COLOMBO – Sri Lanka sailed through to final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 after beating New Zealand by 5 wickets.
Semi-final stage is proved to be the last stage for New Zealand yet again on sixth time in the world cup history. The Black Caps appeared in their sixth World Cup semi-final since losing to eventual winners the West Indies in the inaugural edition held in England in 1975. Since then New Zealand lost to England (1979), Pakistan (1992 and 1999) and Sri Lanka (2007) and today in 2011 they lost to Sri Lanka.
New Zealand fought hard but just managed to delay the inevitable as Sri Lanka reached the target of 218 runs in 48th over. Sri Lanka was 160/1 at one stage and but quick three wickets fall with addition of just nine runs made them feel some heat of the semi-final. New Zealand got their hopes back to qualify fro dream final; but sensible innings by Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Mathews led Sri Lanka through with 13 balls to spare.
In the start of Sri Lankan innings inform Tillakaratne Dilshan (73) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (54) played memorable innings; but yet another failure of Mahela Jayawardene (1) created some problems; but they recovered well in the end.
Earlier New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first; but fall of wickets with regular interval never let them play with open arms. Scott Styris was the highest runs scorer from New Zealand with his 57 runs. Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor were the other two batsmen who contributed significantly with their 39 and 36 respectively.
Lasith Malinga and spin wizard Muralitharan picked up three wickets each for Sri Lanka; while Ajantha Mendis took two wickets. Rangana Herath and Tillakaratne Dilshan shared one wicket each.
Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was named man of the match for his all round performance with his 50 odd runs and three catches behind the wicket.
Sri Lanka will now play the final in Mumbai against the winner of tomorrow’s big game against India and Pakistan scheduled at Mohali.
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