Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene’s knock powered his side to 289 for 5 in the first semifinal of the 2007 World Cup against New Zealand.
SABINA PARK/JAMAICA: Mahela Jayawardene’s knock powered his side to 289 for 5 in the first semifinal of the 2007 World Cup against New Zealand. A total, that in hindsight, was too much for New Zealand, who were bowled out for 208 in 41.4 overs to crash to a crushing 81-run defeat.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. James Franklin gave New Zealand an ideal start, first, he removed dangerman Sanath Jayasuriya for just six and then, he followed it up with the wicket of Kumara Sangakkara 54 runs later.
But in between, Upul Tharanga, 73, played an innings — his best knock in this tournament. Jayawardene kept his bearings and focused on the bigger picture. Chamara Silva seemed in really good touch in his 33-ball 21 but he was unlucky to be given out lbw off Bond. Another wicket could have tilted the balance in NZ favour. But Dilshan and Jayawardene pieced together a vital partnership of 81 runs in 10.4 overs.
The New Zealand innings started under overcast skies and with Lasith Malinga bowling at his hostile best, the first eight overs of the innings yielded just 14 runs, but more importantly, Fleming was sent back, adjudged leg-before to Malinga.
With run-rate going over six per over the batsmen were left with no option but to try and force the pace. The Black Caps soon lost Ross Taylor. Scott Styris put up a good fight with Fulton, but then the wickets fell in a heap.
Between the 20th and 32nd overs, New Zealand lost seven wickets for just 44 runs. The catches were spectacular but mostly it was due to the pressure exerted by the rising run-rate. Thereafter, the Black Caps could only hope to salvage pride.
In truth, Jayawardene’s brilliance meant that his attack wasn’t even tested to the full. They still have plenty in their reserve tank for the final.
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