New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2013-14
Wisden's review of the second ODI, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2013-14
15-Apr-2014
At Hambantota, November 12, 2013 (day/night). New Zealand won by four wickets (D/L). Toss: Sri Lanka.
An astonishing last-over assault from Nathan McCullum took New Zealand to a victory that scarcely seemed possible when they slipped to 34 for three - or indeed when they entered the last over needing 20. Neesham took a two and a single off Herath, leaving McCullum on strike with 17 required from four deliveries. He smashed a six and a four over extra cover, then tied the scores on Duckworth/Lewis with another huge six over long-off. Finally, with a flourish reminiscent of his resting brother Brendon, McCullum drilled the last ball over long-on for six more, to finish with 32 from just nine deliveries. Sri Lanka had appeared in charge ever since rain curtailed their innings before halfway, and New Zealand's revised target mushroomed to 198 from 23 overs. Latham, who made 86 from 68 balls, regained some ground in a stand of 93 with Ronchi, but they both fell in the 21st to Kulasekara, who had also taken two wickets in his first over. It looked done and dusted - but then came McCullum.
Man of the Match: T. W. M. Latham.
An astonishing last-over assault from Nathan McCullum took New Zealand to a victory that scarcely seemed possible when they slipped to 34 for three - or indeed when they entered the last over needing 20. Neesham took a two and a single off Herath, leaving McCullum on strike with 17 required from four deliveries. He smashed a six and a four over extra cover, then tied the scores on Duckworth/Lewis with another huge six over long-off. Finally, with a flourish reminiscent of his resting brother Brendon, McCullum drilled the last ball over long-on for six more, to finish with 32 from just nine deliveries. Sri Lanka had appeared in charge ever since rain curtailed their innings before halfway, and New Zealand's revised target mushroomed to 198 from 23 overs. Latham, who made 86 from 68 balls, regained some ground in a stand of 93 with Ronchi, but they both fell in the 21st to Kulasekara, who had also taken two wickets in his first over. It looked done and dusted - but then came McCullum.
Man of the Match: T. W. M. Latham.