2nd Match: New Zealand v Sri Lanka at Sharjah, 9 Apr 2002

Ball-by-Ball Commentary


Match State: Match start scheduled for 15.00 local time (11am GMT,23.00 NZT)

       Good Afternoon all, for New Zealand v Sri Lanka from Sharjah
       Yesterday SL demolished Sri Lanka and are again the hot favourites
        today
       For the record, this is the 401st ODI match for New Zealand and
        also the 51st ODI encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka
       New Zealand has won 26 of those and Sri Lanka is closing the gap
        with 21 wins. There was a Tied match between the two at Sharjah
        and two matches produced No Result
       At Sharjah: New Zealand's record is a dismal one. Put together they
        have played 25 ODI matches, losing 17 matches, winning seven and a
        tied match
       At Sharjah, New Zealand has always done well while playing against
        Sri Lanka. Winning five of the seven encounters, losing one and
        the single tied match
       Today New Zealand are up too after an excellent season down under
        against Australia and England
       The toss has been won by New Zealand and they will be batting
       The weather? No need to talk about it, its fine warm and humid
       Sorry, correction: Yesterday SL demolished Pakistan and are again
        the hot favourites today
       New Zealand team: NJ Astle, +CJ Nevin, CD McMillan, *SP Fleming, CZ
        Harris, MS Sinclair, SB Styris, JDP Oram, JEC Franklin, DR Tuffey,
        IG Butler.
       Sri Lanka team: *ST Jayasuriya, K Sangakkara, MS Atapattu, DPMD
        Jayawardene,
       Sri Lanka team: *ST Jayasuriya, K Sangakkara, MS Atapattu, DPMD
        Jayawardene, RP Arnold, +RS Kaluwitharana, UDU Chandana, WPUJC
        Vaas, DNT Zoysa, M Muralitharan, TCB Fernando.
       We shall be starting soon at 11:00GMT with Sri Lanka fielding and
        New Zealnd may have to deal with a slipery 'dewed' ball tonight
       Pitch report says who wins toss ought to bat first, some darker
        patches on it possibly by watering earlier but its nice and hard
        so should favour batting, at night there may well be dew as we say
        last night
       Players and officials out there, we are ready to go
       Astle to face Vaas
       Nope they have Nevin up to face Vaas
   0.1 Vaas to Nevin, no run, drives it to mid off
   0.2 Vaas to Nevin, FOUR, a lovely coverdrive to kick off proceedings
        early, flashed through the covers
   0.3 Vaas to Nevin, one run, turns it off his hips to fine leg
   0.4 Vaas to Astle, no run, turned to mid wicket
   0.5 Vaas to Astle, no run, carefully pushes a ball on the stumps to mid
        off
   0.6 Vaas to Astle, one run, pushed a bit wide of mid on

End of over 1 (6 runs) New Zealand 6/0 (RR: 6.00)
WPUJC Vaas 1-0-6-0 - Pavilion End
NJ Astle 1* (3b) CJ Nevin 5* (3b 1x4)

       Zoysa on to Astle
   1.1 Zoysa to Astle, OUT: fished at a ball that angled away off the
        seam, catches the edge and a big wicket for Sri Lanka,
        Kaluwitharana holds a conventional edge

       New Zealand 6/1, Partnership of 6
       NJ Astle  c Kaluwitharana b Zoysa  1 (4b 0x4 0x6)
       CJ Nevin 5* (3b 1x4) DNT Zoysa 0.1-0-0-1

       McMillan in after that dramatic first ball out by Zoysa
   1.2 Zoysa to McMillan, no run, turned to mid wicket
   1.3 Zoysa to McMillan, wide: no run, outside off, way outside off
   1.3 Zoysa to McMillan, no run, oopsy, McMillan fooled by an identical
        ball that got Astle, went to play it outside off and just managed
        to miss it!
   1.4 Zoysa to McMillan, one run, steered to third man, Zoysa getting
        lots of movement off the seam as well as in the air
   1.5 Zoysa to Nevin, no run, turned towards mid wicket off the stumps
   1.6 Zoysa to Nevin, two runs, nicely turned to backward of square and
        Vaas misfields, took his eyes off the ball looking at the batsment

End of over 2 (4 runs) New Zealand 10/1 (RR: 5.00)
DNT Zoysa 1-0-4-1 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
CD McMillan 1* (3b) CJ Nevin 7* (5b 1x4)

   2.1 Vaas to McMillan, one run, flicked off his toes to fine leg
   2.2 Vaas to Nevin, no run, hops back to a ball angling to the off and
        defends to the off
   2.3 Vaas to Nevin, no run, has the front foot out, moved to the ball
        and pushed it to cover
   2.4 Vaas to Nevin, no run, outside leg, tries a flick but misses and is
        hit on the pad
   2.5 Vaas to Nevin, FOUR, slashes at it, a thickish edge flashed past a
        diving point fielder, place short of the conventional point just
        for this type of shot
   2.6 Vaas to Nevin, one run, pushed to mid on

End of over 3 (6 runs) New Zealand 16/1 (RR: 5.33)
WPUJC Vaas 2-0-12-0 - Pavilion End
CJ Nevin 12* (10b 2x4) CD McMillan 2* (4b)

   3.1 Zoysa to Nevin, no run, the first bouncer of the match, ballooned
        over head, seemed very high to me but umps say it was ok
   3.2 Zoysa to Nevin, two runs, comes down the wicket has a go and edges
        to third man in the air\
   3.3 Zoysa to Nevin, no run, angled away and beaten outside off
   3.4 Zoysa to Nevin, no run, covers up and defends to the off
   3.5 Zoysa to Nevin, no run, good ball on or about off stump, moves well
        and prods it to point
       There is a slip in for Zoysa
   3.6 Zoysa to Nevin, one run, turned to mid wicket

End of over 4 (3 runs) New Zealand 19/1 (RR: 4.75)
DNT Zoysa 2-0-7-1 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
CJ Nevin 15* (16b 2x4) CD McMillan 2* (4b)

   4.1 Vaas to Nevin, no run, good straight ball on middle stump, pushes
        to mid off and goes for a run then scrambles back with lots of no,
        no
   4.2 Vaas to Nevin, FOUR, nicely lofted over backward point, done
        purposely good shot there
       Nevin looks like the kind of opener Pakistan need!
   4.3 Vaas to Nevin, no run, goes back and pushes it to point
   4.4 Vaas to Nevin, two runs, a good looking cut backward of point, had
        the width this time
   4.5 Vaas to Nevin, two runs, slower one and he read it well, driven
        firmly into the gap at cover
   4.6 Vaas to Nevin, no run, pushed to mid off

End of over 5 (8 runs) New Zealand 27/1 (RR: 5.40)
WPUJC Vaas 3-0-20-0 - Pavilion End
CD McMillan 2* (4b) CJ Nevin 23* (22b 3x4)

   5.1 Zoysa to McMillan, no run, comes down the wicket, seen and pumps
        one in short and gets beaten between pad and bat
   5.2 Zoysa to McMillan, FOUR, short and a lovely pull, a gift sent one
        bounce over the rope at mid wicket
   5.3 Zoysa to McMillan, OUT: put in a bit more effort on the short ball,
        McMillan went for it but it came on to him a bit more quickly,
        pulled but not timeed well enough, got caught out by Vaas at long
        leg

       New Zealand 31/2, Partnership of 25
       CD McMillan  c Vaas b Zoysa  6 (7b 1x4 0x6)
       CJ Nevin 23* (22b 3x4) DNT Zoysa 2.3-0-11-2 (1w)

       Skipper Fleming in
       New Zealand need to regroup now to stop the Lankans causing more
        problems and Muralu still to come on
   5.4 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, defends it back
   5.5 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, turned to mid wicket
   5.6 Zoysa to Fleming, one run, comes forward to the pitch of the ball,
        pushes to cover for an easy run

End of over 6 (5 runs) New Zealand 32/2 (RR: 5.33)
DNT Zoysa 3-0-12-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
SP Fleming 1* (3b) CJ Nevin 23* (22b 3x4)

   6.1 Vaas to Fleming, no run, pushed to cover
   6.2 Vaas to Fleming, one run, has the time to place the prod just
        backward of point
   6.3 Vaas to Nevin, legbye: FOUR, off the pads to fine leg
   6.4 Vaas to Nevin, no run, has to hurry up, no footwork to defend a
        ball that nipped in off the seam
   6.5 Vaas to Nevin, no run, pushed to the off
   6.6 Vaas to Nevin, no run, a loud NO! after he comfortably angled the
        bat and pushed the ball moving away to the point where Arnold is
        as alert as usual

End of over 7 (5 runs) New Zealand 37/2 (RR: 5.29)
WPUJC Vaas 4-0-21-0 - Pavilion End
SP Fleming 2* (5b) CJ Nevin 23* (26b 3x4)

   7.1 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, pushed to cover
   7.2 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, rapped but outside the line a cohesive
        'in concert' appeal ignored by the 'elite ump' and rightly so
   7.3 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, another huge appeal but was missing off
        declined
   7.4 Zoysa to Fleming, FOUR, straight over the top, one bounce over the
        point rope
   7.5 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, pushes this one to mid on
   7.6 Zoysa to Fleming, one run, drifts a bit to leg and its flicked to
        fine leg for a single

End of over 8 (5 runs) New Zealand 42/2 (RR: 5.25)
DNT Zoysa 4-0-17-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
SP Fleming 7* (11b 1x4) CJ Nevin 23* (26b 3x4)

   8.1 Vaas to Fleming, two runs, takes well from outside off and turns
        his wrists to place it in the mid wicket gap, think of three runs
        but settle for two
   8.2 Vaas to Fleming, no run, drives it firmly to mid wicket
   8.3 Vaas to Fleming, no run, agin tries to work it to leg, a good save
        by Arnold, save two at least
   8.4 Vaas to Fleming, no run, comes forward, good to see some 'proper'
        footwork and prods it to leg
   8.5 Vaas to Fleming, one run, off the middle stump and flicked to deep
        backward square
       Zoysa off the ground and Dilshan in as a sub
   8.6 Vaas to Nevin, two runs, pulls to backward of square and a misfiled
        by Sangakkara there

End of over 9 (5 runs) New Zealand 47/2 (RR: 5.22)
WPUJC Vaas 5-0-26-0 - Pavilion End
SP Fleming 10* (16b 1x4) CJ Nevin 25* (27b 3x4)

