Sri Lanka v New Zealand, 2012-13

At Pallekele, November 4, 2012 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 14 runs (D/L). Toss: New Zealand.

New Zealand reached their highest one-day total in Sri Lanka, then took three important wickets - so they could feel aggrieved at what ended up as their eighth defeat in nine completed one-day internationals. After Nicol and Watling shared a patient stand of 83 in 20 overs, Taylor cracked 72 from 62 balls, and made the most of the new playing conditions, which allowed only four fielders (rather than five) outside the circle during the non-powerplay overs. But New Zealand were kept quiet in the batting powerplay itself, managing only 31, largely against a barrage of short-pitched bowling from Malinga. The Sri Lankans, knowing rain was expected, kept their noses in front: when the downpour finally arrived, after 22.5 overs, the par score was 104. This match and the next had originally been scheduled for Colombo, but were moved when the Premadasa Stadium was flooded.

Man of the Match: S. L. Malinga.