Sri Lanka (222 for four) beat New Zealand (219 for seven) by six wickets with 4.5 overs remaining
New Zealand are found wanting in their first game against top-class opposition, and in truth Sri Lanka were not required to be at their best to get the two points. Poor performance from New Zealand, but better to get it out of the way now rather than in the semi-final which they will still reach with something to spare.

Over 45.1: Sangakkara flicks to fine-leg for four to clinch a surprisingly easy victory in a game between two of the form sides in this competition.
Sri Lanka 222/4 (RR: 4.92): Sangakkara 69* (104), Dilshan 14* (24)

Gillespie back into the attack.

With five overs to go, the third powerplay has to be taken. That will have a massive impact on proceedings here.

Over 45: Oram still running in, but again four singles are nudged and nurdled. Two runs for a simple victory.
Sri Lanka 218/4 (RR: 4.86): Sangakkara 65* (103), Dilshan 14* (24)
Sri Lanka need 2 runs to win from 30 balls at 0.40 runs per over.

Over 44: Four more singles from that Vettori over, and there's a strangely subdued atmosphere in the ground. Fitting in a way for a game that has never really got going.
Sri Lanka 214/4 (RR: 4.86): Sangakkara 63* (100), Dilshan 12* (21)
Sri Lanka need 6 runs to win from 36 balls at 1.00 runs per over.

Over 43: A run of ten consecutive singles ends with a dot ball from the fifth ball of Oram's over. But a no-ball and then a single means there are still six from the over.
Sri Lanka 210/4 (RR: 4.88): Sangakkara 61* (98), Dilshan 10* (17)
Sri Lanka need 10 runs to win from 42 balls at 1.43 runs per over.

Oram is back into the attack.

Over 42: Dilshan cuts hard to deep point for a single, and Sangakkara gets a single to short fine-leg that brings up the 200. Four more singles are added with easy pushes down the ground and the fence is completed. Just drifting towards an inevitable conclusion this one.
Sri Lanka 204/4 (RR: 4.86): Sangakkara 58* (93), Dilshan 8* (15)
Sri Lanka need 16 runs to win from 48 balls at 2.00 runs per over.

Over 41: Very poor over from Gillespie. Two no-balls and a glut of easy singles are topped off by a wied half-volley that Sangakkara drives effortlessly through extra-cover for just his second boundary.
Sri Lanka 198/4 (RR: 4.83): Sangakkara 55* (90), Dilshan 5* (12)
Sri Lanka need 22 runs to win from 54 balls at 2.44 runs per over.

Gillespie is back into the attack.

Over 40: Sangakkara nurdles a single to collect a battling half-century, including just one boundary. Dilshan gets another single from the final ball of the over, pushed down the ground. Good over that from Vettori, for what it's worth.
Sri Lanka 187/4 (RR: 4.68): Sangakkara 50* (86), Dilshan 2* (8)
Sri Lanka need 33 runs to win from 10 overs at 3.30 runs per over.

Sangakkara 50: 86 balls, 1 x 4

Over 39: Two singles from the first three balls of the over, and Sangakkara then gets two from a pull through midwicket and a single punched to long-on. The last ball is a wide one that Dilshan misses, and Franklin is lucky it isn't called.
Sri Lanka 185/4 (RR: 4.74): Sangakkara 49* (84), Dilshan 1* (4)
Sri Lanka need 35 runs to win from 11 overs at 3.18 runs per over.

Over 38: Dilshan blocks the final ball of a successful Dilshan over.
Sri Lanka 180/4 (RR: 4.74): Sangakkara 45* (81), Dilshan 0* (1)
Sri Lanka need 40 runs to win from 12 overs at 3.33 runs per over.

Dilshan is the new batsman for Sri Lanka.

WICKET!
LPC Silva c Bond b Vettori 23 (33)
Silva gives it away with a needless slog down the ground that is easily taken by Bond at long-off. Sangakkara's face says it all as his partner passes him.

The final powerplay is not taken.

Over 37: Sangakkara takes a quick single and then a short ball from Franklin is smashed to the boundary by Silva.
Sri Lanka 178/3 (RR: 4.81): Sangakkara 44* (79), Silva 22* (30)
Sri Lanka need 42 runs to win from 13 overs at 3.23 runs per over.

Over 36: Maiden over from Gillespie, and to their credit New Zealand are sticking to their task here.
Sri Lanka 172/3 (RR: 4.78): Sangakkara 43* (77), Silva 17* (27)
Sri Lanka need 48 runs to win from 14 overs at 3.43 runs per over.

Over 35: Fantastic batting from Silva, collecting three fours in a row and they're all quality shots. The first is driven through extra cover, the second picked up over square-leg, and the third cut cheekily and deliberately fine on the offside. A single from the final ball makes it an even better over for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka 172/3 (RR: 4.91): Sangakkara 43* (77), Silva 17* (21)
Sri Lanka need 48 runs to win from 15 overs at 3.20 runs per over.

Over 34: Good tight over from Gillespie, just a single from it and almost a run-out after a mix-up between the two batsmen.
Sri Lanka 159/3 (RR: 4.68): Sangakkara 43* (77), Silva 4* (15)
Sri Lanka need 61 runs to win from 16 overs at 3.81 runs per over.

Gillespie is back into the attack.