       Zoysa came back quickly to carry on
   9.1 Zoysa to Fleming, FOUR, on the up, a good shot over mid on, runs
        over the hoardings
   9.2 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, to mid off
   9.3 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, defends and thinl of a run but decide not
        to go
   9.4 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, well outside off, drives but straight to
        point
   9.5 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, again a firm off drive, straight to mid
        off, must have stung a bit
   9.6 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, a yorker, gets some bat on it as it
        fizzles to leg, the appeal for possibly an lbw declined by ump
        Venkat

End of over 10 (4 runs) New Zealand 51/2 (RR: 5.10)
DNT Zoysa 5-0-21-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
CJ Nevin 25* (27b 3x4) SP Fleming 14* (22b 2x4)

       Arnold brought in first change
  10.1 Arnold to Nevin, FOUR, edged to third man, went onto his backfoot
        to defend but got the bonus four
  10.2 Arnold to Nevin, no run, driven back to the bowler
  10.3 Arnold to Nevin, no run, waits and carefully pushes to mid on
  10.4 Arnold to Nevin, one run, outside off, and a thick edge to the left
        of point, get a single
       Too strong a throw back from Chandana, hurts Kalu
  10.5 Arnold to Fleming, one run, turned to short fine leg
  10.6 Arnold to Nevin, no run, pushed to mid on

End of over 11 (6 runs) New Zealand 57/2 (RR: 5.18)
RP Arnold 1-0-6-0 - Pavilion End
SP Fleming 15* (23b 2x4) CJ Nevin 30* (32b 4x4)

  11.1 Zoysa to Fleming, two runs, nice placement by the skipper, batting
        well, fiormly pushed to wide mid on
  11.2 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, short ball, off the backfoot and punched
        to cover
  11.3 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, a huge appeal, ball angling in, hit in
        front and declined by ump Venkat who signals it was missing leg, a
        close call
  11.4 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, short, tries a pull and inside edge to
        the keeper
  11.5 Zoysa to Fleming, one run, turned to square leg
  11.6 Zoysa to Nevin, two runs, turned to mid wicket after rushing out of
        his crease in the air too, but safe then a slip on the second run
        and a direct hit would have done for him

End of over 12 (5 runs) New Zealand 62/2 (RR: 5.17)
DNT Zoysa 6-0-26-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
SP Fleming 18* (28b 2x4) CJ Nevin 32* (33b 4x4)

  12.1 Arnold to Fleming, no run, pushed back
  12.2 Arnold to Fleming, no run, comes rushing out, taken on the pad
  12.3 Arnold to Fleming, FOUR, a flick cum pull, one bounce over the rope
        and backward square
  12.4 Arnold to Fleming, one run, pushed to mid on
  12.5 Arnold to Nevin, no run, an optimistic appeal for lbw, as he missed
        a sweep
  12.6 Arnold to Nevin, no run, an uncomfortable looking Zoysa suffering a
        groin problem, pushed to mid on

End of over 13 (5 runs) New Zealand 67/2 (RR: 5.15)
RP Arnold 2-0-11-0 - Pavilion End
SP Fleming 23* (32b 3x4) CJ Nevin 32* (35b 4x4)

  13.1 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, driven to cover
  13.2 Zoysa to Fleming, no run, pushed to cover
  13.3 Zoysa to Fleming, two runs, driven very straight to long on,
        Jayasuriya chases it down inches in front of the rope
  13.4 Zoysa to Fleming, FOUR, down the wicket and over mid off, rockets
        one bounce over the rope
  13.5 Zoysa to Fleming, one run, steered to third man
  13.6 Zoysa to Nevin, FOUR, short ball, nicely pulled over the short fine
        leg fielder

End of over 14 (11 runs) New Zealand 78/2 (RR: 5.57)
DNT Zoysa 7-0-37-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
SP Fleming 30* (37b 4x4) CJ Nevin 36* (36b 5x4)

       A bountiful over for New Zealand and Zoysa disappears to the
        pavilion
  14.1 Arnold to Fleming, one run, a full toss, driven to mid wicket
  14.2 Arnold to Nevin, one run, pushed to mid off, Arnold misfileds
        otherwise he'd have had an easy run out
  14.3 Arnold to Fleming, one run, turned to deep square leg
  14.4 Arnold to Nevin, no run, turned to short fine leg as the SL voices
        rise bucking the team up
  14.5 Arnold to Nevin, one run, lofted over short mid wicket
  14.6 Arnold to Fleming, wide: no run, down the legside
  14.6 Arnold to Fleming, no run, a leading edge to point

End of over 15 (5 runs) New Zealand 83/2 (RR: 5.53)
RP Arnold 3-0-16-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
CJ Nevin 38* (39b 5x4) SP Fleming 32* (40b 4x4)

       15 overs up and field being adjusted as Murali coming on
  15.1 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, srap turn there and its turned to
        fine leg
  15.2 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, drifter a bit short, punched to
        cover
  15.3 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, turned to fine leg
  15.4 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, comes forward and defends
  15.5 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, the drifter that keeps straight or
        becomes a legbrak, spotted and defended to cover
  15.6 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, defends it back

End of over 16 (maiden) New Zealand 83/2 (RR: 5.19)
M Muralitharan 1-1-0-0 - Sharjah Club End
SP Fleming 32* (40b 4x4) CJ Nevin 38* (45b 5x4)

       Drinks in

Match State: Drinks

       Chandana on
  16.1 Chandana to Fleming, no run, driven back
  16.2 Chandana to Fleming, no run, turned to short mid wicket
  16.3 Chandana to Fleming, one run, driven to long off
  16.4 Chandana to Nevin, one run, turns the leg break to mid wicket
  16.5 Chandana to Fleming, one run, flicked to backward point for a quick
        single
  16.6 Chandana to Nevin, no run, comes forward and drives it back

End of over 17 (3 runs) New Zealand 86/2 (RR: 5.06)
UDU Chandana 1-0-3-0 - Pavilion End
SP Fleming 34* (44b 4x4) CJ Nevin 39* (47b 5x4)

       A long off brought in on the rope
  17.1 Muralitharan to Fleming, no run, faster ball goes back to defend
  17.2 Muralitharan to Fleming, OUT: befuddled by a huge turn, could not
        take his bat away in time and seemed to almost guide it to Arnold
        at slip, though he did try to avoid the ball

       New Zealand 86/3, Partnership of 55
       SP Fleming  c Arnold b Muralitharan  34 (46b 4x4 0x6)
       CJ Nevin 39* (47b 5x4) M Muralitharan 1.2-1-0-1

       Styris in
  17.3 Muralitharan to Styris, no run, came forward to defend
  17.4 Muralitharan to Styris, no run, tried a sweep off his pads and
        upper arm to fine leg, slip rushes to try and catch it
  17.5 Muralitharan to Styris, no run, the drifter becomes a leg break
        totally bemused, tried a sweep off his arm behind the keeper,
        lands safely
  17.6 Muralitharan to Styris, no run, padded away

End of over 18 (maiden) New Zealand 86/3 (RR: 4.78)
M Muralitharan 2-2-0-1 - Sharjah Club End
CJ Nevin 39* (47b 5x4) SB Styris 0* (4b)

  18.1 Chandana to Nevin, one run, to mid on
  18.2 Chandana to Styris, one run, pushed to mid off
  18.3 Chandana to Nevin, one run, turned to mid wicket
  18.4 Chandana to Styris, no run, pushed back
  18.5 Chandana to Styris, one run, pushed to mid off
  18.6 Chandana to Nevin, two runs, driven to long on

End of over 19 (6 runs) New Zealand 92/3 (RR: 4.84)
UDU Chandana 2-0-9-0 - Pavilion End
SB Styris 2* (7b) CJ Nevin 43* (50b 5x4)

  19.1 Muralitharan to Styris, OUT: a short ball, pulls but mistimed due
        to the turn and down to Vaas at mid wicket at the rope

       New Zealand 92/4, Partnership of 6
       SB Styris  c Vaas b Muralitharan  2 (8b 0x4 0x6)
       CJ Nevin 43* (50b 5x4) M Muralitharan 2.1-2-0-2

  19.2 Muralitharan to Harris, no run, pads it away
  19.3 Muralitharan to Harris, no run, padded again
  19.4 Muralitharan to Harris, one run, turned to mid wicket, Murali
        proving to be a handful
  19.5 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, the drifter again, forced back and
        defends
  19.6 Muralitharan to Nevin, one run, another drifter that popped
        outaside off, Nevin pulled in ungainly fashio to bring a knowing
        grin from Murali

End of over 20 (2 runs) New Zealand 94/4 (RR: 4.70)
M Muralitharan 3-2-2-2 - Sharjah Club End
CJ Nevin 44* (52b 5x4) CZ Harris 1* (3b)

  20.1 Chandana to Nevin, one run, swept to long leg
  20.2 Chandana to Harris, no run, comes forward to defend
  20.3 Chandana to Harris, legbye: two runs, trickles to leg
  20.4 Chandana to Harris, one run, turned to fine leg
  20.5 Chandana to Nevin, no run, an appeal as he drove that, did not read
        the googly, playing for the leg brak, got some bat and appeal
        declined
  20.6 Chandana to Nevin, no run, swept to short fine leg

End of over 21 (4 runs) New Zealand 98/4 (RR: 4.67)
UDU Chandana 3-0-11-0 - Pavilion End
CZ Harris 2* (6b) CJ Nevin 45* (55b 5x4)

  21.1 Muralitharan to Harris, no run, outside off and left
  21.2 Muralitharan to Harris, one run, goes for a huge drive to the off,
        the drifter causes an edge to mid wicket
  21.3 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, sharp turn, struck on the pads, he
        can't read him
  21.4 Muralitharan to Nevin, no run, turned to short fine leg
       TV caLLED in for consultation on a bat and pad, batsman stood his
        ground, tv shows the claim of the catch was very odd, the catch
        declared ok but the rules do not allow the tv ump to say the ball
        had not hit the BAT!!
  21.5 Muralitharan to Nevin, OUT: a catch claimed for a bat and pad, tv
        consulted, a very strange decision by TV ump Shepherd as it seems
        there was some grass caught too, hover, the ball had not touched
        the bat but he was not allowed to say, given at the end"

