Kiwis looking to save face
Published on: Monday, November 12, 2012 //
Sports
Now that the Sri Lankan cricketers have wrapped up the one-day series against New Zealand 3-1, the final game at the Sooriyawewa Stadium will be a hit about for the Lankans today. But it will do Sri Lanka cricket a lot of good if they can win the final game and go 4- up. It will also give Lankans the confidence they need to whack the Kiwis in the Two Test matches with the first one beginning at the Galle Stadium on Saturday.
The Lankans will now have the opportunity of making changes, resting their seniors and giving those who haven’t played a chance to showcase their talent.
Sri Lanka won the Fourth one-day game in convincing fashion with leg spinning all rounder Jeevan Mendis being the star performer with 3 for 15. He varied his deliveries well and was rewarded.
Then when Sri Lanka chased victory, Dinesh Chandimal having a knock after a long time made 43 in 65 balls. Kumar Sangakkara gave him good support making 42 not out. Earlier Upul Tharanga smashed 27 in 28 balls. Surprisingly the Kiwi batting could not withstand the pressure put on them and could make only 131 in a game reduced to 32 overs because of rain. Only Brendon McCullum 30, and Kane Williamson and James Franklin 21 each showed form.
Now that the series has been lost the Kiwis will be pushing to win the final game and save face.
