The BLACKCAPS must look to win their final ICC Champions Trophy group game against Pakistan after a seven-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in Mumbai. .jpg)
Upul Tharanga, a centurion in New Zealand last season, struck 58 as Sri Lanka made light work of chasing down their target of 166.
Tharanga was supported by skipper Mahela Jayawardene (48) as they surpassed the Kiwis’ total within 36 overs.
Muttiah Muralidaran was at his best, taking four wickets for 23 runs as the BLACKCAPS were held to 118 for nine before , who made 46 not out, put on 47 for the last wicket with (10).
was the stand-out top order batsman with 42, but Murali proved irresistible on the Brabourne Stadium track.
and returned from injury, and Patel backed up his stubborn innings with two wickets for 32 from nine overs.
But the reverse leaves the BLACKCAPS needing to defeat Pakistan to reach the semi-final stage.
