A destructive opening spell by Chaminda Vaas contributed to Sri Lanka’s 189-run win at Eden Park to take The National Bank ODI Series against the BLACKCAPS to a fifth and final game.
Vaas backed up a record-breaking knock by Sanath Jayasuriya and another important contribution by Kumar Sangakkara as the tourists claimed a comprehensive victory.
Mark Gillespie claimed three Sri Lanka top-order wickets to halt Sri Lanka’s progress, but he was bested by Vaas, whose spell of three wickets for 10 runs off eight overs proved decisive.
Lasith Malinga followed up to take three for 14 off to give the tourists their biggest win against the BLACKCAPS, who were skittled out for 73.
Jayasuriya’s knock included a devastating spell in which he hit four sixes off five balls faced to surpass Shahid Afridi as the world’s leading one-day international six-hitter.
But Sangakkara continued where his senior colleague left off, making a composed 79 to negotiate the middle overs as the tourists made 262 for six.
Stephen Fleming returned to the BLACKCAPS XI ahead of a potential series decider.
However, the skipper saw counterpart Mahela Jayawardene win the toss and electing to bat.
Jayasuriya clearly has his eye on the world ODI six-hitting record, and he launched a one-man demolition on the home attack after negotiating his first 50.
Standing one adrift of big-hitting Pakistan star Afridi, Jayasuriya let go after building a 50 partnership with Upul Tharanga.
The left-hander hit five massive hitting five sixes to reach his 50 in 32 balls, with Sri Lanka’s second 50 coming off only 22 balls.
But a cut off Gillespie fell short of the boundary and into the hands of Michael Mason, the chief victim’s of the veteran’s earlier onslaught.
Sangakkara continued, with a less spectacular but vital innings, and Marvan Atapattu (34) and Farheez Maharoof, with a rapid 21, bolstering the target.
The chase was on, but Vaas was at his best.
He removed Fleming, Ross Taylor and Hamish Marshall (zero, zero and three respectively), with Maharoof accounting for Brendon McCullum (17).
Craig McMillan delivered a determined 29 to top score, but could not find a partner as the New Zealanders’ innings dissolved.
Malinga picked up the slack, removing three for 14 to remove the middle order as Vaas did the top.
The result leaves both sides seeking victory in Tuesday’s decider at Seddon Park.
