Another strong batting effort backed up by an impressive spell by Ish Sodhi has ensured the BLACKCAPS have claimed an unassailable 2-0 ODI series lead against Sri Lanka with a 21- run victory tonight at Bay Oval.
The win didn’t come without a few nervous moments however as Thisara Perera blasted an amazing 140 off just 74 balls to take the Sri Lankans so close to an unlikely victory.
Earlier, Ross Taylor (90) played anchor with strong support from Colin Munro (87) as the BLACKCAPS posted 319/7 from their 50 overs.
Munro showed patience at the crease with occasional spurts of destructive power while Taylor was the perfect foil, finding gaps in a traditional one-day innings.
Jimmy Neesham once again showed his power late in the innings, blasting a quick half century (64 off 37) before Tim Seifert finished off with some late blows.
Tim Southee struck an early blow in Sri Lanka’s reply, removing the dangerous Niroshan Dickwella for only nine.
However, the star turn with the ball was Ish Sodhi who accounted for the majority of the visitor’s middle order, claiming three wickets.
Sodhi finished with figures of 3-55, his figures somewhat ruined with his final over going for 20 – once the majority of the bowling damage had already been done.
Opener Danushka Gunathilaka was the best of the Sri Lankan top order with 71, but the real hero came down the order.
Thisara Perera was in a league of his own - his swashbuckling century included an astonishing 13 sixes as he batted with the tail going desperately close to victory for his side.
The series now heads to Nelson for game three.
AS IT HAPPENED...
Who’s ready for ODI #2!? We are...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 4, 2019
2pm start, if you’re in the Bay Area pop in for a 👀 #NZvSL @BayOvalOfficial pic.twitter.com/24WIwNFV8A
The #DRSTakeOver continues on @NewstalkZB this afternoon & we’re kicking things off by chatting with @BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead ahead of the 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka 🇳🇿🏏🇱🇰
— Nigel Yalden 🇳🇿 (@NigelYalden) January 4, 2019
BANG, BANG, BANG! We are off to a fast start at @BayOvalOfficial! Colin Munro peels three boundaries off the second over. Partner Martin Guptill enjoying it at the other end🏏 🔥
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇳🇿 20/0 | 2 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD: https://t.co/xWMRZU5Ehd
🇳🇿v🇱🇰 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/mTmmWcigYn
Now it doesn't matter if you support the BLACKCAPS or Sri Lanka, we are all FANS of a refreshing water 🥤
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Head down to the 'Ford Fuel Station' out back on the Village Green and fill up your bottles! #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/Sasti6iCPN
😂 Yep! https://t.co/5JRRyH6zXA
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Controlled. Measured. Disciplined. You choose the adjective, Colin Munro has cruised past 50 and is looking good! Building a partnership with Taylor through the middle overs...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇳🇿 100/2 | Munro 60* | Taylor 25* | 19 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/FXHPC7PADr
Run-out 😬
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Colin Munro is the victim of mix-up & a sharp piece of fielding. An excellent 87 off 77 for the opener. Taylor remains 50*. BLACKCAPS 159-3 after 28 overs #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/Dx7aCukQbg
POISED here at @BayOvalOfficial as former coach @CoachHesson and Colin Munro share a laugh 😆
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇳🇿 190/3 | Taylor 66* | Nicholls 18* | 35 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/mbt3VI7kyq
10 OVERS TO GO! Henry Nicholls fell for 32 after feathering one down the leg-side off Malinga. Jimmy Neesham joins Ross Taylor - can we expect more 🔥🔥🔥?
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇳🇿 222/4 | Taylor 73* | Neesham 10*
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/x2VSuQWFUY
Ross Taylor falls for 90 after pushing for a second run! CLOSE! Tim Seifert joins Jimmy Neesham for the final stanza. Five overs to go...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇳🇿 265/5 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/1fN1DDQhJs
GAME ON! BLACKCAPS post a competitive 319/7 from 50 overs. Late striking from Neesham and Seifert entertaining the fans! Should be a great chase. Also well bowled Lasith Malinga 2-45 off his 10 overs.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/O48qjdhbPl
Lovely evening in the Mount 👌
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Sri Lanka 50-1 after the opening 10 overs. Southee with the wicket of danger-man Dickwella.
Kane Williamson on for a bowl now 👍 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/8gcUlJQ1ii
Sign the autographs = get the rewards 👊 Matt Henry picks up his first wicket - the big one of Kusal Perera for 4. Sri Lanka 70-2 in the 15th over #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/J9Ka9PP1Pe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Hanging out with the real workers of the @skysportnz cricket coverage pic.twitter.com/fSSzM9zyku
— Craig Cumming (@cummingcraig1) January 5, 2019
Embankment well into their work, with plenty of music and fun from the Sri Lankan fans! Neesham on at the bowling crease...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
🇱🇰 107/2 | Gunathilaka 68* | Mendis 17*
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/70xYY7Wwdm
BREAKTHROUGHS! Sodhi/Neesham + Seifert combine for the wickets of Mendis and Gunathilaka. Bowling partnership in full swing!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/QiAU5fL8UE
SUPER SPELL! Did Ish Sodhi go to Hogwarts? Because he's been a wizard at the bowling crease tonight! He's accounted for the Sri Lankan middle order with excellent control and deception.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
3-55 off 10 overs (final over went for 20)
SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/C0EGG2FHkF
DRINKS here at @BayOvalOfficial with @OfficialSLC 192/7 and swinging from the hip!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
128 to win | 96 balls
SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/FkUUgYxkUr
Thisara Perera has continued the hitting and he is coming off so far! Currently on 91* - his highest ODI score.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
82 REQUIRED | 10 OVERS
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/oqe8b568rX#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/f8KXJ62C0o
PERERA! 100 off 57 balls smashing it to all parts of @BayOvalOfficial 👏👏👏 Well batted! #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/E7WuJewiIg
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
The Sri Lankan fans are daring to dream! Only 44 off 29 balls, Perera playing a blinder - currently 128 (69) #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/ApXBZZGRPf
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
The Sri Lankan fans are daring to dream! Only 44 off 29 balls, Perera playing a blinder - currently 128 (69) #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/ApXBZZGRPf
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019
Helluva game going on @BayOvalOfficial tonight... edge of your seat stuff! @BLACKCAPS #NZvsSL
— Pete de Wet (@dewetty) January 5, 2019
VICTORY! But it didn't come without a few nervous moments! Thisara Perera blasting an amazing 140 off just 74 balls! NZ win by 21 runs and claim the series! #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/IEBNyIPGee
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 5, 2019