New Zealand return to Eden Park for the first time since the Cricket World Cup as they complete their two-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka. The hosts claimed a three-run win to open the series in dramatic fashion at Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
The Black Caps return to Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday in what will be their first appearance at the ground since a famous win last year. New Zealand clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over South Africa with a ball remaining in the World Cup semi-finals before losing to Australia in the decider.
Sri Lanka will be out to ruin the return as they bid to take something out of a tour during which they have already suffered series losses in Tests and One-day Internationals. The tourists almost made a winning start to the series.
After Martin Guptill (58 off 34) and Kane Williamson (53 off 42) had helped New Zealand make 182-4, Sri Lanka almost completed a memorable chase. Danushka Gunathilaka (46 off 29) and Milinda Siriwardana (42 off 31) led their response, but they fell short.
Trent Boult took man of the match honours after a fine spell, grabbing 3-21 off his four overs. The left-armer's performance pleased bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas, who feels Boult is nearing his best once again.
"He's a world class bowler and he knows what he needs to do to get back to his best, and he's done that," he said. "He's overcome his injury, he's worked really hard and he's reaping some really good rewards now which is great to see."
Sri Lanka made yet another slow start in the T20, slumping to 42-4 after five overs to leave themselves with work to do. An improvement at the top of the order could see them challenge and earn a share of the spoils in the two-match series.
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