       New Zealand 99/5, Partnership of 7
       CJ Nevin  c sub (HDPK Dharmasena) b Muralitharan  45 (58b 5x4 0x6)
       CZ Harris 3* (8b) M Muralitharan 3.5-2-3-3

       The bat was atlead 6 inches away, a bad decision if one refers to
        tv then tv should be allowed to even say there was no bat there
  21.6 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, dwefnds back

End of over 22 (1 run) New Zealand 99/5 (RR: 4.50)
M Muralitharan 4-2-3-3 - Sharjah Club End
CZ Harris 3* (8b) MS Sinclair 0* (1b)

  22.1 Chandana to Harris, no run, padeded
  22.2 Chandana to Harris, one run, turned to mid wicket
  22.3 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, pushed back
  22.4 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, turned to mid wicket
  22.5 Chandana to Harris, no run, pushed to cover
  22.6 Chandana to Harris, no run, padded away

End of over 23 (2 runs) New Zealand 101/5 (RR: 4.39)
UDU Chandana 4-0-13-0 - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 1* (3b) CZ Harris 4* (12b)

  23.1 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, an appeal and a mild appeal
        declined for lbw
  23.2 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, tries a sweep and on the pads,
        more noises form the Lankan players
  23.3 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, sharp off break, a loud appeal
        again, declined
  23.4 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, beaten outside off, did not read
        the drifter at all
  23.5 Muralitharan to Sinclair, one run, swept to deep square
  23.6 Muralitharan to Harris, no run, defends it back and again
        unfortunately they have no defence against Muralitharan

End of over 24 (1 run) New Zealand 102/5 (RR: 4.25)
M Muralitharan 5-2-4-3 - Sharjah Club End
MS Sinclair 2* (8b) CZ Harris 4* (13b)

  24.1 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, pushed to point
  24.2 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, driven to long on
  24.3 Chandana to Harris, no run, steered to point
  24.4 Chandana to Harris, two runs, leans back and cuts it well, past
        point
  24.5 Chandana to Harris, no run, a huge turn on the leg break, gets the
        pads and a loud appeal, declined
  24.6 Chandana to Harris, no run, another turny leg break, the turn beats
        him and its on the pads

End of over 25 (3 runs) New Zealand 105/5 (RR: 4.20)
UDU Chandana 5-0-16-0 - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 3* (10b) CZ Harris 6* (17b)

  25.1 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, comes forward, big turn, two
        noises, bat and pad appeal, not given
  25.2 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, an appeal after the sweep, appeal
        given out initially, Sinclair stands his ground says and shows hit
        his arm, ump Venkat calls over SL skipper and revises his decsion,
        Jaya agrees and it seems history is made, amazing!
  25.3 Muralitharan to Sinclair, two runs, driven to mid wicket
  25.4 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, comes forward and defends
  25.5 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, turned to fine leg
  25.6 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, drifter again and beaten, the
        over appealing has died down too, ump must have discussed that too

End of over 26 (2 runs) New Zealand 107/5 (RR: 4.12)
M Muralitharan 6-2-6-3 - Sharjah Club End
CZ Harris 6* (17b) MS Sinclair 5* (16b)

  26.1 Chandana to Harris, no run, driven to cover
  26.2 Chandana to Harris, one run, driven to long on
  26.3 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, pushed back
  26.4 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, flighted and beaten, also a shrp leg
        break to add to his woes
  26.5 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, comes out and drives to long off
  26.6 Chandana to Harris, no run, pushed back, a good over by Chandana

End of over 27 (2 runs) New Zealand 109/5 (RR: 4.04)
UDU Chandana 6-0-18-0 - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 6* (19b) CZ Harris 7* (20b)

       Jayasuriya on
  27.1 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, driven to long off
  27.2 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, turned to mid wicket
  27.3 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, and again, Jayasuriya is being read
        more easily it seems
  27.4 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, defends it back
  27.5 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, and again, defends it watchfully
  27.6 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, turned to mid wicket

End of over 28 (1 run) New Zealand 110/5 (RR: 3.93)
ST Jayasuriya 1-0-1-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Sinclair 7* (20b) CZ Harris 7* (25b)

  28.1 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, steered to pint
  28.2 Chandana to Harris, no run, pushed to point
  28.3 Chandana to Harris, no run, prodded back
  28.4 Chandana to Harris, no run, turned to mid wicket
  28.5 Chandana to Harris, FOUR, a good hit from outside off with the spin
        one bounce over midwicket
  28.6 Chandana to Harris, no run, pushed to point

End of over 29 (5 runs) New Zealand 115/5 (RR: 3.97)
UDU Chandana 7-0-23-0 - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 8* (21b) CZ Harris 11* (30b 1x4)

  29.1 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run
  29.2 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, donw the legside, turned to fine leg
  29.3 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, tried to hit down the ground,
        mistimed it, enough bat though for a single
  29.4 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run
  29.5 Jayasuriya to Harris, two runs, outside off stump, worked away down
        to deeppoint
  29.6 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, turned to midwicket for an easy
        single

End of over 30 (6 runs) New Zealand 121/5 (RR: 4.03)
ST Jayasuriya 2-0-7-0 - Sharjah Club End
CZ Harris 15* (34b 1x4) MS Sinclair 10* (23b)

  30.1 Chandana to Harris, one run
  30.2 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, pushed to cover
  30.3 Chandana to Harris, no run, pushed back to the bowler
  30.4 Chandana to Harris, one run, turned to mid-wicket
  30.5 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, outside off stump, plays it straight
        to short thirdman
  30.6 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, driven straight to extra cover

End of over 31 (3 runs) New Zealand 124/5 (RR: 4.00)
UDU Chandana 8-0-26-0 - Pavilion End
CZ Harris 17* (37b 1x4) MS Sinclair 11* (26b)

  31.1 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, driven down to long on
  31.2 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, two runs, outside off stump, waits for it
        and cuts it nicely past bwd point
  31.3 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, no run, driven back to the bowler
  31.4 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, down the legside, flicks it to
        deep midwicket
  31.5 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, pushed to point
  31.6 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, no run, well tossed up, driven back to the
        bowler

End of over 32 (5 runs) New Zealand 129/5 (RR: 4.03)
ST Jayasuriya 3-0-12-0 - Sharjah Club End
CZ Harris 19* (39b 1x4) MS Sinclair 14* (30b)

  32.1 Chandana to Harris, one run, down the track, makes it into a
        fulltoss, drives it to long off
  32.2 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, quicker ball, tried to defend, hits
        on the pad, loud appeal for lbw, close but not given
  32.3 Chandana to Sinclair, two runs, cuts it down to deep point, Vaas a
        bit slow this time allows the2nd tun
  32.4 Chandana to Sinclair, no run
  32.5 Chandana to Sinclair, no run
  32.6 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, pushed to long on

End of over 33 (4 runs) New Zealand 133/5 (RR: 4.03)
UDU Chandana 9-0-30-0 - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 17* (35b) CZ Harris 20* (40b 1x4)

  33.1 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, no run, outside off stump, tried to run it
        down to thirdman, can't be Chandana
  33.2 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, down the track, hits it to long
        off
  33.3 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, driven hard, straight to Dilshan at
        extra cover
  33.4 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, driven down the ground
  33.5 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, pushed to long off
  33.6 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, turned to mid-wicket

End of over 34 (3 runs) New Zealand 136/5 (RR: 4.00)
ST Jayasuriya 4-0-15-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Sinclair 19* (38b) CZ Harris 21* (43b 1x4)

  34.1 Chandana to Sinclair, no run, outside off stump, cut it down to
        deep point
  34.2 Chandana to Sinclair, one run, outside off stump, cut it down to
        deep point
  34.3 Chandana to Harris, no run, beaten outside off stump, unbalanced,
        Kalu whips the bails off, tv called, well in
  34.4 Chandana to Harris, no run
  34.5 Chandana to Harris, no run, on middle and leg, turned to mid-wicket
  34.6 Chandana to Harris, one run, fulltoss, driven back, past the diving
        Chandana, down to long on

End of over 35 (2 runs) New Zealand 138/5 (RR: 3.94)
UDU Chandana 10-0-32-0 - Pavilion End
CZ Harris 22* (47b 1x4) MS Sinclair 20* (40b)

  35.1 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, down the legside, turned to mid-
        wicket
  35.2 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, no run, pushed back to the bowler
  35.3 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, no run, down the track,checks his stroke at
        the last momnent, plays it straight to mid-wicket
  35.4 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, driven down the ground to long off
  35.5 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, well tossed up, pushed to cover
  35.6 Jayasuriya to Harris, two runs, on middle and leg, turned to mid-
        wicket, back for the 2nd, good running

End of over 36 (4 runs) New Zealand 142/5 (RR: 3.94)
ST Jayasuriya 5-0-19-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Sinclair 21* (43b) CZ Harris 25* (50b 1x4)

       Arnold back
  36.1 Arnold to Sinclair, one run, down the track, driven to long on
  36.2 Arnold to Harris, no run, turned to mid-wicket
  36.3 Arnold to Harris, one run, on the off stump, comes forward, pushes
        it just infron of square on the off side
  36.4 Arnold to Sinclair, no run, turned to midwicket
  36.5 Arnold to Sinclair, no run, loud appeal for lbw, declined, hits him
        outside off stump and he was playing a shot
  36.6 Arnold to Sinclair, one run, driven to long on

End of over 37 (3 runs) New Zealand 145/5 (RR: 3.92)
RP Arnold 4-0-19-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
MS Sinclair 23* (47b) CZ Harris 26* (52b 1x4)

  37.1 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, short outside off stump, cuts it
        to deep cover point, easy single
  37.2 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, well tossed up, driven to deep mid
        off
  37.3 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, on middle and leg, drives it off
        the front foot down to long on
  37.4 Jayasuriya to Harris, no run, tried to work it around the corner,
        missed it
  37.5 Jayasuriya to Harris, one run, fulltoss outside off stump, driven
        to deep cover
       50 partnership
  37.6 Jayasuriya to Sinclair, one run, driven down to long on, easy
        single

End of over 38 (5 runs) New Zealand 150/5 (RR: 3.95)
ST Jayasuriya 6-0-24-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Sinclair 26* (50b) CZ Harris 28* (55b 1x4)