Over 33: Franklin starts with a wide that McCullum takes neatly stood up to the stumps. Just two singles from the over apart from the extra.
Sri Lanka 158/3 (RR: 4.79): Sangakkara 43* (76), Silva 3* (10)
Sri Lanka need 62 runs to win from 17 overs at 3.65 runs per over.

Franklin is back into the attack, and Fleming has taken the second powerplay.

Over 32: Just a single from Bond's over, and New Zealand seem to have been lifted slightly by that wicket.
Sri Lanka 155/3 (RR: 4.84): Sangakkara 42* (73), Silva 2* (7)
Sri Lanka need 65 runs to win from 18 overs at 3.61 runs per over.

Over 31: Silva sweeps for two from the fifth ball of the over, and is certainly looking to attack from the outset.
Sri Lanka 154/3 (RR: 4.97): Sangakkara 41* (71), Silva 2* (3)
Sri Lanka need 66 runs to win from 19 overs at 3.47 runs per over.

Silva is the new batsman.

WICKET!
DPMD Jayawardene c sub (Marshall) b Vettori 15 (16)
Jayawardene tries to pull a ball that isn't short enough and can only clump the ball straight to sub fielder Hamish Marshall at short midwicket.

Over 30: A couple of singles from the first five balls, and Jayawardene then deflects to fine-leg for four. Bond's trying to make something happen, but it just isn't.
Sri Lanka 150/2 (RR: 5.00): Sangakkara 40* (70), Jayawardene 15* (14)
Sri Lanka need 70 runs to win from 20 overs at 3.50 runs per over.

Over 29: Again, just two singles from the over. But that will do Sri Lanka. Maybe Fleming should gamble and take one of the powerplays...
Sri Lanka 144/2 (RR: 4.97): Sangakkara 39* (66), Jayawardene 10* (12)
Sri Lanka need 76 runs to win from 21 overs at 3.62 runs per over.

Fleming has his two best bowlers in tandem now with Vettori into the attack as well.

Over 28: Both batsmen collect singles on the pull shot as Bond tests out his half of the pitch. Tidy over, but Fleming needs wickets from Bond.
Sri Lanka 142/2 (RR: 5.07): Sangakkara 38* (62), Jayawardene 9* (10)
Sri Lanka need 78 runs to win from 22 overs at 3.55 runs per over.

Fleming turns to Bond with a new batsman at the crease. Last throw of the dice.

Over 27: Styris concedes another six runs from his seventh over, and Jayasuriya's departure has had no effect on Sri Lanka's progress.
Sri Lanka 140/2 (RR: 5.19): Sangakkara 37* (60), Jayawardene 8* (6)
Sri Lanka need 80 runs to win from 23 overs at 3.48 runs per over.

Over 26: Jayawardene isn't interested in this 'get them in singles' nonsense, launching his third delivery over midwicket for four.
Sri Lanka 134/2 (RR: 5.15): Sangakkara 35* (57), Jayawardene 4* (3)
Sri Lanka need 86 runs to win from 24 overs at 3.58 runs per over.

Jayawardene is the new batsman for Sri Lanka.

WICKET!
ST Jayasuriya c McCullum b Oram 64 (80)
Great catch from McCullum, holding onto a bottom edge from Jayasuriya's attempted cut. Fantastic effort from the keeper standing up to the medium-quick bowling of Oram, but it's surely come too late to imfluence this game now.

Over 25: An Oram misfield gives Jayasuriya four runs, and you rarely see a New Zealand fielding display with as many errors as this. Two more singles also come, and that's another good over for Sri Lanka as Styris continues to try his best with his medium-pacers.
Sri Lanka 128/1 (RR: 5.12): Jayasuriya 63* (78), Sangakkara 34* (56)
Sri Lanka need 92 runs to win from 25 overs at 3.68 runs per over.

Over 24: Six singles and a no-ball from that Oram over. It may not be that exciting to watch, but it's effective.
Sri Lanka 122/1 (RR: 5.08): Jayasuriya 58* (73), Sangakkara 33* (55)
Sri Lanka need 98 runs to win from 26 overs at 3.77 runs per over.

Over 23: Styris drops a fraction short, and Jayasuriya launches the ball high over midwicket for a one-bounce four. Cracking shot from the veteran, who gets another single with a delicate cut to third-man.
Sri Lanka 115/1 (RR: 5.00): Jayasuriya 55* (70), Sangakkara 30* (51)
Sri Lanka need 105 runs to win from 27 overs at 3.89 runs per over.

Over 22: Four more singles from Oram's second over, the last of which takes Jayasuriya to yet another half-century in one-day internationals.
Sri Lanka 110/1 (RR: 5.00): Jayasuriya 50* (65), Sangakkara 30* (50)
Sri Lanka need 110 runs to win from 28 overs at 3.93 runs per over.

Jayasuriya 50: 65 balls, 3 x 4s, 1 x 6

Over 21: A maiden over from Styris, and Jayasuriya nearly perishes twice. First he gets an inside edge into boot and pitch that is taken by McCullum and has to be sorted out by the third umpire. Jayasuriya then lobs one just short of point and more frustration for the Black Caps.
Sri Lanka 106/1 (RR: 5.05): Jayasuriya 48* (63), Sangakkara 28* (46)
Sri Lanka need 114 runs to win from 29 overs at 3.93 runs per over.

