Sri Lanka continued on its merry way by posting a comfortable 7 wicket win over New Zealand. Daniel Vettori won the toss and decided to bat first. The Kiwis lost their opening duo for only 25 runs and had it not been for Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram, this would have been an embarrassing defeat. Taylor, in particular, was the foundation for the score that New Zealand finally reached. Oram provided the final thrust for the Kiwis and the total of 164 runs was very much a defendable one.

Sri Lanka relied on their only superstar to come through. Sanath Jayasuriya continues to bat belying his age and his aggressive batting has remained the same as it used to be. To see this champion in full form is a treat for any spectator. His 61 runs from 44 balls earned him the man of the match award as he blasted 3 sixes and 6 fours. It was really the start that mattered and the two openers put on 82 runs before Tharanga was caught by Martin off Vettori.

Sangakarra fell soon after and the score read 108/2. In came skipper Jayawardene, and he blasted the bowling apart scoring 35 runs from only 18 balls. Jayasuriya fell with the score on 158, but he had done the damage and the Sri Lankans coasted through with 7 balls to spare.

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Match Highlights

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