Match State: Drinks

       Drinks over, lights are on too
  38.1 Arnold to Sinclair, one run, comes forward and turns it to mid
        wicket
  38.2 Arnold to Harris, no run, drives it to mid off but Arnold skips
        over to stop it
  38.3 Arnold to Harris, one run, driven to long on, they need some
        boundaries soon
  38.4 Arnold to Sinclair, no run, pushed to mid wicket
  38.5 Arnold to Sinclair, one run, firm drive to mid on
  38.6 Arnold to Harris, one run, swept to long leg

End of over 39 (4 runs) New Zealand 154/5 (RR: 3.95)
RP Arnold 5-0-23-0 (1w) - Pavilion End
CZ Harris 30* (58b 1x4) MS Sinclair 28* (53b)

       Murali is back to possibly worry out a few more?
  39.1 Muralitharan to Harris, one run, lots of turn and driven to extra
        cover where sub Dilshan fumbles after the good save
  39.2 Muralitharan to Sinclair, no run, went onto his backfoot tries a
        turn and misses
  39.3 Muralitharan to Sinclair, OUT: tries a reverse sweep off Murali of
        all people, skied off the top edge and Sangakkara catches it at
        short third man, a poor shot selection when things looked fine

       New Zealand 155/6, Partnership of 56
       MS Sinclair  c Sangakkara b Muralitharan  28 (55b 0x4 0x6)
       CZ Harris 31* (59b 1x4) M Muralitharan 6.3-2-7-4

  39.4 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, defends it off the front foot
  39.5 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, beaten outside off
  39.6 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, padded away

End of over 40 (1 run) New Zealand 155/6 (RR: 3.88)
M Muralitharan 7-2-7-4 - Sharjah Club End
CZ Harris 31* (59b 1x4) JDP Oram 0* (3b)

  40.1 Arnold to Harris, wide: no run, down the legside
  40.1 Arnold to Harris, one run, driven to long on
  40.2 Arnold to Oram, no run, pushed to point
  40.3 Arnold to Oram, one run, driven tp long on again
  40.4 Arnold to Harris, no run, to point
  40.5 Arnold to Harris, one run, driven to long off
  40.6 Arnold to Oram, no run, pushed back

End of over 41 (4 runs) New Zealand 159/6 (RR: 3.88)
RP Arnold 6-0-27-0 (2w) - Pavilion End
CZ Harris 33* (62b 1x4) JDP Oram 1* (6b)

  41.1 Muralitharan to Harris, no run, turned to mid wicket and worries
        start
  41.2 Muralitharan to Harris, OUT: a sweep and an outer edge to slip of
        all places, and he pays for it to be well held by Arnold

       New Zealand 159/7, Partnership of 4
       CZ Harris  c Arnold b Muralitharan  33 (64b 1x4 0x6)
       JDP Oram 1* (6b) M Muralitharan 7.2-2-7-5

  41.3 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, defends it forward
  41.4 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, beaten with the drifter, a
        stumping after lunging at it and missing, TV called in, looks as
        if foot in air but sufficient doubt for TV ump Shep to put on the
        gree light
  41.5 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, defended back
  41.6 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, the drifter misread again, struck
        on the pads

End of over 42 (maiden) New Zealand 159/7 (RR: 3.79)
M Muralitharan 8-3-7-5 - Sharjah Club End
JDP Oram 1* (6b) JEC Franklin 0* (4b)

  42.1 Arnold to Oram, no run, defends it back
  42.2 Arnold to Oram, FOUR, rushes out and he is a strong lad, all along
        the ground to long off
  42.3 Arnold to Oram, FOUR, lovely timing off a faster ball outside off,
        a good cut
  42.4 Arnold to Oram, wide: no run, down the leg and he is towering over
        the lankan fielders must be well over six foot?
  42.4 Arnold to Oram, FOUR, a great and comfortable looking reverse sweep
        of the meat of the bat to third man
  42.5 Arnold to Oram, no run, driven to mid wicket
  42.6 Arnold to Oram, no run, prodded to mid off. a good over for New
        Zealand there

End of over 43 (13 runs) New Zealand 172/7 (RR: 4.00)
RP Arnold 7-0-40-0 (3w) - Pavilion End
JEC Franklin 0* (4b) JDP Oram 13* (12b 3x4)

       Jaysuriya on
  43.1 Jayasuriya to Franklin, one run, to long off
  43.2 Jayasuriya to Oram, three runs, turned fine and run a good three
  43.3 Jayasuriya to Franklin, no run, pushed to cover
  43.4 Jayasuriya to Franklin, two runs, steered to third man
  43.5 Jayasuriya to Franklin, one run, driven to long on
  43.6 Jayasuriya to Oram, legbye: one run, trickles to fine leg

End of over 44 (8 runs) New Zealand 180/7 (RR: 4.09)
ST Jayasuriya 7-0-31-0 - Sharjah Club End
JDP Oram 16* (14b 3x4) JEC Franklin 4* (8b)

       Charita Buddika (Fernando) in
  44.1 Fernando to Oram, one run, a yorker, dug out to cover
  44.2 Fernando to Franklin, FOUR, edged to third man
  44.3 Fernando to Franklin, no run, hops and turns to leg
  44.4 Fernando to Franklin, no run, fast ball on off stump, pushed to mid
        off, think of a run decide against it
  44.5 Fernando to Franklin, one run, turned to leg and again turn down a
        possible second run
  44.6 Fernando to Oram, (noball) one run, saw the no ball early and went
        for a big drive but along the ground to long on
  44.6 Fernando to Franklin, no run, tries an on drive, misses and struck
        on the pad

End of over 45 (8 runs) New Zealand 188/7 (RR: 4.18)
TCB Fernando 1-0-8-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
JDP Oram 18* (16b 3x4) JEC Franklin 9* (13b 1x4)

       Murali back looking to get past his five for SEVEN runs!
  45.1 Muralitharan to Oram, one run, comes forward, a big turn and edged
        to third man
  45.2 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, down the wicket and pushed to mid
        off
  45.3 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, beaten totally too, outside off
  45.4 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, goes back, ball turns sharply and
        it beats the edge
  45.5 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, comes down the wicket and drives
        it back, I feel going back to Murali is more risky than coming out
        of the crease before the ball has spun
  45.6 Muralitharan to Franklin, no run, steered straight to the slip
        fielder

End of over 46 (1 run) New Zealand 189/7 (RR: 4.11)
M Muralitharan 9-3-8-5 - Sharjah Club End
JDP Oram 19* (17b 3x4) JEC Franklin 9* (18b 1x4)

  46.1 Fernando to Oram, no run, a good yorker, moves away and digs it out
  46.2 Fernando to Oram, (noball) SIX, saw it slammed it over long on, ump
        signals four then Jacob points out he'd hit a lovely flat SIX and
        ump Tiffin obliges!
  46.2 Fernando to Oram, one run, pushed to mid off
  46.3 Fernando to Franklin, OUT: came round the wicket, tightened the
        width, Franklin went for a square drive and it went low to
        Jayasuriya at point, has to walk back

       New Zealand 197/8, Partnership of 38
       JEC Franklin  c Jayasuriya b Fernando  9 (19b 1x4 0x6)
       JDP Oram 26* (20b 3x4 1x6) TCB Fernando 1.3-0-16-1 (2nb)

       We have Tuffey in now
  46.4 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, comes forward and defends
  46.5 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, ooh a good yorker, dug out well too,
        back to the bowler
  46.6 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, fast ball on the legs, pushed to mid on

End of over 47 (8 runs) New Zealand 197/8 (RR: 4.19)
TCB Fernando 2-0-16-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
JDP Oram 26* (20b 3x4 1x6) DR Tuffey 0* (3b)

       Murali has his final over left
  47.1 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, a huge turn, almost 45 dgrees went
        right across Oram hopping back and beat him
  47.2 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, dropped at slip, the straighter ball,
        Arnold the culprit, a scream from Murali is the result
  47.3 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, defends coming forward, far more
        sensible methinks
  47.4 Muralitharan to Oram, no run, no gets beaten outside off, ball
        again turned miles
  47.5 Muralitharan to Oram, one run, pushed to long on
       Lots os pressure now everyone gathers round the bat
  47.6 Muralitharan to Tuffey, no run, tries a sweep, taken on the pads,
        cheers all round for this spell and it was a spell too, of Five
        for 9 measly runs

End of over 48 (1 run) New Zealand 198/8 (RR: 4.12)
M Muralitharan 10-3-9-5 - Sharjah Club End
JDP Oram 27* (25b 3x4 1x6) DR Tuffey 0* (4b)

  48.1 Fernando to Oram, no run, a full toss gifted, driven straight to
        mid off
  48.2 Fernando to Oram, two runs, huge heave and inside edge to mid
        wicket, have to scramble to get home too due to some fine fielding
        from the deep
  48.3 Fernando to Oram, one run, driven towards mid wicket
  48.4 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, moves to leg, completely exposing his
        stumps, has a slash, inside edge just past leg stump and almost
        gets run out as Kalu misses his throw in
  48.5 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, yorker outside off, beaten
  48.6 Fernando to Tuffey, no run, went to the off, tried to hit it over
        fine leg, misses, ball passes over off stump, smiles after the
        effort

End of over 49 (3 runs) New Zealand 201/8 (RR: 4.10)
TCB Fernando 3-0-19-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
JDP Oram 30* (28b 3x4 1x6) DR Tuffey 0* (7b)

       Vaas in for the last over
  49.1 Vaas to Oram, FOUR, zap!, a full toss slammed back almost taking
        ump Venkat with it, to the mid off rope
  49.2 Vaas to Oram, FOUR, short ball pulled to mid wicket, Vaas better
        watch out, Oram is on song
  49.3 Vaas to Oram, SIX, a super sixer off the backfoot over the long on
        boundary, great fightback this!
  49.4 Vaas to Oram, one run, a yorker, edged to fine leg
  49.5 Vaas to Tuffey, one run, pushed to point and Tuffey gives the
        strike back
  49.6 Vaas to Oram, one run, a yorker that is edged to Kalu who tries a
        rolling run out, tv called but was in, a great comeback to get to
        set a 219 run chase for Sri Lanka when it looked unlikely they'd
        get to 200

End of over 50 (17 runs) New Zealand 218/8 (RR: 4.36)
WPUJC Vaas 6-0-43-0 - Sharjah Club End
JDP Oram 46* (33b 5x4 2x6) DR Tuffey 1* (8b)