Over 20: Sangakkara pushes down the ground for two runs and then takes a good quick single to mid-off. Jayasuriya gets another single to long-leg. Too easy.
Sri Lanka 106/1 (RR: 5.30): Jayasuriya 48* (57), Sangakkara 28* (46)
Sri Lanka need 114 runs to win from 30 overs at 3.80 runs per over.

Oram is into the attack for New Zealand.

Over 19: Good over from Styris, conceding just two singles, but wickets are what New Zealand need. The game still just drifting away from the Black Caps.
Sri Lanka 102/1 (RR: 5.37): Jayasuriya 47* (56), Sangakkara 25* (41)
Sri Lanka need 118 runs to win from 31 overs at 3.81 runs per over.

Over 18: Vettori wheeling away, but still concedes four singles from the over as Sri Lanka reach three figures. Fleming guilty of letting the game drift here.
Sri Lanka 100/1 (RR: 5.56): Jayasuriya 46* (54), Sangakkara 24* (37)
Sri Lanka need 120 runs to win from 32 overs at 3.75 runs per over.

Over 17: Sangakkara gets two from a thick outside edge and another single through cover. Good over from Styris, but these two batsmen are still content to sit in and nudge the ball around.
Sri Lanka 96/1 (RR: 5.65): Jayasuriya 44* (52), Sangakkara 22* (33)
Sri Lanka need 124 runs to win from 33 overs at 3.76 runs per over.

Drinks. It's all too easy for Sri Lanka here, and they're showing just how far below par that New Zealand score was, despite Styris' efforts. Wickets are needed and quickly.

Over 16: Two to Jayasuriya on the sweep and a Vettori no-ball from that over. No pressure on the Sri Lankans at all here, and something has to change.
Sri Lanka 93/1 (RR: 5.81): Jayasuriya 44* (51), Sangakkara 19* (28)
Sri Lanka need 127 runs to win from 34 overs at 3.74 runs per over.

Over 15: Sri Lanka milk six runs from Styris' first over, and this looks very easy so far.
Sri Lanka 90/1 (RR: 6.00): Jayasuriya 42* (44), Sangakkara 19* (28)
Sri Lanka need 130 runs to win from 35 overs at 3.71 runs per over.

Styris is into the attack for New Zealand. He's done the job with the bat - can he do it with the ball?

Over 14: Vettori is trying to slow things down here, but he is still effortlessly milked for four singles by these experienced players.
Sri Lanka 84/1 (RR: 6.00): Jayasuriya 38* (41), Sangakkara 17* (25)
Sri Lanka need 136 runs to win from 36 overs at 3.78 runs per over.

Over 13: Sangakkara works to leg for a single, and Jayasuriya gets another with a push to cover off the back foot. Sangakkara gets a single to mid-off from a Gillespie no-ball before Jayasuriya nurdles another single to square-leg to end the over.
Sri Lanka 80/1 (RR: 6.15): Jayasuriya 36* (38), Sangakkara 15* (22)
Sri Lanka need 140 runs to win from 37 overs at 3.78 runs per over.

Over 12: Jayasuriya cuts hard behind point for two runs and then nurdles into the legside for a single. Sangakkara nurdles a single on the legside, and that's all Sri Lanka will need to do against the spinner here.
Sri Lanka 75/1 (RR: 6.25): Jayasuriya 34* (33), Sangakkara 13* (20)
Sri Lanka need 145 runs to win from 38 overs at 3.82 runs per over.

Fleming is forced to turn to his spinner Vettori very early in the innings.

Over 11: Two singles from the first two balls before Jayasuriya gets two from a fierce drive into the covers. Another hoik into the legside from Jayasuriya is dropped again by Fleming diving to his left. Another chance goes begging, and Gillespie's woes continue.
Sri Lanka 71/1 (RR: 6.45): Jayasuriya 31* (29), Sangakkara 12* (18)
Sri Lanka need 149 runs to win from 39 overs at 3.82 runs per over.

New Zealand do not take the second powerplay. Probably wise with Jayasuriya in this mood.

Over 10: Jayasuriya gets a single from an ugly mow into the legside, but that's all Sri Lanka can get as Sangakkara plays the rest of Bond's over in more traditional style.
Sri Lanka 66/1 (RR: 6.60): Jayasuriya 27* (26), Sangakkara 11* (15)
Sri Lanka need 154 runs to win from 40 overs at 3.85 runs per over.

Over 9: Not a good start for Gillespie, as Jayasuriya smashes the first ball over square-leg for six and then helps the second round the corner for four. A no-ball follows, and Jayasuriya then smashes over midwicket for another boundary. Two more runs for Jayasuriya from a clip to long-leg. There's a leg-bye from the final ball of the over, and the game is getting away from New Zealand very quickly here; 17 extras already in just nine overs.
Sri Lanka 65/1 (RR: 7.22): Jayasuriya 26* (24), Sangakkara 11* (11)
Sri Lanka need 155 runs to win from 41 overs at 3.78 runs per over.

Mark Gillespie is into the attack.

Over 8: Sangakkara punches through cover off the back foot for two runs but is beaten for pace by a quick one from Bond that climbs over an attempted cut shot and is taken at head height by McCullum. The next ball is overpitched, and Sangakkara drives the ball gloriously through the covers off the front foot, sending the ball racing to the fence. The next ball is a slower ball from Bond and Sangakkara chips the ball to mid-on but just over McMillan. More good fortune for Sri Lanka, and Sangakkara jogs through for two.
Sri Lanka 47/1 (RR: 5.88): Jayasuriya 10* (17), Sangakkara 11* (11)
Sri Lanka need 173 runs to win from 42 overs at 4.12 runs per over.

