The Black Caps of New Zealand are displaying the sort of form in all formats of the game that is raising the expectations of the Kiwi public to previously unknown level, as the nation prepares to co-host the ICCs 50-over World Cup, along with Australia, in less than a month’s time.
Having defeated the Sri Lanka tourists 2-0 in the Test series, to conclude the most successful year in the nation’s Test playing history, they displayed a clinical side to their performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, that suggests that they are way ahead in their preparations for the World Cup, than their current opponents.
In terms of the current ODI series between the teams, New Zealand’s three wicket at the Hagley Oval, put them 1-0 up, ahead of Thursday’s second fixture in Hamilton.
There was no secret that the Kiwi’s possessed new ball seamers that are capable of ripping the heart out of the opposition’s top order, and that they currently possess a top of the order batting line up, that is as potentially destructive as any in world cricket.
However, they have now discovered some true grit amongst the lower order, and with Corey Anderson appearing to have added some new found maturity to his game, there seems little chance of the tourists being able to square the series in Hamilton, as the hosts build huge momentum going towards the World Cup.
The one bright light for the Sri Lankans is the form of Mahela Jayawardene, who scored a masterful century at Hagley Oval, from a paltry total of 218 for 9, which was never likely to be enough to win the match.
The New Zealand selectors have decided to give Kane Williamson a further 7-10 days’ rest, as he continues his recovery from the shoulder injury he picked up when diving in the field during the first Test in Christchurch. He is likely to be available again for the fifth ODI of the seven match series.