Cardiff (London) : The Black Caps, playing their first World Cup match since reaching the 2015 final, have so far dominated their group opener at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
Karunaratne and Thisara Perera shared a 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket off 51 balls, combining after Sri Lanka slumped to 60-6. Thisara Perera hit the only two sixes for Sri Lanka and was out for a 23-ball 27 after holing out to Trent Boult off Mitchell Santner.
Sri Lanka was unable to cope with New Zealand’s seam bowling, with Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson taking three wickets apiece.
This match was beautifully set up by the Kiwi bowlers. They utilized the early conditions to peg Sri Lanka back and the Asian team never really recovered after the early blows. Barring Dimuth Karunaratne, who carried his bat, there wasn’t much fight shown by the Lankan batsman. Matt Henry was exceptional with the new ball while the rest also assisted him superbly. Lockie Ferguson also completed a 3-wicket haul in the end. Altogether, a clinical and commanding performance from the Black Caps to announce their arrival in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