Over 7: Jaysuriya mistimes a pull through the legside but gets two runs. Three more singles come from the next four ball, ansd the last ball comes off Sangakkara's pads for a leg-bye. Expensive stuff from Franklin.
Sri Lanka 39/1 (RR: 5.57): Jayasuriya 10* (17), Sangakkara 3* (5)
Sri Lanka need 181 runs to win from 43 overs at 4.21 runs per over.

Over 6: Five dot balls start Bond's over before Jayasuriya pushes a single from the final delivery. A quiet over after the excitement of the previous one.
Sri Lanka 33/1 (RR: 5.50): Jayasuriya 6* (14), Sangakkara 2* (2)
Sri Lanka need 187 runs to win from 44 overs at 4.25 runs per over.

Over 5: Sangakkara drives the last ball of an eventful over through cover for two runs.
Sri Lanka 32/1 (RR: 6.40): Jayasuriya 5* (8), Sangakkara 2* (2)
Sri Lanka need 188 runs to win from 45 overs at 4.18 runs per over.

WICKET!
WU Tharanga c Bond b Franklin 11 (21)
Tharanga is dropped badly and caught brilliantly in the same over. Fleming drops the chance at a very close gully. He was there for just that shot from Tharanga, a loose drive outside off stump, but couldn't hold on to a sharp one-handed chance, and he seemedto move late. Tharanga guides a no-ball to third-man for a single, and Jayasuriya gets another from an ugly hoik that trickles away to fine-leg. Tharanga then gets two with a neat clip through midwicket before trying to carve the ball over third-man buyt succeeding only in finding Bond, who leaps high to pluck a great catch out of the air. New Zealand needed that.

Over 4: Bond strays onto leg stump and Tharanga picks him off through square-leg for a couple. McCullum's having a rare old time behind the stumps, and now he trips over them as the throw comes in from the boundary. Tharanga keeps the strike with a single pushed wide of mid-off from the final ball of the over. Excellent start this for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka 25/0 (RR: 6.25): Tharanga 8* (17), Jayasuriya 4* (7)
Sri Lanka need 195 runs to win from 46 overs at 4.24 runs per over.

Over 3: Early signs that this might not be New Zealand's day as Tharanga gets an inside edge wide of the off stump and past McCullum for a boundary. Tharanga gets asingle to third-man and Jayasuriya blocks the final ball of the over.
Sri Lanka 22/0 (RR: 7.33): Tharanga 5* (11), Jayasuriya 4* (7)
Sri Lanka need 198 runs to win from 47 overs at 4.21 runs per over.

Over 2: Jayasuriya blocks his first ball to cover and sells Tharanga a dummy, setting off for a single before changing his mind late in the day. Tharanga is stuck halfway down but Taylor's throw bounces over the stumps and the batsman survives. The third ball of the over is short, and Jayasuriya plays it really badly turning his back on the ball and getting four leg-byes as the ball ricochets over the slips off the shoulder. The next ball is short and wide, and Jayasuriya smashes it through point for four runs, the first off the bat. It took New Zealand 10 overs to get this score.
Sri Lanka 17/0 (RR: 8.50): Tharanga 0* (6), Jayasuriya 4* (6)
Sri Lanka need 203 runs to win from 48 overs at 4.23 runs per over.

Shane Bond to share the new ball.

Over 1: Franklin gets one to take off from a good length, fizzing past Tharanga's outside edge, through McCullum and away for four byes. What should be the final ball of the over from Franklin instead flies miles down the legside, again beating McCullum and this time costing five wides. Shoddy start for New Zealand after bad errors from bothe McCullum and Franklin.
Sri Lanka 9/0 (RR: 9.00): Tharanga 0* (6), Jayasuriya 0* (0)
Sri Lanka need 211 runs to win from 49 overs at 4.31 runs per over.

Franklin will open the bowling for New Zealand.

Oram leads New Zealand out as it's his 100th ODI cap. The Black Caps are followed by Jayasuriya and Tharanga, and these opening overs could be crucial to this chase.

New Zealand: 219 for seven (50 overs)
Sri Lanka need 220 to win at 4.40 runs per over

Styris has single-handedly dragged New Zealand into contention here, accounting for over half the Black Caps' total of 219 for seven. A late flurry from Franklin and Styris have got New Zealand well past 200 which had looked unlikely for most of the innings, but Sri Lanka will be pretty pleased with their bowling and fielding efforts there.

Over 50: Franklin chips into the legside for two to bring up the 50 partnership. A big wide from Vaas beats Sangakkara's dive and runs to the boundary. Five very useful runs for New Zealand there. Franklin hits down the ground for a single, and Styris gets two more from a hit down the ground. Good running from Franklin who was going to the danger end. Styris swings and misses at ball four but gets two runs over midwicket from the fifth. Styris levers the final ball of the innings over midwicket for a one-bounce four, and the last few overs have really boosted New Zealand's chances here.
New Zealand 219/7 (RR: 4.38): Styris 111* (157), Franklin 25* (27)

Vaas to bowl the final over of the innings.

