Sri Lanka became the third side after South Africa and India to confirm a place in the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 following their convincing 59-run win over New Zealand at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Monday. Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took as many as five wickets for just three runs while off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake conceded the same amount of runs for his two wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for 60 in 15.3 overs chasing 120 for victory.
In what was virtually a quarter-final, the Kiwis capitulated in pursuit of a modest total in a low, spinning wicket while the Lankan bowlers thrived under pressure. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was the highest scorer with 42 and he was the only batsman who reached double figures.
Sri Lanka were earlier all out for 119 in 19.2 overs Kiwi seamers Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham scalped three wickets each.
Boult (3-20) in particular was in imperious form as he wrecked the top-order after which Sri Lanka never really recovered. Boult accounted for the wickets of openers Kusal Perera (16) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (eight) before going to dismiss dangerman Kumar Sangakkara for four.
Veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne briefly arrested the slide putting on 30 runs for the fourth wicket before Neesham (3-22) brought the Kiwis back into the game as Thirimanne departed for 20.
From a relatively good position of 65-3 and including Thirimanne’s departure, the Lankans lost their last seven wickets for just 54 runs.
BRIEF SCORES
Sri Lanka 119 in 19.2 overs (M Jayawardene 25, L Thirimanne 20; TA Boult 3-20, JDS Neesham 3-22) v
New Zealand 60 in 15.3 overs (K Killiamson 42;
R Herath 5-3).
Result: Sri Lanka won by 59 runs.
Man of the match: R Herath (SL)
-With New Age input
