Black Caps take serious approach
Source -
tvnz.co.nz
Despite an almost farcical end to the first Twenty20 cricket international against Sri Lanka on Friday, the Black Caps won't take the "hit and giggle" approach for the second.
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 115 in 18.2 overs, batting after winning the toss, and New Zealand survived a brief middle-order collapse to reach the target with nine balls remaining.
Brendon McCullum (28) and Stephen Fleming (17) shared a 51-run opening partnership in 5.5 overs but New Zealand slumped to 86 for five before Astle led the hosts to victory.
Sri Lanka had earlier struggled on a lively pitch, reaching 71 for eight before Lasith Malinga (27) and Dilhara Fernando (21) helped it add 44 runs for its last two wickets.
James Franklin took three for 23 and Andre Adams 2-20 while Michael Mason (one for 19) and Mark Gillespie (one for 13) bowled good spells for New Zealand.
Fernando capped a strong all-round performance for Sri Lanka by taking three for 19.
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