Over 49: Fernando starts with a yorker that Franklin digs out to third-man for a single before a big no-ball from Fernando whose old problems seem to have come back today. Another good yorker beats Styris and beats the leg stump, and the next ball does exactly the same thing. But the next ball is back of a length and Styris hammers it through midwicket for four runs to reach his century. Vital innings - he's got over half the Black Caps' runs here. He gets another single from the next ball, and Franklin pushes to cover for another.
New Zealand 203/7 (RR: 4.14): Styris 103* (153), Franklin 22* (25)

Styris 100: 152 balls, 7 x 4s

Fernando back into the attack for one over.

Over 48: Styris pushes down the ground for a single, and Franklin gets twowith a drive just over the head of cover. Franklin launches a beautiful straight drive for six, and then gets two more with a nurdle into the legside. Sangakkara whips the bails off and the third umpire is needed to conclude that Franklin made his ground. Franklin gets another two with a push to leg and makes it 14 off the over with a single from the final ball. Good one that for New Zealand, and maybe one too many for Dilshan.
New Zealand 195/7 (RR: 4.06): Styris 98* (148), Franklin 20* (23)

Over 47: Styris sweeps hard behind square, but a brilliant diving stop from Maharoof saves two runs. The fielding really has backed up the excellent bowling here. Styris gets a single following a wide down the legside, and Franklin misses a sweep but does get through for a leg-bye. Styris works to leg for a single and is just three away from a century. Murali completes his spell, and he's been magnificent as ever, picking up three wickets for very few runs.
New Zealand 181/7 (RR: 3.85): Styris 97* (147), Franklin 7* (18)

Over 46: Great stuff from Dilshan, completing a maiden in the 46th over of the innings. That's a real bonus for Sri Lanka at this stage, especially coming from the part-timer Dilshan.
New Zealand 175/7 (RR: 3.80): Styris 93* (143), Franklin 7* (16)

Yet another change of ends for Dilshan.

Over 45: A doosra bamboozles Styris, but his leading edge drops safely on the legside for a single. Franklin pushes to point for a single. Styris survives a concerted lbw shout and then does read a doosra, pushing to point for a single. Another single from the final ball makes it four from the over.
New Zealand 175/7 (RR: 3.89): Styris 93* (143), Franklin 7* (10)

Another bowling change as Murali comes back into the attack.

Over 44: Styris chips deliberately over cover for two runs, and that's clever placement. A shovel into the legside gets a single, and Franklin gets one more from a Jayasuriya full-toss two balls later. Styris goes into the 90s with a clip to long-on that gets him two more runs, and he keeps the strike with a single from the final ball of the over. Good spell from Jayasuriya, who is through his 10 overs now.
New Zealand 171/7 (RR: 3.89): Styris 91* (139), Franklin 5* (8)

Over 43: Again, just four singles from the over. New Zealand will have to go at some stage, but it's going to be very hard for them now with just three wickets in hand.
New Zealand 164/7 (RR: 3.81): Styris 85* (135), Franklin 4* (6)

Dilshan swaps ends again.

Over 42: Four singles from Jayasuriya's comeback over. He's done a very handy job for his skipper here, and with few wickets in hand New Zealand just can't get their foot on the gas.
New Zealand 160/7 (RR: 3.81): Styris 83* (133), Franklin 2* (2)

Jayasuriya is back into the attack for Sri Lanka.

Over 41: Styris sweeps for a single to end another successful over from Murali.
New Zealand 156/7 (RR: 3.80): Styris 81* (129), Franklin 0* (0)

James Franklin is the new batsman. He's a decent player with the willow, so Sri Lanka's work is not yet done.

WICKET!
DL Vettori c Silva b Muralitharan 5 (7)
Murali gets his third victim as Vettori top-edges a sweep to Silva at deep square-leg. Three wickets for Murali, and three catches for Silva. Not a clever shot from Vettori though.

Over 40: Styris gets a single and then almost gets run out coming back for a very dodgy second run after Vettori works to leg. Four more singles end the over as New Zealand continue to accumulate.
New Zealand 154/6 (RR: 3.85): Styris 79* (124), Vettori 5* (6)

Over 39: Two singles from therest of the over, a controversial one it must be said. Sri Lanka do appear to have appealed for the catch, but lbw is the verdict.
New Zealand 147/6 (RR: 3.77): Styris 76* (121), Vettori 1* (3)

Daniel Vettori is the new man for New Zealand.

WICKET!
BB McCullum lbw b Muralitharan 1 (2)
The first ball of Murali's over comes off Styris' pad for a leg-bye before Muralis strikes to remove the dangerous McCullum. It's a straight ball that just beats the inside edge and hits the pads in front. McCullum is furious as he walks off - presumably because he thinks he's been given out caught at bat-pad. When he sees the replay he'll realise it was leg-before and it was plumb.

Over 38: Three singles to end an expensive but successful over from Dilshan.
New Zealand 144/5 (RR: 3.79): Styris 75* (119), McCullum 1* (1)

Brendon McCullum is the new batsman for New Zealand. He won't be on strike straight away though as the batsmen crossed while the ball was in the air.

WICKET!
JDP Oram c Maharoof b Dilshan 31 (45)
Oram falls after hitting the first boundary since the 19th over, and it was a maximum as well. He tries to repeat the dose two balls later but succeeds only in sending the ball high into the sky. Maharoof circles and settles underneath it and takes a very decent catch as Dilshan gets quick revenge.