       This session was a mix of both, some wickets and good for watching
        as Oram raced to 46 off 33 balls to help set a reasonable target
       SL went through their overs well in time but clearly the highlight
        was Muralitharan going in at the end (if I may be allowed to call
        it) after his wictche's brew of 5 for 9
       The NZ batsmen had no real answer against him but in the last few
        overs with the onslaught by Jacob Oram brought them to 218 setting
        a 219 run target
       PLease join us in about 40 minutes, at 15:00GMT for the Sri Lankan
        chase with NZ having to cope with a slippery 'dewy' ball

Match State: Innings Break

       Players in
       Jayasuriya to face Tuffey
   0.1 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, defends it back
   0.2 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, left alone outside off
   0.3 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, left alone outside off
   0.4 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, outside off and left alone
   0.5 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, outside off and left alone
   0.6 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, no run, drives firmly to cover and a fine
        save there

End of over 1 (maiden) Sri Lanka 0/0 (RR: 0.00 RRR: 219/49 = 4.47)
DR Tuffey 1-1-0-0 - Pavilion End
K Sangakkara 0* (0b) ST Jayasuriya 0* (6b)

   1.1 Franklin to Sangakkara, one run, turns a short ball to fine leg
   1.2 Franklin to Jayasuriya, no run, turned to mid wicket
   1.3 Franklin to Jayasuriya, one run, turned to deep square leg
   1.4 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, outside off and left alone
   1.5 Franklin to Sangakkara, wide: no run, down legside
   1.5 Franklin to Sangakkara, FOUR, just a beautifully timed push to deep
        mid wicket
   1.6 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, turned to square leg

End of over 2 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 7/0 (RR: 3.50 RRR: 212/48 = 4.42)
JEC Franklin 1-0-7-0 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
ST Jayasuriya 1* (8b) K Sangakkara 5* (4b 1x4)

   2.1 Tuffey to Jayasuriya, OUT: tries a cut, ball had bounced a bit on
        him, a low catch to Flemming at gully and the chief SL danger man
        has to go, well done

       Sri Lanka 7/1, Partnership of 7
       ST Jayasuriya  c Fleming b Tuffey  1 (9b 0x4 0x6)
       K Sangakkara 5* (4b 1x4) DR Tuffey 1.1-1-0-1

   2.2 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, went for a run after turning to short
        mid wicket, Styris does a smart piece of fielding, tries a run out
        at the bowlers end, would have got him had it hit
   2.3 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
   2.4 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, edged, was a fine ball, Nevin reacted
        late and dropped a normal keepers catch, Tuffey looks disappointed
   2.5 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
   2.6 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, down the legside and flicks the pds,
        good save by Nevin

End of over 3 (maiden) Sri Lanka 7/1 (RR: 2.33 RRR: 212/47 = 4.51)
DR Tuffey 2-2-0-1 - Pavilion End
K Sangakkara 5* (4b 1x4) MS Atapattu 0* (5b)

   3.1 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, covers up and defends to mid off
   3.2 Franklin to Sangakkara, two runs, a nice placement into the cover
        gap off the backfoot, stopped just before thew rope by the fielder
   3.3 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, cut to point
   3.4 Franklin to Sangakkara, two runs, overpitched andned to mid wicket
   3.5 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, pushed to mid off
   3.6 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, prodded to point

End of over 4 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 11/1 (RR: 2.75 RRR: 208/46 = 4.52)
JEC Franklin 2-0-11-0 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 0* (5b) K Sangakkara 9* (10b 1x4)

   4.1 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, left alone outside off
   4.2 Tuffey to Atapattu, FOUR, a very straight drive to long on evades
        the diving Tuffey and crosses the rope as Oram gives chase
   4.3 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, outside off and left alone
   4.4 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, a full drive to cover and Sinclair
        saves a certain four
   4.5 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, hops back and defends
   4.6 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, left alone outside off

End of over 5 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 15/1 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 204/45 = 4.53)
DR Tuffey 3-2-4-1 - Pavilion End
K Sangakkara 9* (10b 1x4) MS Atapattu 4* (11b 1x4)

   5.1 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, slower ball, left alone, ball
        bounces several times to the keeper
   5.2 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, pushed to cover
       Franklin a yard or two slower than Tuffey
   5.3 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, left alone outside off
   5.4 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, on off stump and bowls from very
        close to the stumps and flicks the bails off at his end
   5.5 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, pitched up and on the stumps,
        driven to mid off
   5.6 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, pitched up again and driven to mid
        on

End of over 6 (maiden) Sri Lanka 15/1 (RR: 2.50 RRR: 204/44 = 4.64)
JEC Franklin 3-1-11-0 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 4* (11b 1x4) K Sangakkara 9* (16b 1x4)

   6.1 Tuffey to Atapattu, two runs, nice flick to mid wicket almost gets
        it over the rope
   6.2 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, defends it forward
   6.3 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, pushed to mid off
   6.4 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, turned to mid wicket
   6.5 Tuffey to Atapattu, one run, turned to fine leg
   6.6 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, goes back to a ball on the stumps and
        fends it to the off

End of over 7 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 18/1 (RR: 2.57 RRR: 201/43 = 4.67)
DR Tuffey 4-2-7-1 - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 7* (16b 1x4) K Sangakkara 9* (17b 1x4)

   7.1 Franklin to Atapattu, no run, angles across o off stump, defends it
        back
   7.2 Franklin to Atapattu, one run, driven to mid off, fielder misses
        the pick up, think of another but decide not to
   7.3 Franklin to Sangakkara, FOUR, over pitched driven to mid off
   7.4 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, outside off and left alone
   7.5 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, a superb cover drive but an even
        more superb diving top class save by Sinclair there
   7.6 Franklin to Sangakkara, no run, outside off and left alone

End of over 8 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 23/1 (RR: 2.88 RRR: 196/42 = 4.67)
JEC Franklin 4-1-16-0 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 8* (18b 1x4) K Sangakkara 13* (21b 2x4)

   8.1 Tuffey to Atapattu, FOUR, a lovely flick to fine leg, ball was on
        leg
   8.2 Tuffey to Atapattu, FOUR, a fine drive through extra cover, ball
        pitched up
   8.3 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
   8.4 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, driven into the covers
   8.5 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, outside off, and driven on the up to
        point a fine save there
   8.6 Tuffey to Atapattu, no run, defends and a thick edge to leg

End of over 9 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 31/1 (RR: 3.44 RRR: 188/41 = 4.59)
DR Tuffey 5-2-15-1 - Pavilion End
K Sangakkara 13* (21b 2x4) MS Atapattu 16* (24b 3x4)

       Jacob Oram in
       An unusually quiet start by Sri Lanka after the early Jaysuriya
        dismissal
   9.1 Oram to Sangakkara, one run, inside edge onto the pads then to fine
        leg
   9.2 Oram to Atapattu, no run, pushed to point
   9.3 Oram to Atapattu, no run, cut to point
   9.4 Oram to Atapattu, FOUR, a fine square cut on the back foot, speeds
        to the boundary
   9.5 Oram to Atapattu, FOUR, driven through the covers, that drop
        earlier may become painful now
   9.6 Oram to Atapattu, no run, defends

End of over 10 (9 runs) Sri Lanka 40/1 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 179/40 = 4.47)
JDP Oram 1-0-9-0 - Sharjah Club End
K Sangakkara 14* (22b 2x4) MS Atapattu 24* (29b 5x4)

  10.1 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, prodded to cover
  10.2 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, watchfully defends a ball on the
        stumps
  10.3 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, hops and defends it back
  10.4 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, pushed to cover
  10.5 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, goes back and pushes to point
  10.6 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, on the backfoot prodded to point

End of over 11 (maiden) Sri Lanka 40/1 (RR: 3.64 RRR: 179/39 = 4.59)
DR Tuffey 6-3-15-1 - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 24* (29b 5x4) K Sangakkara 14* (28b 2x4)

  11.1 Oram to Atapattu, no run, defends a ball on the off stump to mid
        off
  11.2 Oram to Atapattu, FOUR, steered fine to third man, a dive there
        could not save the four
  11.3 Oram to Atapattu, no run, defends it back
  11.4 Oram to Atapattu, one run, guides it to third man
  11.5 Oram to Sangakkara, no run, a firm drive to cover
  11.6 Oram to Sangakkara, no run, a bouncer, ducks down

End of over 12 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 45/1 (RR: 3.75 RRR: 174/38 = 4.58)
JDP Oram 2-0-14-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 29* (33b 6x4) K Sangakkara 14* (30b 2x4)

  12.1 Tuffey to Atapattu, one run, hops and turns it to fine leg
  12.2 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, pitched up and drives but an edge to
        mid on
  12.3 Tuffey to Sangakkara, FOUR, moves to the off, gets in position and
        simly gives it a helping hand backward of point, premeditated it
        seemed and effortless
  12.4 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, pushed to point
  12.5 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, driven on the up to cover, a good
        save by Sinclair again
  12.6 Tuffey to Sangakkara, no run, cuts late but into the groiund, to
        point

End of over 13 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 50/1 (RR: 3.85 RRR: 169/37 = 4.57)
DR Tuffey 7-3-20-1 - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 30* (34b 6x4) K Sangakkara 18* (35b 3x4)

  13.1 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump, gets right behind that,
        plays it defensively
  13.2 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off again, plays it back to the
        bowler
  13.3 Oram to Atapattu, no run, pushed to point
  13.4 Oram to Atapattu, one run, outside off stump, cuts it down to
        thirdman
  13.5 Oram to Sangakkara, one run, pushed to wide mid-on
  13.6 Oram to Atapattu, no run, defended to point

End of over 14 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 52/1 (RR: 3.71 RRR: 167/36 = 4.64)
JDP Oram 3-0-16-0 - Sharjah Club End
K Sangakkara 19* (36b 3x4) MS Atapattu 31* (39b 6x4)

       Ian has the ball in his hands
  14.1 Butler to Sangakkara, no run, on the leg stump, tries to flick,
        misses it, hits him on the pad
  14.2 Butler to Sangakkara, FOUR, width provided and well accepted by
        Sanagakkara, cracks it through point
  14.3 Butler to Sangakkara, no run, middle and off, stands tall, pushes
        it to extra cover
  14.4 Butler to Sangakkara, no run, on his pads, turned to sq leg
  14.5 Butler to Sangakkara, OUT: short ball on legstump, tried to pull,
        couldn't time it well, a simple catch for Tuffy at sq leg,
        accepted with thanks, Butler strikes

