Johannesburg, September 27: Riding on a splendid all round show, New Zealand saw off Sri Lanka by 38 runs in a high scoring Group B match to keep their semifinal chances alive in the Champions Trophy here today.
Kiwi Skipper Daniel Vettori shone with both bat and ball in his team’s victory as he first contributed an invaluable 48 and then took two crucial wickets.
Invited to bat, New Zealand overcame a mid-innings collapse to post a challenging 315 for seven and then bundled out Sri Lanka for 277 in 46.4 overs at the New Wanderers Stadium.
Sri Lanka have completed their league engagement with one win and two defeats but they still can make the semifinal grade as all four teams are still in contention in Group B.
Result of the other clashes will decide which team qualifies for the next stage and net run-rate will surely have a major say in deciding that.
Jesse Ryder (74) and Brendon McCullum (46) gave their side a solid start and then Martin Guptill (66) and Vettori with their fiery knocks down the order pushed Kiwis to an impressive 300-plus score.
Sri Lanka were off to a flying start with Tillakaratne Dilshan (41) and Sanath Jayasuriya (24) going berserk but lack of partnerships after their dismissal cost them dear.
Kyle Mills was pretty expensive but emerged the highest wicket taker for Black Caps with his 10-0-69-3 figures. Daryl Tuffey (2/39) and James Franklin (2/40) took two wickets each.
Jayawardene, who was dropped on nought, top scored for Sri Lanka with his 77.
—Agencies