Dilshan is back into the attack.

Over 37: Oram works to leg for a single, and Styris gets two from a reverse-sweep behind point. Still little to get excited about.
New Zealand 135/4 (RR: 3.65): Styris 73* (117), Oram 25* (42)

Over 36: A couple of singles before Oram finally tries a big shot against Jayasuriya, slicing the ball over cover for two runs and getting one more with a hard sweep to deep square-leg.
New Zealand 132/4 (RR: 3.67): Styris 71* (114), Oram 24* (39)

Over 35: There's some entertainment with lbw shouts and plays and misses, but the net result is still four singles.
New Zealand 127/4 (RR: 3.63): Styris 70* (113), Oram 20* (34)

Maybe a bit more entertainment here now as Murali is reintroduced.

Drinks. There was some cracking stuff in the early stages of this innings as Vaas started brilliantly before Styris' fightback. But the last 10 overs have been one-day cricket at its worst, with two defensive spinners content to concede around four an over without any attempt at a breakthrough.

Over 34: The relentless diet of singles and dot ball is broken by a couple of twos for Styris, but four dot balls to end the over mean it's another good one from Jayasuriya and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand 123/4 (RR: 3.62): Styris 69* (110), Oram 18* (30)

Over 33: Another dull but effective over from Dilshan as four singles are nurdled from it.
New Zealand 119/4 (RR: 3.61): Styris 65* (104), Oram 18* (30)

Over 32: Again Jayasuriya keeps things tight, conceding just three singles from his over. Both teams are just waiting to go here, but Sri Lanka are undoubtedly on top.
New Zealand 115/4 (RR: 3.59): Styris 63* (100), Oram 16* (28)

Over 31: Just two singles from the over as Dilshan does his usual job of keeping things nice and tight in these middle overs.
New Zealand 112/4 (RR: 3.61): Styris 62* (99), Oram 14* (23)

Over 30: Oram works to midwicket and gets a single before Styris is beaten outside off stump. Styris works to midwicket for a single, and Oram adds another down the ground. Styris ends the over with another pushed single, and New Zealand are content to sit in here and get them in ones against Jayasuriya.
New Zealand 110/4 (RR: 3.67): Styris 61* (95), Oram 13* (21)Over 29: Styris pushes down the ground for a single, and Oram uses his feet to get to the pitch and add another. Styris pushes to cover for a single before an attempted reverse sweep from oram comes off the glove and past Sangakkara for two. Byes are given, but that was definitely off the glove, so Oram has been denied two there, but he pushes the next ball down the ground for a single.
New Zealand 106/4 (RR: 3.66): Styris 59* (92), Oram 11* (18)

Change in the bowling as Dilshan replaces Murali.

Over 28: Styris works a Jayasuriya full-toss to leg for a single, and Oram gets two with a fine paddle sweep on the legside. A hit down the ground gets another single for Oram, and Styris cuts hard to deep cover to bring up New Zealand's 100.
New Zealand 100/4 (RR: 3.57): Styris 57* (90), Oram 9* (14)

Over 27: Styris works a straight ball behind square-leg for a single, and Oram drives down the ground for another. Styris pushes to point for one more but Oram is forced to defend the next two balls from Murali. The final ball of the over finds the outside edge but bounces short of slip.
New Zealand 95/4 (RR: 3.52): Styris 55* (86), Oram 6* (12)

Over 26: Styris goes to his fourth 50 of the tournament with a push down the ground as Jayasuriya continues. Much-needed innings for his side, although he's enjoyed his fair share of good fortune. Oram gets a single from the fourth ball of the over and Styris adds three more with a forceful cut shot behind point that Upul Tharanga does well to haul in.
New Zealand 92/4 (RR: 3.54): Styris 53* (84), Oram 5* (8)

Styris 50: 82 balls, 6 x 4s

Over 25: Styris works the ball through midwicket and Oram scampers back for a well-judged second run. Styris gets a single to third-man from the final ball of the over having survived two very optimistic appeals - one for a bat-pad catch and one for lbw.
New Zealand 87/4 (RR: 3.48): Styris 49* (79), Oram 4* (7)

Over 24: Oram eases down the ground for a single as Jayasuriya bowls a high full-toss, and Styris adds another to cover. Oram works to leg for a single, and Styris again drives through cover for one more. Another nurdle into the legside for a single from Oram, and Styris completes the fence with a single down the ground.
New Zealand 84/4 (RR: 3.50): Styris 46* (73), Oram 4* (7)

Over 23: Oram is well beaten first ball and gets off the mark with a top-edged sweep of his own that drops just short of deep square-leg. Eventful over, and it could have been included two wickets.
New Zealand 78/4 (RR: 3.39): Styris 43* (70), Oram 1* (4)

Jacob Oram is the new batsman for New Zealand, who are in a spot of trouble here.

WICKET!
CD McMillan c Silva b Muralitharan 1 (7)
Murali strikes after Styris gets a single. McMillan tries to sweep, but gets only a top edge to short fine-leg where Silva takes a well-judged catch running back.