       Sri Lanka 56/2, Partnership of 49
       K Sangakkara  c Tuffey b Butler  23 (41b 4x4 0x6)
       MS Atapattu 31* (39b 6x4) IG Butler 0.5-0-4-1

       Jayawardene in
  14.6 Butler to Jayawardene, one run, another short ball, pulls t in the
        air, well short of Franklin at deep fine leg

End of over 15 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 57/2 (RR: 3.80 RRR: 162/35 = 4.63)
IG Butler 1-0-5-1 - Pavilion End
DPMD Jayawardene 1* (1b) MS Atapattu 31* (39b 6x4)

  15.1 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, pitched outside off stump, moved in,
        stuck on pad, appeal for lbw, decline by Venkat, missing leg stump
  15.2 Oram to Jayawardene, no run
  15.3 Oram to Jayawardene, no run
  15.4 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, on middle and off, turned to sq leg
  15.5 Oram to Jayawardene, one run, outside off stump, steered down to
        thirdman
  15.6 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump, plays it back to the
        bowler

End of over 16 (1 run) Sri Lanka 58/2 (RR: 3.62 RRR: 161/34 = 4.74)
JDP Oram 4-0-17-0 - Sharjah Club End
DPMD Jayawardene 2* (6b) MS Atapattu 31* (40b 6x4)

  16.1 Butler to Jayawardene, legbye: one run, donw the legside, tried to
        flick, missed
  16.2 Butler to Atapattu, no run, quick delivery on the off stump, fends
        it away
  16.3 Butler to Atapattu, one run, short ball, pulled away, all along the
        ground, down to Franklin at long leg
  16.4 Butler to Jayawardene, (noball) one run, on middle and leg, turned
        to long leg
  16.4 Butler to Atapattu, two runs, short ball, on the off stump, pushed
        off the backfoot to mid-wicket
  16.5 Butler to Atapattu, one run, down the legside, flicks it to fine
        leg
  16.6 Butler to Jayawardene, no run, on middle and leg, turned to Astle
        at sq leg, no chance of a run this time

End of over 17 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 65/2 (RR: 3.82 RRR: 154/33 = 4.67)
IG Butler 2-0-11-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 35* (44b 6x4) DPMD Jayawardene 3* (9b)

  17.1 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump, plays it back to the
        bowler
  17.2 Oram to Atapattu, no run, another tight ball, on the off stump, no
        width, plays it back to the bowler
  17.3 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump again, stads tall,
        pushes it to extra cover
  17.4 Oram to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump, gets right behind the
        ball, plays it back to the bowler
  17.5 Oram to Atapattu, one run, on middle and off, worked away to dep
        mid-wicket, easy single
  17.6 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, just outside off stump, plays it to
        point, another good over by Oram

End of over 18 (1 run) Sri Lanka 66/2 (RR: 3.67 RRR: 153/32 = 4.78)
JDP Oram 5-0-18-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 36* (49b 6x4) DPMD Jayawardene 3* (10b)

  18.1 Butler to Atapattu, no run, on the off stump, tried to flick,
        misses it, hits on his thigh pad
  18.2 Butler to Atapattu, no run, defended
  18.3 Butler to Atapattu, one run, on middle and off, tried to defend,
        got the inside edge to sq leg, quick single
  18.4 Butler to Jayawardene, one run, short ball, short arm pull, down to
        long leg
  18.5 Butler to Atapattu, no run, just outside off stump, pushed to extra
        cover
  18.6 Butler to Atapattu, one run, outside off stump, tried to force it
        through the off side, thickish outside edge, down to thirdman

End of over 19 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 69/2 (RR: 3.63 RRR: 150/31 = 4.84)
IG Butler 3-0-14-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 38* (54b 6x4) DPMD Jayawardene 4* (11b)

       drinks trolly in but sent back by the umpires, Nz fielders don't
        want
  19.1 Oram to Atapattu, one run, pushed to mid-on
  19.2 Oram to Jayawardene, FOUR, on the legstump, glanced down to fine
        leg
  19.3 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, outside off stump, pushed to Harris at
        point
  19.4 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, on the off stump, comes forward, plays
        it to mid-wicket
  19.5 Oram to Jayawardene, no run, short and outside off stump, cuts it
        straight to Astle at cove point
  19.6 Oram to Jayawardene, one run, pushed to mid-on, Franklin breaks the
        stumps but Jayawardene well home

End of over 20 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 75/2 (RR: 3.75 RRR: 144/30 = 4.80)
JDP Oram 6-0-24-0 - Sharjah Club End
DPMD Jayawardene 9* (16b 1x4) MS Atapattu 39* (55b 6x4)

  20.1 Butler to Jayawardene, no run, cuts but straight to point
  20.2 Butler to Jayawardene, one run, waits and chops it to third man
  20.3 Butler to Atapattu, no run, pitched up, squared driven to point and
        is partly stopped, Butler has a nice high action and a long follow
        through
  20.4 Butler to Atapattu, no run, goes back and defends to mid off
  20.5 Butler to Atapattu, no run, short ball, a lovely cut but a fine
        interception by Harris at cover
  20.6 Butler to Atapattu, no run, a flashing cut and ball screamed to
        Fleming who dropped it low or bounced in front at point, hurt,
        lots of red showing, prolly the nail has gone, runs in for
        attention

End of over 21 (1 run) Sri Lanka 76/2 (RR: 3.62 RRR: 143/29 = 4.93)
IG Butler 4-0-15-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
DPMD Jayawardene 10* (18b 1x4) MS Atapattu 39* (59b 6x4)

       The ball had just carried to him
       Harris on
  21.1 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, goes back and turns it to leg
  21.2 Harris to Atapattu, one run, turned to leg
  21.3 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, hops and defends to point
  21.4 Harris to Jayawardene, FOUR, goes back and slams it past cover
  21.5 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, pulled to mid wicket
  21.6 Harris to Atapattu, one run, pulls and this one to square leg, a
        diving save by McMillan

End of over 22 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 84/2 (RR: 3.82 RRR: 135/28 = 4.82)
CZ Harris 1-0-8-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 41* (61b 6x4) DPMD Jayawardene 16* (22b 2x4)

  22.1 Butler to Atapattu, two runs, short ball, surprised by the pace,
        pulls and way up in the air lands behind the keeper
  22.2 Butler to Atapattu, no run, a firm drive and again a fine commotted
        stop a cover
  22.3 Butler to Atapattu, FOUR, an edge and it luckily runs fine to third
        man
  22.4 Butler to Atapattu, no run, edged and an easy one into Nevin's
        hands, he was not really following the ball, got it in the fell
        and ball slipped out as the elbow hit the ground
  22.5 Butler to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
  22.6 Butler to Atapattu, no run, outside off, tries a cut and misses

End of over 23 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 90/2 (RR: 3.91 RRR: 129/27 = 4.78)
IG Butler 5-0-21-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
DPMD Jayawardene 16* (22b 2x4) MS Atapattu 47* (67b 7x4)

  23.1 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, turned to fine leg
  23.2 Harris to Atapattu, no run, nice tossed up ball, defends it back
  23.3 Harris to Atapattu, no run, prodded to point
  23.4 Harris to Atapattu, no run, pitched up again and defended back
  23.5 Harris to Atapattu, no run, again prodded to point
  23.6 Harris to Atapattu, one run, strong pull but straight to the
        midwicket fielder

End of over 24 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 92/2 (RR: 3.83 RRR: 127/26 = 4.88)
CZ Harris 2-0-10-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 48* (72b 7x4) DPMD Jayawardene 17* (23b 2x4)

  24.1 Butler to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
  24.2 Butler to Atapattu, no run, pushes this back
  24.3 Butler to Atapattu, no run, a drive to cover
  24.4 Butler to Atapattu, no run, cut to point, not really trying for
        runs
  24.5 Butler to Atapattu, no run, to cover again
  24.6 Butler to Atapattu, one run, punched into the covers for a solitary
        single this over

End of over 25 (1 run) Sri Lanka 93/2 (RR: 3.72 RRR: 126/25 = 5.04)
IG Butler 6-0-22-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 49* (78b 7x4) DPMD Jayawardene 17* (23b 2x4)

  25.1 Harris to Atapattu, one run, down the wicket he comes and cdrives
        to long off
  25.2 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, outside off, cuts but is beaten
  25.3 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, pushed back
  25.4 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, turned to fine leg
  25.5 Harris to Atapattu, no run, pushed to point
  25.6 Harris to Atapattu, one run, plays it gently to cover for a single

End of over 26 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 96/2 (RR: 3.69 RRR: 123/24 = 5.12)
CZ Harris 3-0-13-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 51* (81b 7x4) DPMD Jayawardene 18* (26b 2x4)

  26.1 Butler to Atapattu, one run, pulled to mid wicket
  26.2 Butler to Jayawardene, (noball) no run, cut to point
  26.2 Butler to Jayawardene, FOUR, edged and fell away a bit from Nevin
        and poor chap, very nervous now dives but cant get a hold of it,
        runs for four
  26.3 Butler to Jayawardene, (noball) two runs, short ball, pulled to mid
        wicket
  26.3 Butler to Jayawardene, no run, steered to point
  26.4 Butler to Jayawardene, no run, pushed to mid off
  26.5 Butler to Jayawardene, one run, cut to cover
  26.6 Butler to Atapattu, no run, defends it to cover, seems we have a
        Test match on here tonight

End of over 27 (10 runs) Sri Lanka 106/2 (RR: 3.93 RRR: 113/23 = 4.91)
IG Butler 7-0-32-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
DPMD Jayawardene 25* (32b 3x4) MS Atapattu 52* (83b 7x4)

  27.1 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, pushed to mid on
  27.2 Harris to Atapattu, one run, inside edge to backward square leg
  27.3 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, good ball, tucked to leg
  27.4 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, pushed firmly to mid on
  27.5 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, cuts and straight to McMillan at
        point
  27.6 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, uppish, driven to long on, one
        bounce to the fielder

End of over 28 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 109/2 (RR: 3.89 RRR: 110/22 = 5.00)
CZ Harris 4-0-16-0 - Sharjah Club End
DPMD Jayawardene 27* (37b 3x4) MS Atapattu 53* (84b 7x4)

