New Zealand who were sent into bat scored a moderate 188, but Simon Doull, the New Zealand paceman along with left armer Geoff Allott provided the shocks for the Sri Lankans with a lively spell of pace bowling to reduce the World Champions to 3 wickets for 5 runs in just 3.2 overs.
Sanath Jayasuriya was out to an absolutely brilliant catch by Parore behind the stumps, Atapattu hanging his bat went to the same combination and Allott got the prize wicket of Aravinda de Silva to another fine catch by Astle in the slips.
The variation of pace and direction had the Sri Lanka top order batsmen groping and they looked confused as if batting in the dark. However, Doull after striking the two deadly blows was taken of the firing line by skipper Fleming which would have come as a blessing in disguise for Arjuna Ranatunga and Romesh Kaluwitharana who would have been batting under some pressure with the demise of the three top batsmen.
Doull's first spell read 3-1-10-2 and was replaced by left arm spinner Daniel Vettori. With a menacing partnership blossoming between Kaluvitharana and Ranatunga, Fleming switched his bowlers in short spells. At 50 for 3 Doull was brought back to the attack but did not look that effective with Ranatunga and Kaluvitharana batting with increasing confidence. Ranatunga's batting was always splendidly assured and his strokes clean and crispily made. He also guided Kaluvitharana who gave him admirable support. Ranatunga posted his 50 off 65 balls with six fours. The fourth wicket stand realised 127 runs and when finally Kaluvitharana was run out going for the second run the Lankans had reached 132.
Earlier New Zealand were restricted to 188 by the Sri Lankan bowlers who did a fine job with the support of the fielders. Chaminda Vaas making a come-back to representative cricket bowled with fire and venom. The Kiwis opted for quick singles rather than going for the big hits. The other left armer Nuwan Soysa got the break through when Jayasuriya held a juggling catch to get rid of Astle. Vaas then trapped Stephen Fleming leg before wicket when he was shaping well for 23. The New Zealanders found it difficult in playing the turning ball with Muralitharan taking 3 for 31 in his 10 overs.
The only worthwhile feature in the Kiwi innings was a 60 run stand for the fourth wicket between Adam Parore and Brian McMillan. Only Parore acquitted himself to some degree facing 87 balls and reaching the fence thrice in his valiant effort of 54.
Man of the Match: Arjuna Ranatunga.