New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2014-15
Wisden's review of the first ODI, New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2014-15
15-Apr-2015
At Christchurch (Hagley Oval), January 11, 2015. New Zealand won by three wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka.
A year on from his 36-ball century against West Indies, Anderson - after missing the Tests with a groin strain - knuckled down to steer New Zealand home in a tricky run-chase. It gave them victory in their first one-day international at Hagley Oval - something of a trial run for the World Cup opening game between these sides here a month later. Brendon McCullum returned to the top of the order for the first time in nearly four years, and approached it like a Twenty20 innings: his 19-ball fifty equalled the national record he already shared with Ross Taylor (rested here). Consequently, New Zealand rarely seemed under much pressure, even after slipping to 77 for four, then 149 for six. But Anderson held firm, and they were left needing just ten more after he was out. Sri Lanka had been unable to summon enough support for Jayawardene, who produced a masterful century in his first innings of the tour. Milne, given the new ball in the absence of Tim Southee, was fast and accurate, while McClenaghan burnished his death-bowling credentials with three wickets in the 47th over.
Man of the Match: C. J. Anderson.
A year on from his 36-ball century against West Indies, Anderson - after missing the Tests with a groin strain - knuckled down to steer New Zealand home in a tricky run-chase. It gave them victory in their first one-day international at Hagley Oval - something of a trial run for the World Cup opening game between these sides here a month later. Brendon McCullum returned to the top of the order for the first time in nearly four years, and approached it like a Twenty20 innings: his 19-ball fifty equalled the national record he already shared with Ross Taylor (rested here). Consequently, New Zealand rarely seemed under much pressure, even after slipping to 77 for four, then 149 for six. But Anderson held firm, and they were left needing just ten more after he was out. Sri Lanka had been unable to summon enough support for Jayawardene, who produced a masterful century in his first innings of the tour. Milne, given the new ball in the absence of Tim Southee, was fast and accurate, while McClenaghan burnished his death-bowling credentials with three wickets in the 47th over.
Man of the Match: C. J. Anderson.