New Zealand and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the fourth of the their seven game ODI series at the Saxton Oval, Nelson on Tuesday. The series is tied at 1-1, after the third fixture was ruined by rain at Eden park in Auckland, and was eventually abandoned.
The teams managed just 28.5 overs in Auckland, during which Martin Guptill showed signs of a return to form, with 66 not out off of 78 deliveries, and Sri Lankan captain snared 3 for 21 from his seven overs.
The opening of the Black Caps innings followed a familiar pattern, with Brendon McCullum making his typically belligerent attack on the opposition’s opening bowlers, scoring 27 of the 32 runs that the hosts scored in the first 6 overs. His approach not only helped to put the visitors on the back foot, but also allowed Guptill to adopt a more circumspect approach, as he sought to ease himself back into form.
The hosts also had the bonus during the curtailed match, of seeing Tom Latham coming in at No. 3 and posting 42, his first significant contribution of the series. However, Ross Taylor once more failed, scoring just three before falling LBW to Matthews. For the Kiwis and their final preparations for the World Cup, the return of Kane Williamson to the side can’t come quick enough.
The tourists are also desperate for the return of a vital member of their team, and who will be central, not so much for their hopes of winning the series against the Kiwis, but to their hopes of making a serious challenge for the title of World Champions.
Even in the twilight of his iconic career, Lasith Malinga would still be welcomed into almost any side in the world, and although in his absence Nuwan Kulasekara has performed admirably with the new ball, his has received precious little back up from the other seamers in the squad.