ICC World Cup 2023 | NZ vs SL: Kiwis restrict Lankans for 171 runs

New Zealand cricket team celebrating a wicket during the match (Pic: AFP)

The ICC World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka saw the domination of Kiwi's bowlers. Sri Lanka was restricted for 171 runs. Speedster Trent Boult who did not have a successful ICC World Cup 2023 campaign struck three early wickets of the Lankan Lions. No batsmen were able to score huge runs except Kusal Perera. He played a knock of 51 runs in just 28 deliveries laced by 9 fours and 2 sixes before getting into the hands of Mitchell Santner.

After the fall of wickets, Maheesh Theeskshana stood strong and played a knock of 38 runs in 91 balls.

Sri Lanka faced a big blow as skipper Kusal Mendis departed early. Mendis went for his favourite pick-up shot but edged it which went straight into the hands of third man Rachin Ravindra.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023 | NZ vs SL: Trent bowls 'firebolts'

After the early dismissals of the Sri Lankan batsman, Dhananjaya de Silva shouldered Angelo Mathews to guide the team to a fighting total. But their efforts went in vain as they both lost their wickets to Kiwi's all-rounder Mitchell Santner.

On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson did not concede many runs and registered two wickets under his name. Tim Southee picked the wicket of opening batsman Pathum Nissanka for just two runs. Kiwi's ferocious pace did not let the Lankan batsmen settle for a long time.

Also Read: Trent Boult rips through Lankan batting order in key World Cup clash

Trent Boult achieved the milestone of 50 ODI World Cup wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmant Chameera did not let Sri Lanka's hopes down and kept batting in the middle. Finally, Ravindra ended Chammera's innings in his second over. The Sri Lankan batter faced 20 deliveries and scored just one run.

Score summary:

Kusal Perera (28) 51

Maheesh Theekshana (91) 38

Dhananjaya de Silva (24) 19

Trent Boult: Overs bowled (10), runs (37), wickets (3)

Mitchell Santner: Overs bowled (10), runs (22), wickets (2)

Lockie Ferguson: Overs bowled (10), runs (35), wickets (2)