†NEW ZEALAND v SRI LANKA 1987-88

At Adelaide, January 9. New Zealand won by four wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. Giving one of their best displays of the tour, the Sri Lankans lost to New Zealand mainly because of inexperience, which revealed itself in the final overs. Jeff Crowe, the New Zealand captain, omitted himself from the team on account of his poor form, and watched nervously - occasionally while substitute fielder - as four of the top Sri Lankan batsmen hammered the New Zealand bowling. Mahanama (51 from 85 balls) and Aravinda de Silva (51 from 56) provided attacking cricket for the small crowd. Acting-captain Wright and Jones added 102 for New Zealand's second wicket in 22 overs, but after a stutter 6 runs were required from the final three balls. Blain hit a two and then a boundary to claim victory with a ball to spare.

Man of the Match: R. J. Hadlee. Attendance: 4,023.