ends when he's trapped lbw by a very good delivery. Easy decision for the umpire. Nervous few moments for New Zealand.

Eranga is back into the attack with New Zealand requiring 90 more runs to win.

WICKET! GUPTILL (25) C JAYAWARDENE B ERANGA

Thrilling scenes in Cardiff and Sri Lanka are back in this one now. Eranga finds some extra bounce on his return and catches Guptill's edge. Jayawardene takes a high catch at slip and Sri Lanka now have two new batsmen to bowl at.

Brendon McCullum comes to the crease to join Franklin. Eranga is full to the former and New Zealand's captain is able to flick the ball away for a single. A good over ends disappointingly when Eranga strays again to concede four leg-byes.

McCullum survives a big lbw appeal when he misses a reverse sweep. It's a good decision from the umpire, with the impact clearly coming outside off-stump. Two leg-byes are taken and the skipper then rushes a single to cover. Franklin and McCullum share two more runs late in the over.

Eranga is pushed through the covers by McCullum and the ball races quickly to the rope to bring four more runs. Mathews sends a fielder to the boundary but McCullum is still happy to take a single with a similar shot. Franklin takes advantage of some width to steer the ball through the off-side for four more. Nine from the over.

McCullum clips a full delivery into the leg-side for a single. Franklin is happy to just take on with a nudge through mid-wicket. Herath does find some turn later in the over but McCullum plays late to keep out the slower bowler. 69 more runs needed for victory.

Mathews feels spin is the way to go from here. However, after surprising us all by not picking a second specialist spinner, the skipper is forced to turn to Dilshan. Franklin gets himself in a mess while sweeping but a big lbw appeal is quickly rejected by Rod Tucker.

WICKET! FRANKLIN (6) LBW B DILSHAN

Rod Tucker raises his finger this time as Franklin lunges forward to be struck in front of middle-stump. Dilshan goes wild and Sri Lanka take a big wicket.

It's Vettori's turn to come out to the middle. The new batsman is immediately beaten on the outside edge but he does survive. Brilliant over from Dilshan.

Herath continues to test McCullum's technique by bowling a great line and length. McCullum pushes the ball to long-on for one but Vettori will keep the strike thanks to a sweep for a single.

Vettori chips the ball into the air but it falls short of Malinga at mid-on. A flick off the toes brings a single but don't expect too many quick runs from the former skipper, who still looks to be struggling with a knee problem. McCullum once again misses an attempted reverse sweep but he's outside the line so is safe from any lbw appeal. Just one run from Dilshan's over. New Zealand need 66 more to win.

No fielder at square-leg allows Vettori to cruise to the other end for a single. An outside edge drops quickly to save McCullum and he breathes another sigh of relief when a big lbw appeal is rejected. Impact was outside off-stump, so it's a good decision. Herath drifts down the leg-side and he's punished as New Zealand take two leg-byes.

Sri Lanka continue to appeal every time the ball hits the pad but Vettori is safe once again. The same batsman nudges the ball to long-off for a single but that's the only blemish on a good over from Dilshan.

Malinga is brought back into the attack for a new spell as Sri Lanka look for another wicket to force a tight finish. The bowler delivers a brilliant yorker but a thick edge from Vettori squirms away to third man for a single. McCullum takes a risky run when he pushes a shorter ball into the off-side. Malinga loses his line and is punished for a leg-side wide. Dilshan does superbly at gully to stop any plans for a single.

WICKET! VETTORI (5) LBW B MALINGA

Malinga's slower ball does the trick again but Vettori is very unlucky to be heading back to the dressing room. The batsman got a big inside edge on the ball and it's a very bad decision from the umpire. Williamson used the review earlier, so Vettori must depart.

Nathan McCullum comes out to the middle to join his brother. To avoid any confusion I'll refer to both players by their first name. Brendon starts Dilshan's over by flicking the ball into the leg-side for a single. Huge appeal when Nathan is struck on the pad but Rod Tucker shakes his head. It looked close but Hawkeye suggests the ball would have missed leg-stump. Two singles in the over.

Mathews is talked to by the umpires between overs and it looks like they're unhappy with the excessive appealing. It's all over very quickly though.

Nathan sweeps behind square on the leg-side to pick up two runs early in a new spell from Herath. A good piece of footwork allows the same batsman to earn a single in front of point. Brendon defends well and it's time for a drinks break.

Mathews is persisting with Dilshan, who has been very impressive with the ball. Nathan nudges the ball through mid-wicket to earn a couple off the spinner. A shorter delivery allows the same batsman to find a single to deep square-leg. Just three from the over.

Rare boundary for New Zealand when Nathan lofts the ball over mid-wicket for four. Herath is then pushed to long-on for one. Another optimistic appeal for lbw comes but the Sri Lankan fielders are met by a shake of the head from the umpire.

Nathan chips the ball into the air but the shot is played safely and he picks up a single on the leg-side. Brendon seems eager to play the reverse sweep but he misses again and is struck on the helmet due to some extra bounce. Dilshan continues to apply the pressure.

Eranga is back for a new spell and it should be interesting to see how New Zealand play the seamer from here. Three dot balls are followed by a single but it could have been more had it not been for Dilshan's superb fielding at point. Brendon's single to mid-on looks optimistic but a mistake in the field allows the New Zealand duo to sneak two.

