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New Zealand v/s Sri Lanka, Pool A: New Zealand secure easy 98-run win in World Cup opener

Corey Anderson gets Rangana Herath to provide an easy catch to cover. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 233 in 46.1 overs. New Zealand win by 98 runs.

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11:28 IST Saturday, 14 February 2015

Corey Anderson gets Rangana Herath to provide an easy catch to cover. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 233 in 46.1 overs. New Zealand win by 98 runs.

11:21IST Saturday, 14 February 2015

Rangana Herath and Suraj Lakmal are now delaying the inevitable after Sri Lanka went 9 wickets down. Some slow, plodding cricket from the Lankans.

10:49 IST Saturday, 14 February 2015

New Zealand are winning their encounter against Sri Lanka, and winning quickly as we speak. Chasing a mammoth 331, Sri Lanka have slumped to 196/7 in the 38th over. Only Angelo Mathews stands between New Zealand and defeat now.

Earlier, Brendon McCullum (65), Kane Williamson (57) and Corey Anderson (75) took the Black Caps to a commanding score of 331. Here's the match report from the first half.

Lasith Malinga, touted to be the danger man New Zealand had to watch out for, was taken for 23 runs in an over by McCullum and Guptill. He finished with ghastly figures of 10-0-84-0.

People are already expressing their delight/ consternation at the turn of events.

In the last five World Cup encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the black caps have been defeated each time. But that is unlikely to dent the spirits of the host nation when they take on Angelo Mathews' side in the opening match of 2015 World Cup in Christchurch. 

Also Read: Match Preview: New Zealand favourites against Sri Lanka in World Cup opening clash

In the last few years, black caps have upped their game a few notches. Always a consistent performer in ICC events, pundits believe New Zealand have the team to go the distance this time around. They have the third best win/ loss percentage in ODIs since 2014. In Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Ken Williamson, New Zealand have ample fire power in the batting unit. The bowling too looks comprehensive with the likes of  Tim Southee, Adam Milne and veteran Danniel Vettoori. 

Also Read: Confident Brendon McCullum hails 'best' New Zealand World Cup team

Sri Lanka on the other hand have suffered indifferent form in the recent time including humiliating loss to Zimbabwe in the warm-up match. But they have rich pedigree in their batting order. The likes of Dilshan, Sangakara, Jayawardene are veteran war horses who know how to play their best in the big stage. Additional impetus will be to do a double after winning the World T-20 championship last year. But for the side to win, the bowling needs to come to the party and all eyes will be on Malinga and Herath to deliver the goods. Over all the first match is all set to be a mouth-watering contest and it will also give us a chance to gauge the nature of pitches in New Zealand. 

Weather though may act as a spoilsport in Christchurch.  So far so good however..

Some perspective

Fans are also excited to see their favourite stars in action.

Also Read:  New Zealand 'genuine contenders' to win World Cup, says former England skipper Michael Vaughan 

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