Sri Lanka v New Zealand

At Dambulla, May 13, 2003. Sri Lanka won by five wickets. Sri Lanka 5 pts, New Zealand 1 pt. Toss: Sri Lanka. One-day international debut: H. G. D. Nayanakantha.

Timid batting cost Sri Lanka a bonus point - and almost the match. Requiring just 140, Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana, reunited as an opening pair for the first time in five months, put on 68 in 17 overs. But once Jayasuriya had gone, Sri Lanka lost all momentum, their paralysis such that they needed 18 from the last four overs before Dilshan slogged four successive boundaries off Tuffey to ease the pressure. Fleming felt that play began too soon after the covers were removed - morning rain had reduced the match to 46 overs a side - but although conditions were again bowler-friendly, several batsmen brought about their own downfall. Nayanakantha, a 24-year-old seamer with a distinctive bald head, conceded ten runs to Cairns in his first over, but removed him in his second.

Man of the Match: R. S. Kaluwitharana.