Herath takes Lanka to semi
Herath takes Lanka to semi
New Zealand lose by 59 runs
Sri Lanka pushed themselves to the semifinals beating New Zealand by 59 runs in a decision-making Group 1 Match of World T20 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong today.
Scoring an unusual 119 runs against the Kiwis, a doubt of defeat embraced the Lankan fans.
Rangana Herath, slow left-arm Lankan bowler, devastated the Kiwis' innings by picking 5 wickets got the Man of the Match award.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and decided to field first.
Mahela Jayawardene was the highest scorer for the Lankans scoring only 25 runs off 32 balls.
The tight bowling line-up of the Kiwis was led by Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham picking 3 wickets each.
In reply, Kiwi opener Kane Williamson, however, put a resistance by adding 42 runs off 43 balls.
Sachithra Senanayeke also got 2 wickets for the Lankan side.
Lasith Malinga led the Lankan team today as Dinesh Chandimal is facing a one-game-off punishment due to over-rating problem in their last match.
New Zealand Team
MJ Guptill, KS Williamson, BB McCullum*, LRPL Taylor, CJ Anderson, JDS Neesham, L Ronchi†, NL McCullum, TA Boult, KD Mills and MJ McClenaghan
Sri Lanka Team
MDKJ Perera, TM Dilshan, DPMD Jayawardene, KC Sangakkara†, AD Mathews, HDRL Thirimanne, NLTC Perera, KMDN Kulasekara, SMSM Senanayake, HMRKB Herath and SL Malinga*