       Styris brought in for a bowl
  28.1 Styris to Jayawardene, no run, on the stumps and medium pacer,
        defends it back
  28.2 Styris to Jayawardene, FOUR, a lovely straight drive, a diving mid
        off cant reach it
  28.3 Styris to Jayawardene, no run, pitched a bit shorter and driven to
        mid off
  28.4 Styris to Jayawardene, one run, driven to wide mid on
  28.5 Styris to Atapattu, one run, driven past the bowler to long on
  28.6 Styris to Jayawardene, one run, chopped down to third man

End of over 29 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 116/2 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 103/21 = 4.90)
SB Styris 1-0-7-0 - Pavilion End
DPMD Jayawardene 33* (42b 4x4) MS Atapattu 54* (85b 7x4)

  29.1 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, driven to long off
  29.2 Harris to Atapattu, no run, good ball, cramped him up a bit defends
        it back
  29.3 Harris to Atapattu, one run, tossed up more and driven to long off
  29.4 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, on the middle stump, turned to leg
  29.5 Harris to Jayawardene, no run, driven back, had him in a spot of
        bother hoping for a return catch
  29.6 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, driven along the ground to long on

End of over 30 (3 runs) Sri Lanka 119/2 (RR: 3.97 RRR: 100/20 = 5.00)
CZ Harris 5-0-19-0 - Sharjah Club End
DPMD Jayawardene 35* (46b 4x4) MS Atapattu 55* (87b 7x4)

  30.1 Styris to Jayawardene, one run, steered to third man
  30.2 Styris to Atapattu, no run, on the pads and a ild inquiry turned
        down
  30.3 Styris to Atapattu, one run, turned backward of square
  30.4 Styris to Jayawardene, one run, turned to short mid wicket
  30.5 Styris to Atapattu, no run, beaten outside off, has had this happen
        more than once this innings
  30.6 Styris to Atapattu, one run, flicked to deep square leg

End of over 31 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 123/2 (RR: 3.97 RRR: 96/19 = 5.05)
SB Styris 2-0-11-0 - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 57* (91b 7x4) DPMD Jayawardene 37* (48b 4x4)

  31.1 Harris to Atapattu, one run, cut to point and a certain run oput
        messed up after the save by Astle, he threw it to the keeper
        instead of the bowlers end
  31.2 Harris to Jayawardene, one run, driven to long on
       Mid on brought into the circle to save the single there
  31.3 Harris to Atapattu, no run, pushecdx to mid on
  31.4 Harris to Atapattu, no run, driven back and diving save by Harris
  31.5 Harris to Atapattu, no run, drives across the line straight to
        Butler at mid on
  31.6 Harris to Atapattu, no run, cuts and believe it or not, the Nevin
        night mare does not end, into his gloves and he puts it down,
        wishes the ground would open and swallow him

End of over 32 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 125/2 (RR: 3.91 RRR: 94/18 = 5.22)
CZ Harris 6-0-21-0 - Sharjah Club End
DPMD Jayawardene 38* (49b 4x4) MS Atapattu 58* (96b 7x4)

  32.1 Styris to Jayawardene, no run, driven back to Styris and he too
        puts it down, a sharper chane though
       Hooray, one gets stuck!
  32.2 Styris to Jayawardene, OUT: goes for a big airy drive straight,
        skies it and Tuffey breaks the jinx at long off and holds it well,
        falls over after catching it

       Sri Lanka 125/3, Partnership of 69
       DPMD Jayawardene  c Tuffey b Styris  38 (51b 4x4 0x6)
       MS Atapattu 58* (96b 7x4) SB Styris 2.2-0-11-1

       3 actually 4 let offs for Sri Lanka then finally one went home
       Atapattu has had 3 let offs, needs to be a betting man and win big
        tonight

Match State: Drinks

       The loss of Parore is obvious
  32.3 Styris to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover
  32.4 Styris to Atapattu, one run, pushed to point for a quickie
  32.5 Styris to Arnold, no run, on the pads A loud appeal but declined by
        umps, shaving leg so got the benefit
  32.6 Styris to Arnold, no run, turned to midwicket

End of over 33 (1 run) Sri Lanka 126/3 (RR: 3.82 RRR: 93/17 = 5.47)
SB Styris 3-0-12-1 - Pavilion End
MS Atapattu 59* (98b 7x4) RP Arnold 0* (2b)

  33.1 Harris to Atapattu, one run, sweeps to miod wicket
  33.2 Harris to Arnold, no run, pushed back to the bowler
  33.3 Harris to Arnold, no run, pushed to point
  33.4 Harris to Arnold, no run, defends
  33.5 Harris to Arnold, FOUR, a nice pull of a gifted short ball by
        Harris just as the pressure was mounting on the Lankan batters
  33.6 Harris to Arnold, no run, defends it back

End of over 34 (5 runs) Sri Lanka 131/3 (RR: 3.85 RRR: 88/16 = 5.50)
CZ Harris 7-0-26-0 - Sharjah Club End
MS Atapattu 60* (99b 7x4) RP Arnold 4* (7b 1x4)

  34.1 Styris to Atapattu, one run, angling to leg, flicked to mid wicket
  34.2 Styris to Arnold, no run, comes forward and defends
  34.3 Styris to Arnold, no run, pushed back to the bowker
  34.4 Styris to Arnold, no run, pushed to cover
  34.5 Styris to Arnold, no run, turned to short mid wicket
  34.6 Styris to Arnold, one run, steered to third man

End of over 35 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 133/3 (RR: 3.80 RRR: 86/15 = 5.73)
SB Styris 4-0-14-1 - Pavilion End
RP Arnold 5* (12b 1x4) MS Atapattu 61* (100b 7x4)

  35.1 Harris to Arnold, no run, turned to short mid wicket
  35.2 Harris to Arnold, no run, pushed into the covers
  35.3 Harris to Arnold, no run, pushed back
  35.4 Harris to Arnold, one run, turned to fine leg
  35.5 Harris to Atapattu, no run, pushed to cover, the faster ball almost
        gets through
       Wow we have a game on now!
  35.6 Harris to Atapattu, OUT: tried an over the top shot but did not get
        hold of it, went to Butler at mid on who held a fine diving catch
        there low and lost his dark glasses in the process

       Sri Lanka 134/4, Partnership of 9
       MS Atapattu  c Butler b Harris  61 (102b 7x4 0x6)

End of over 36 (1 run) Sri Lanka 134/4 (RR: 3.72 RRR: 85/14 = 6.07)
CZ Harris 8-0-27-1 - Sharjah Club End
RP Arnold 6* (16b 1x4) 

       Butler dove to his right and held on inches off the ground
  36.1 Styris to Arnold, no run, defends it back
  36.2 Styris to Arnold, no run, defends again, hopping up
  36.3 Styris to Arnold, no run, faster ball, kalu tries a pull, misses
        and hit in the midriff
  36.4 Styris to Arnold, legbye: one run, ran to leg, Nevin runs and
        collects, they went thru for a suicidal run and his throw in
        misses by a fraction
  36.5 Styris to Kaluwitharana, one run, turned to square leg
  36.6 Styris to Arnold, no run, pushed to cover

End of over 37 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 136/4 (RR: 3.68 RRR: 83/13 = 6.38)
SB Styris 5-0-15-1 - Pavilion End
RS Kaluwitharana 1* (1b) RP Arnold 6* (21b 1x4)

  37.1 Harris to Kaluwitharana, no run, pushed back
  37.2 Harris to Kaluwitharana, no run, golly how unlucky can a team get,
        tried to turn it got a leading edge. looped over Harris to fall
        behind him
  37.3 Harris to Kaluwitharana, no run, steered to point
  37.4 Harris to Kaluwitharana, one run, turned to mid wicket
  37.5 Harris to Arnold, one run, driven to wide of mid on
  37.6 Harris to Kaluwitharana, no run, prods it forward as the run rate
        pressure mounts up a bit

End of over 38 (2 runs) Sri Lanka 138/4 (RR: 3.63 RRR: 81/12 = 6.75)
CZ Harris 9-0-29-1 - Sharjah Club End
RP Arnold 7* (22b 1x4) RS Kaluwitharana 2* (6b)

  38.1 Styris to Arnold, no run, chopped to point and have to rush back
        after thhinking of a run, fast spirited fielding by the NZers
  38.2 Styris to Arnold, no run, pushed back, some reverse swin in play
        now
  38.3 Styris to Arnold, no run, on the middle stump, swings to the off a
        bit
  38.4 Styris to Arnold, no run, chopped to backward of point, Chris
        Harris recovers and slaps it in, poor calling and almost caught
        short rushing back
  38.5 Styris to Arnold, one run, swept to fine leg
  38.6 Styris to Kaluwitharana, no run, drives outside off, misses it
        completely

End of over 39 (1 run) Sri Lanka 139/4 (RR: 3.56 RRR: 80/11 = 7.27)
SB Styris 6-0-16-1 - Pavilion End
RP Arnold 8* (27b 1x4) RS Kaluwitharana 2* (7b)

  39.1 Harris to Arnold, FOUR, tossed upto him and fine straight drive,
        runs all the way over the long off rope
  39.2 Harris to Arnold, one run, lofted to long off, again a bounce first
        in front of the fielder
  39.3 Harris to Kaluwitharana, no run, on off stump, defends it to cover
  39.4 Harris to Kaluwitharana, one run, sweeps it to fine leg
  39.5 Harris to Arnold, two runs, full toss, swept to deep mid wicket
  39.6 Harris to Arnold, no run, a shout of wait as its turned to leg and
        a good spell by Harris ends

End of over 40 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 147/4 (RR: 3.67 RRR: 72/10 = 7.20)
CZ Harris 10-0-37-1 - Sharjah Club End
RS Kaluwitharana 3* (9b) RP Arnold 15* (31b 2x4)

  40.1 Styris to Kaluwitharana, no run, rapped in front loud appeal and
        inexplicably declined by ump Tiffin, could only have been for
        height as everyother question mark had been answered
  40.2 Styris to Kaluwitharana, two runs, turned to deep square
  40.3 Styris to Kaluwitharana, no run, comes forward and defends
  40.4 Styris to Kaluwitharana, one run, pushed to long on and the 150 is
        now up
  40.5 Styris to Arnold, one run, flicks at it gets an outer edge just
        inches past Styris's reach, the jinx continues
  40.6 Styris to Kaluwitharana, no run, pushed back