Over 22: Just a single to Styris from Jayasuriya's first over, which is exactly the job the left-arm spinner is there to do.
New Zealand 76/3 (RR: 3.45): Styris 42* (69), McMillan 1* (6)

Sanath Jayasuriya into the attack, so it's spin at both ends.

Over 21: Murali starts with a wide down the legside but then almost traps Styris leg-before. He's doing his now-standard trick of coming round the wicket to the right-handers and it almost paid off there. Three singles to go with the wide from Murali's first over.
New Zealand 75/3 (RR: 3.57): Styris 41* (65), McMillan 1* (4)

Someone to share Vaas' burden here, as Murali comes into the attack.

Over 20: McMillan is beatenby the final ball of the powerplay overs, and Vaas is doing it all on his own here.
New Zealand 71/3 (RR: 3.55): Styris 39* (62), McMillan 0* (1)

Craig McMillan is the new batsman for New Zealand.

WICKET!
PG Fulton c Silva b Vaas 28 (54)
Styris drives wide of mid-off for a single before Fulton clips the ball straight down deep square-leg's throat for a simple catch. Chamara Silva is the man under that ont, and it's a deserved third wicket for Sri Lanka, who were about to lose the plot here I fear.

Over 19: Fulton gets four with a glorious pull shot over midwicket, and adds two more with a clip through midwicket. A Fernando no-ball completes the scoring from the over, and there are some heated discussions out there between Jayawardene and the umpires with decisions not going Sri Lanka's way.
New Zealand 70/2 (RR: 3.68): Fulton 28* (52), Styris 38* (59)

Over 18: Styris' turn to get some luck, as he tries to sweep Vaas but can only get the ball off the face of the bat and into Sangakkara's nether regions. The ball wedges between the keeper's legs and the celebrations start. But Billy Doctrove turns the appeal down for some reason and Styris survives. Styris goes for the shot again from the next ball, and this time makes better contact and gets the ball over short fine-leg for a boundary. Eventful over, and while it would have been a lucky wicket for Sri Lanka given Styris hit the ball off the face of the bat into Sangakkara's privates, the fielding side can consider themselves unfortunate now that Doctrove somehow failed to see the ball come off the middle of the bat.
New Zealand 63/2 (RR: 3.50): Fulton 22* (45), Styris 38* (59)

Vaas is back into the attack to try and stem the flow of runs.

Over 17: Fulton takes a quick single to mid-off and Fernando then oversteps. Styris misses out on a leg-stump half-volley but gets a slightly dodgy single from a push to mid-off. Not the quickest between the wickets is Scott. Fulton hoiks to leg for another single, and Styris gets three more from a pleasing cover drive to end the over.
New Zealand 59/2 (RR: 3.47): Fulton 22* (45), Styris 34* (53)

Drinks. Decent fightback from New Zealand here, but Sri Lanka will still be pretty pleased with their start, although it would have been even better but for Maharoof overstepping to give Fulton a life.

Over 16: Huge let-off for Fulton who spoons a simple catch to midwicket, but Maharoof had just - just - overstepped. He gets a single for it, and Styris then smashes the next ball over mid-off for a one-bounce four. Styris then backs away before slapping the ball through midwicket for back-to-back boundaries. That prompts Sangakkara to come up to the stumps, and it seems to do the job with Styris content to defend the last three balls of the over.
New Zealand 52/2 (RR: 3.25): Fulton 20* (43), Styris 30* (48)

No tactical powerplay use from Jayawardene today, as the Sri Lanka skipper opts to go right through to 20 overs.

Over 15: Styris mistimes a drive into the covers for a single, but Fernando then strays in line. With fine-leg up you can't bowl on leg stump but Fernando does, allowing Fulton to clip over the fielder for four runs. He adds a single to deep square-leg from another legside delivery and Fernando is then warned for running in the danger area in his followthrough. The last ball of the over bounces more than Styris expected, but he manages to keep it down.
New Zealand 42/2 (RR: 2.80): Fulton 19* (41), Styris 22* (43)

Over 14: Another ugly swipe across the linegets Styris a single, and Fulton gets a lucky run of his own with a thick inside edge into the legside from a Maharoof slower ball. Styris works to leg for a single before Fulton is beaten by the final ball of a decent over from Maharoof after getting the treatment in his previous one.
New Zealand 36/2 (RR: 2.57): Fulton 14* (39), Styris 21* (39)

Over 13: Nearly a disaster for New Zealand as Fulton looks for a single after a thick inside edge into the pads runs to Dilshan at backward-point. Fulton is sent back just in time to beat Dilshan's throw to the stumps. Fernando comes back with a maiden, with Fulton clearly getting frustrated towards the end of the over, looking in vain for a big shot to break the shackles.
New Zealand 33/2 (RR: 2.54): Fulton 13* (36), Styris 19* (36)

Fernando is into the attack now, changing ends to replace Vaas.

Over 12: Styris gets two with an ugly and unconvincing swip over mid-on, but gets four with a much better shot picked up over midwicket. Styris has clearly decided to target Maharoof, and hammers another boundary behind point. The counter-attack is on here, but Maharoof does drag it back slightly with three dot balls to end an expensive over. But why is Fernando not bowling?
New Zealand 33/2 (RR: 2.75): Fulton 13* (30), Styris 19* (36)

Over 11: Styris takes a suicidal run to Muttiah Muralitharan at mid-on. He'd given up the ghost, but Murali can't hit the target. Panic from New Zealand, but Fulton ends the over with a cracking boundary, pulling a ball that was barely short of a length to the square-leg boundary. Great shot, and at least the run-rate is moving slowly in the right direction.
New Zealand 23/2 (RR: 2.09): Fulton 13* (30), Styris 9* (30)

This is the lowest 10-over score of the Super Eight stage, so no surprise to see the second powerplay taken by Sri Lanka. Sangakkara now decides to come and stand up to Vaas.

