New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by two wickets
Published:Friday | April 30, 2010 | 5:58 PM
In the opening match of the tournament, New Zealand recorded a thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
All-rounder Nathan McCullum hit the penultimate ball for six to spur New Zealand to the victory.
McCullum finished with 16 off six balls as New Zealand, chasing 136 for victory, got home with one ball to spare. They finished on 139 for 8, after needing 10 to win off the final over from pace bowler Lasith Malinga.
Left-hander Jesse Ryder struck three fours and a six to top scored for New Zealand with 42 off 27 balls.
Ryder shared a second-wicket stand of 62 with Martin Guptill, who chipped in with 19, while Jacob Oram blasted two sixes in a crucial 15 off six deliveries.
Veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka with 2 for 25 off four overs.
Earlier, Mahela Jayawardene smashed eight fours and two sixes in a career-best 81 off 51 balls to anchor the Sri Lankans.
Debutante Dinesh Chandimal supplied a crucial 29 off 23 deliveries.
Defending champions Pakistan begin their campaign tomorrow, on the same day surprise qualifiers Afghanistan take on India in St Lucia.