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Tri-series: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 3 wickets

Sri Lanka produced a good all-round performance to beat New Zealand by three wickets in the the second game of the One-Day International tri-series in Dambulla.

Three wickets apiece from Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews helped them dismiss New Zealand for 192 before Upul Tharanga’s half-century set up a victory chasing under lights – an infrequent occurrence at the ground – as Sri Lanka closed on 195 for seven.

He stroked 70 in 109 balls and put on 85 for the second wicket with Kumar Sangakkara (48) as Sri Lanka made light of the early dismissal of Tillakaratne Dilshan who became the first of four victims of Kyle Mills when he was caught and bowled for five.

Mahela Jayawardene fell for the same score and to the same bowler after Sangakkara was caught by Martin Guptill off of Scott Styris and after Tharanga’s dismissal, Sri Lanka lost quick wickets as New Zealand almost bowled themselves back into the match.

Mathews (0), Nuwan Kulasekara (7) and Rangana Herath (2) all fell cheaply before it was left to Thilan Samaraweera, unbeaten on 36 in 38 balls, to guide the home side to victory with just under ten overs to spare.

Chamara Kapugedera, batting down the order, made nine not out in as many balls as Mills’ haul of four for 41 proved to be in vain.