Thisara Perera is thrown the ball to begin his first spell of the innings. Nathan is fortunate when he chips the ball short of a fielder at mid-wicket. A cut shot flies over point but Eranga does well in the deep to restrict the New Zealand to just two runs.

Brendon drills the ball through the off-side for a single to bring up 100 for New Zealand. Sangakkara claims a catch when Nathan McCullum swings outside off-stump but the batsman stays at the crease as the umpire shakes his head. The Snickometer suggests that there may have been an edge but it was very small. Nathan piles on the misery with two boundaries as he drives through extra cover before pulling powerfully a ball later.

New Zealand need just 30 more runs to win.

Nathan clips the ball off his pad for one early in Perera's over. Brendon finds another single to point two deliveries later. New Zealand are cruising now, Sri Lanka's challenge is surely over.

Malinga is back into the attack as Mathews looks for one last burst from his bowlers. Two singles are taken early in the over and a mistake from Malinga off his own bowling allows another run to be taken. Malinga persists with a full length but Nathan looks comfortable as he eases another run to mid-on.

WICKET! B. McCULLUM (18) B MALINGA

Malinga decides there is time for one final twist as he bowls Brendon McCullum with a superb dipping yorker. The skipper heads inside with his team still needing 24 for victory.

Herath is back for a new spell as Sri Lanka attempt to pull off a remarkable win. McCullum gets off strike with a single but he's quickly back in the firing line when Southee nudges his first ball away for one. A drive through extra cover allows McCullum to add two more. Dilshan does superbly to block another drive, restricting McCullum to just a single this time. A thick inside edge provides two more to fine-leg. Seven from the over, 17 more needed to win.

WICKET! N. McCULLUM LBW B MALINGA

Malinga does it again! This game is heading for a thrilling finish as Nathan McCullum departs after being given out lbw to an in-swinging yorker. Fantastic match in Cardiff.

Mills is certainly not the worst number 10 in international cricket but he'll rarely have come to the crease under so much pressure. He gets off the mark with a clip to deep square-leg for a single. Southee steals a run with a thick edge from the final ball and he'll keep the strike. New Zealand need 15 more runs.

New Zealand are made to wait by Mathews and when Herath's over eventually begins Southee takes a single to square-leg. Mills pushes the ball to cover for another run. Mathews may have to think about this field again. Too many men out in the deep. One more single and it's three from the over.

Massive appeal from Malinga for lbw but there's no raise of the finger this time and it's probably a fair decision with the ball going down the leg-side. Even more disappointment for Sri Lanka when another appeal is launched following a Malinga yorker. Replays shows the ball did hit Southee's toe first but to add insult to injury, New Zealand pick up four to third man. Southee pushes another ball straight down the ground for a single. Absolutely superb over from Malinga but New Zealand survive. Seven more needed for victory.

Southee has exchanged a few words with Jayawardene and Mathews between overs. The umpire stop the argument before it can develop. Southee won't walk for lbw, so I'm not sure what the problem is with the Sri Lankans.

Eranga comes back on at a crucial time. Southee steers the ball in front of point for one at the start of the over. Mills takes a big chance when he calls for a run to point but he's safe and Dilshan also misses with his throw at the stumps.

WICKET! MILLS (3) RUN OUT (T. PERERA)

Unbelievable. Southee calls for a sharp single but Perera misses the stumps at the non-striker's end. However, the ball goes on to hit the stumps at the other end and Mills is short of his ground meaning he must depart. I've never seen anything like that. New Zealand still need five runs. Sri Lanka need one wicket.

McClenaghan blocks his first ball and that's the end of the over. Malinga still has one over left to bowl, can he win it for his side?

Poor start from Malinga, who strays down leg-side to deliver a wide-ball. Four needed. Malinga is striving to deliver the perfect yorker but Southee is doing well to keep the ball away from his stumps. Superb defence from New Zealand's number nine. It's a maiden but more importantly for the Kiwis, Malinga has bowled his final over.

It will be Dilshan to bowl the next over. Can he produce a moment of magic for Sri Lanka?

McClenaghan nudges the second ball through square-leg for a single. Three needed. Southee flicks another one into the leg-side.

NEW ZEALAND WIN BY ONE WICKET!

A wide-ball from Dilshan races to fine-leg and that's the two New Zealand need for a stunning victory. Unbelievable cricket match in Cardiff. Brilliant drama!

After being bowled out for 138 it looked like Sri Lanka had no chance of claiming a victory. However, a superb bowling performance from Malinga (4-34) almost shocked the Kiwis.

Fascinating day of cricket in Cardiff but at the end of play it's New Zealand who win their opening match of the competition. Sri Lanka will now face a tough battle to qualify for the semi-finals but they'll surely be inspired by their own brave fightback today.

This tournament hasn't been on for a week yet but we've already been treated to some cracking matches. That game will take some beating but make sure you join me tomorrow afternoon for South Africa vs. Pakistan. Coverage begins at 12.30pm.

New Zealand supporters will be talking about that victory for many years. Can they go on and win the tournament from here? We'll find out over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for joining me today. Goodbye.

ID:88212: cacheID:88212:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:60016:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Australia's Mitchell Johnson is congratulated by his team after bowling out Sri Lanka's Angleo Mathews on December 28, 2012
Read Next:
Australia demolish Sri Lanka with days to spare
>