End of over 41 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 151/4 (RR: 3.68 RRR: 68/9 = 7.56)
SB Styris 7-0-20-1 - Pavilion End
RP Arnold 16* (32b 2x4) RS Kaluwitharana 6* (14b)

       Astle brought on, is this the breakthru bowler, lets find out
  41.1 Astle to Arnold, one run, cuts to point
  41.2 Astle to Kaluwitharana, FOUR, cuts it fine to third man, no one
        there, was not intended for that area but to point
  41.3 Astle to Kaluwitharana, legbye: two runs, tries a glance, off the
        pads to fine leg
  41.4 Astle to Kaluwitharana, wide: no run, down the legside
  41.4 Astle to Kaluwitharana, no run, rapped on the pads but stretched
        out, missing off says ump Venkat
  41.5 Astle to Kaluwitharana, OUT: plays across a straight one, tries a
        pull that was certainly not the shot to play, ball was low too and
        skidded through

       Sri Lanka 159/5, Partnership of 25
       RS Kaluwitharana  lbw b Astle  10 (18b 1x4 0x6)
       RP Arnold 17* (33b 2x4) NJ Astle 0.5-0-6-1 (1w)

       Astle has proved to be the break thru man, (Hint: see earlier
        comm!)
  41.6 Astle to Chandana, no run

End of over 42 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 159/5 (RR: 3.79 RRR: 60/8 = 7.50)
NJ Astle 1-0-6-1 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
RP Arnold 17* (33b 2x4) UDU Chandana 0* (1b)

  42.1 Styris to Arnold, one run, chopped to thircd man
  42.2 Styris to Chandana, FOUR, drives to long off
  42.3 Styris to Chandana, no run, a sharp prod to point a fast throw in
        and the batsman has to rush back a good piece of cricket
  42.4 Styris to Chandana, no run, pushed to mid on
  42.5 Styris to Chandana, (noball) one run, driven to long on
        a possible run out coming up, tv called in
  42.5 Styris to Arnold, one run, prodded to backward point a dive by
        Harris there as he throws the bails actually taken off by Nevin as
        the direct hit missed, replays shows he was just in, green light
  42.6 Styris to Chandana, no run, driven to mid on

End of over 43 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 167/5 (RR: 3.88 RRR: 52/7 = 7.43)
SB Styris 8-0-28-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
RP Arnold 19* (35b 2x4) UDU Chandana 5* (6b 1x4)

  43.1 Astle to Arnold, one run, pusnced to cover for a quick run
  43.2 Astle to Chandana, two runs, nicely cut to deep extra cover
  43.3 Astle to Chandana, one run, driven to long off, think of two but
        decide not to
  43.4 Astle to Arnold, no run, beaten outside off, ball swung  to the off
  43.5 Astle to Arnold, one run, driven to extra cover
       We have a green ball so its being changed now
  43.6 Astle to Chandana, one run, turned to mid wicket

End of over 44 (6 runs) Sri Lanka 173/5 (RR: 3.93 RRR: 46/6 = 7.67)
NJ Astle 2-0-12-1 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
UDU Chandana 9* (9b 1x4) RP Arnold 21* (38b 2x4)

  44.1 Styris to Chandana, no run, defends it back
  44.2 Styris to Chandana, OUT: driven in the air way up high and Tuffey
        under pressure as it had gone way up, runs back and holds a fine
        catch behind his head too, great effort there at long on

       Sri Lanka 173/6, Partnership of 14
       UDU Chandana  c Tuffey b Styris  9 (11b 1x4 0x6)
       RP Arnold 21* (38b 2x4) SB Styris 8.2-0-28-2 (1nb)

  44.3 Styris to Arnold, legbye: one run, a loud appeal declined, probably
        too high
  44.4 Styris to Vaas, OUT: a straightforward catch at mid off, was trying
        a big lofted hit and the ball rushed him

       Sri Lanka 174/7, Partnership of 1
       WPUJC Vaas  c McMillan b Styris  0 (1b 0x4 0x6)
       RP Arnold 21* (39b 2x4) SB Styris 8.4-0-28-3 (1nb)

  44.5 Styris to Zoysa, one run, tries a drive to leg, gets an outer edge
        to third man
  44.6 Styris to Arnold, wide: no run, down the legside
  44.6 Styris to Arnold, one run, turned to fine leg

End of over 45 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 177/7 (RR: 3.93 RRR: 42/5 = 8.40)
SB Styris 9-0-31-3 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
RP Arnold 22* (40b 2x4) DNT Zoysa 1* (1b)

  45.1 Astle to Arnold, one run, steered to third man as the match now is
        in New Zealands favour
  45.2 Astle to Zoysa, one run, driven to long off
  45.3 Astle to Arnold, one run, flicked to short fine leg
  45.4 Astle to Zoysa, one run, driven to cover and scramble a quick run
  45.5 Astle to Arnold, no run, tries a pull, misses, hits Nevin on the
        pads and ball runs away, collects and smiles, the best medicine
        for misery
  45.6 Astle to Arnold, OUT: goes for a late cut but lo and behold, an
        absolutely ecstatic Nevin gloves it, hops up and down for joy, all
        is forgiven now, lad!

       Sri Lanka 181/8, Partnership of 7
       RP Arnold  c Nevin b Astle  24 (44b 2x4 0x6)

End of over 46 (4 runs) Sri Lanka 181/8 (RR: 3.93 RRR: 38/4 = 9.50)
NJ Astle 3-0-16-2 (1w) - Sharjah Club End
DNT Zoysa 3* (3b) 

  46.1 Styris to Zoysa, one run, pushed to mid off after that vital wicket
        for New Zealand and Nevin
  46.2 Styris to Muralitharan, one run, flicked to leg for a single
  46.3 Styris to Zoysa, FOUR, flicked over fine leg and thats some relief,
        is it too late is the question?
  46.4 Styris to Zoysa, two runs, driven to extra cover
  46.5 Styris to Zoysa, one run, pushed to long off
  46.6 Styris to Muralitharan, two runs, chipped over extra cover for 2
        welcome runs, now NZ need to not panic and SL to get some
        boundaries, a good spell by Styris

End of over 47 (11 runs) Sri Lanka 192/8 (RR: 4.09 RRR: 27/3 = 9.00)
SB Styris 10-0-42-3 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
DNT Zoysa 11* (7b 1x4) M Muralitharan 3* (2b)

  47.1 Oram to Zoysa, one run, a hoik, an inside edge onto his pads and it
        runs to third man, tension rises
  47.2 Oram to Muralitharan, FOUR, Dropped! hit in the air to long off and
        its put down by Frankli and it runs across the rope, o dear!
       Franklin joins the list of droppers
  47.3 Oram to Muralitharan, one run, Murli comes out then goes back and
        pushes it to mid wicket, its now the nerves od steel that will win
        the game for either side
  47.4 Oram to Zoysa, one run, driven to long on
  47.5 Oram to Muralitharan, OUT: Folk I take it all back, hoiked to
        Franklin ay long off and he holds a good one into his chest

       Sri Lanka 199/9, Partnership of 18
       M Muralitharan  c Franklin b Oram  8 (5b 1x4 0x6)
       DNT Zoysa 13* (9b 1x4) JDP Oram 6.5-0-31-1

       A great game here, 20 to win off 13 balls and last man in
  47.6 Oram to Fernando, no run, a yorker attemp and Buddika digs it back

End of over 48 (7 runs) Sri Lanka 199/9 (RR: 4.15 RRR: 20/2 = 10.00)
JDP Oram 7-0-31-1 - Sharjah Club End
DNT Zoysa 13* (9b 1x4) TCB Fernando 0* (1b)

       A game that confirms the mastery of NZ over SL in Sharjah
       New Zealan have won 5 of the seven games against SL here
  48.1 Tuffey to Zoysa, one run, turned to mid wicket
  48.2 Tuffey to Fernando, one run, driven to long off, they need
        boundaries now"
  48.3 Tuffey to Zoysa, FOUR, full toss gifted, flicked in the air to fine
        elg
  48.4 Tuffey to Zoysa, no run, outside off, misses, just past the edge
  48.5 Tuffey to Zoysa, one run, pushed to long off
  48.6 Tuffey to Fernando, one run, driven to cover and they have 12 off
        the next six balls

End of over 49 (8 runs) Sri Lanka 207/9 (RR: 4.22 RRR: 12/1 = 12.00)
DR Tuffey 8-3-28-1 - Pavilion End
TCB Fernando 2* (3b) DNT Zoysa 19* (13b 2x4)

       Charita has to decide to pass the strike or not,
       Well I cant wait to score but to say NZ win off a run out!
  49.1 Oram to Fernando, no run, pushed straight, ball hits the stumps,
        Jacob Oram has the presence of mind to pick up the ball, rush back
        and uproot the stumps to fine Buddika well short, what an effort
        by the outside chance team that all were saying stood no chance
        against the lanka

       Sri Lanka 207/10, Partnership of 8
       TCB Fernando  run out (Oram)  2 (4b 0x4 0x6)

       New Zealand won by 11 runs, a great game it was too
       The final session after the last drinks break was NZ all the way
        and despite the dropped catches they fielded like tigers, not
        giving up and persistence paid off, the ket was Arnold who finally
        gave way towards the end
       A solid display by NZ and SL will need to think about playing under
        pressure after a slow start and loss of their skipper early
       New Zealand will be wondering when the dropped catches jinx would
        end but finally were the better team of the day, completing 6 wins
        over Sri Lanka at Sharjah out of 8 played so far
       The next match from Sharjah will be on Thursday at 11:00GMT when
        New Zealand take on Pakistan, please join us for it
       We have some news on Fleming who has not gone to a hospital but
        split his finger and has had it looked after
       Cermonies on, Jayasuriya says bowlers did well but our batting
        collapsed, mahela and marvan got out to pressurise us
       Says Murli bowled really well
       Most boundaries goes to Atapattu
       Most runs award to Atapattu too
       man of the Match to Jacob Oram for his hitting a wicket and a run
        out
       Says he enjoyed it after injury, my job is to bowl straight and
        keep runs down
       Pitch is on slow side and very different from home
       McMillan comes in as standby captain and says it was a good effort
        by all, and the fem is sore but should be fine in a day or two
       Murli was difficult and on a slow turner is almost unplayable, we
        are on a bit of a roll and is happy all round
       Hope you liked our coverage and any comments to comms@cricinfo.com
       Good night all

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Date-stamped : 09 Apr2002 - 23:04