Over 10: Styris punches through cover for two and adds another single before Fulton blocks the final ball of the over.
New Zealand 18/2 (RR: 1.80): Fulton 9* (28), Styris 8* (26)

Over 9: Styris is losing patience here, and makes no contact with a wild drive at one outside off stump. Styris does get off the mark from his 20th delivery, but it's worth the wait as the corpulent right-hander unfurls a classical cover-drive to the fence. A guide to third-man earns a single, and the runs are just starting to come now.
New Zealand 15/2 (RR: 1.67): Fulton 9* (27), Styris 5* (21)

Over 8: Maharoof has an excellent leg-before shout against Fulton turned down. Perhaps going over the top, but a good shout. Fulton finally breaks the shackles as a short ball from Maharoof is smashed over midwicket for a one-bounce four. That's the only scoring shot from the over, but it's enough to send the run rate soaring up above a run an over.
New Zealand 10/2 (RR: 1.25): Fulton 9* (26), Styris 0* (16)

Over 7: Fulton works to leg for a single before Styris hammers a cut shot into the covers. He must have thought he was off the mark, but Tillakaratne Dilshan flings himself to his right to make a brilliant stop and save four runs. Again, just a single off the over and the fielders are doing their bit here, backing up some excellent seam and swing bowling.
New Zealand 6/2 (RR: 0.86): Fulton 5* (20), Styris 0* (16)

Over 6: Fulton takes a quick single to get the first run since the second over of the innings. Styris lets the last ball go through to the keeper, and the Black Caps' run rate stays under one run an over. Excellent stuff from Sri Lanka.
New Zealand 5/2 (RR: 0.83): Fulton 4* (18), Styris 0* (12)

Mahela Jayawardene is a hard man to please. Obviously with the run-rate rocking along at under one an over and only two wickets taken so far, a change must be made. So Farveez Maharoof is into the attack in place of Fernando, who to be fair had been leaking runs at an alarming 1.50 an over.

Over 5: Vaas beats Styris with a clever ball, held across the seam to just hold its line rather than swing in to the right-hander. It's another maiden over from Vaas, but his first wicketless over.
New Zealand 4/2 (RR: 0.80): Fulton 3* (13), Styris 0* (11)

Over 4: Fernando backs up Vaas' brilliance with a tight maiden over to Fulton. Sri Lanka have started this big game in stunning style.
New Zealand 4/2 (RR: 1.00): Fulton 3* (13), Styris 0* (5)

Over 3: Styris just about survives as Vaas continues to work away ona a perfect line around off stump, ending a brilliant over with one that just holds its line and beats the outside edge.
New Zealand 4/2 (RR: 1.33): Fulton 3* (7), Styris 0* (5)

Scott Styris is the new batsman for New Zealand, out in the middle far earlier than he would have liked.

WICKET!
RL Taylor c Sangakkara b Vaas 0 (2)
Another big wicket for Vaas as Taylor pushes hard at the ball and gets a thick outside edge that Sangakkara snaffles one-handed diving to his right. Great delivery, great catch, and Sri Lanka right on top at this early stage.

Over 2: Fernando's first ball is left alone outside off stump and flies through to Kumar Sangakkara at head height. The next one is a legside wide, and another ball on leg stump is clipped away for two by Fulton. Fernando is right on line for the rest of the over, twice beating Fulton's defensive lunge.
New Zealand 4/1 (RR: 2.00): Fulton 3* (7), Taylor 0* (1)

In the absence of Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando will share the new ball.

Over 1: Taylor blocks the final ball of a successful opening over for Vaas.
New Zealand 1/1 (RR: 1.00): Fulton 1* (1), Taylor 0* (1)

Ross Taylor is the new batsman.

WICKET!
SP Fleming lbw b Vaas 0 (4)
Vaas swings one into the right-handed Fulton, who works the ball to leg for a single, but Vaas then picks up a crucial wicket, trapping Fleming in front of off stump and earning a marginal lbw decision. Hawk-Eye has it clipping the off stump.

Chaminda Vaas will bowl the first over of the game.

The Sri Lankan fielders are followed by Fleming and his opening partner Peter Fulton, who returned to form against Ireland.

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has won the toss and elected to bat first.

After a woeful match between two poor sides yesterday, this one should be much better. Both these sides look nailed-on for the semi-finals, and bothe have played some brilliant cricket in this tournament. This could be a belter.

Teams:

Sri Lanka:
W U Tharanga , S T Jayasuriya , D P M D Jayawardene (capt) , K C Sangakkara (wkt) , L P C Silva , T M Dilshan , R P Arnold , W P U J C Vaas , M F Maharoof , C R D Fernando , M Muralitharan

New Zealand:
P G Fulton , S P Fleming (capt) , R L Taylor , S B Styris , C D McMillan , J D P Oram , B B McCullum (wkt) , D L Vettori , J E C Franklin , S E Bond , M R Gillespie