A see-sawing performance from a persistent New Zealand team has seen the Kiwis through to an eventually comfortable three wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first of seven one-dayers.
The sinister clouds of grey hung overhead as Brendon McCullum converged with Angelo Matthews during the traditional toss of the coin, with Matthews of Sri Lanka opting to bat on a fairly straight forward looking wicket at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
However, Angelo’s decision bit him in the rear soon after, with tearaway Kiwi speedster Adam Milne producing the double breakthrough, taking two early wickets and pegging the Sri Lankans back early.
Back to the sheds for early showers was Dimuth Karunaratne, who got a peach from Milne and was trapped plumb L.B.W., wasting Sri Lanka’s one DRS referral early on to rub salt in to the wound.
Kumar Sangakkara, in fine touch from his prodigious Test series against the New Zealanders, smashed one to point early on, poking the bear in Williamson and giving him the chance which he took willingly, taking a great catch diving to his right.
Tillakaratne Dilshan offered resistence, but his ego got the better of him when he put his head in the clouds and went for the big heave-ho, giving Luke Ronchi his first stumping of the day off Nathan McCullum.
Mahela Jayawardene was the saviour for Sri Lanka, showing that he still has the class from his Test career that is no-longer. Despite losing partner Angelo Matthews run out during a mix up, Mahela didn’t hold back.
When Sri Lanka were in hot water, Mahela replied. Smacking his way to what became his 18th One-Day International century in his 435th match, Jayawardene managed to drag Sri Lanka through to 218/9.
Mitch McCleneghan of New Zealand cleaned up the tail, taking four wickets at the death. Nathan McCullum was extremely economical, tying down an end and finishing with 1-38 off 10 overs, bowling his 10 on the trot.
New Zealand went out knowing that 219 wasn’t a massive total, but the early wicket of Martin Guptill for nought didn’t exactly fuel their confidence. Nuwan Kulasekara was bowling hooping in-swingers, and New Zealand were left clueless.
But, the Kiwis were only left clueless for a couple of balls, because Brendon McCullum answered their cry. Brendon certainly knows how to have a swing of the shillelagh, absolutely clobbering his way to a 19-ball half century.
His colourful strokes showed only a tinge of what is to come in the World Cup next month, as New Zealand hold one of the cleanest hitters in the game right now. McCullum could only go that far though, walking back three balls later for 51 after being stumped.
McCullum’s downfall sparked a collapse, with New Zealand losing Grant Elliot and Kane Williamson in quick time. Tom Latham played anchor, but could only manage 15 before also being stumped.
Corey Anderson was the catalyst of New Zealand’s innings, hitting 81 which was helped by 17 from Luke Ronchi and a stabilising 25 not out from Nathan McCullum. The Kiwis were lucky to get home, and had a few brain explosions through their middle order.
They were safe nonetheless, getting home with seven overs and three wickets in hand. Corey Anderson managed to grab the man of the match honours, seeing New Zealand through to a 1-0 lead in the seven match series.
On the other side of the world, the West Indies made history in what was one of the most eventful T20 matches to date, this time against South Africa.
South Africa batted first in Johannesburg, with Faf du Plessis starring for South Africa with a massive 119 for the Proteas. His 56-ball vigil included 11 fours and five maximums that were sent rocketing into the adoring crowd.
Helped along by 47 from David Miller, du Plessis dragged South Africa to 231/7, a total that looked more than defendable from 20 overs.
However, the West Indies proved that wrong, as Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels smashed the Windies to a four wicket victory. Gayle managed to score 90 off a tiddling 41 balls, including seven sixes and nine fours, while Samuels hit two sixes and seven fours on his way to 60 from 39 balls.
It was a massive win for the Windies, who had four deliveries remaining in their record chase for T20s. Chris Gayle was man of the match in one of the most high-scoring affairs you will ever see.
So, runs a plenty around the grounds as the quest through 2015 continues to favour the men with the willow in hand!
Brendon McCullum was literally throwing his bat. Image: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images
