A classic innings of 115 not out (109 balls, 10 fours, three sixes) from Mahela Jayawardene and another telling Muttiah Muralitharan display (8-0-31-4) put New Zealand out of the ICC World Cup.
By Garth WattleyThis morning, this fifth semi-final flop for his country must deeply hurt Stephen Fleming, especially how badly his well-prepared side were beaten by Jayawardene and his men and how embarrassingly straightforward was Sri Lanka's passage to their second Cup final.
"I think we were outclassed," he said at the post-game ceremony. "It's probably a true reflection of where the sides are at. They've got some big game players who fronted up today."
Playing arguably the innings of this World Cup, Jayawardene set up Sri Lanka's match-winning total of 289 for five.
Then in humid, overcast afternoon conditions, New Zealand were stifled for rhythm by some irresistible swing bowling at pace by Lasith Malinga which accounted for Fleming with his third ball, and an early wicket for Chaminda Vaas. Then came Murali's destructive intervention.
Re-introduced by Jayawardene in the 24th over at 66 for two, he finished his first spell with the wickets of Jacob Oram, the victim of a smart but disputed return catch; Brendon McCullum, brilliantly caught two-handed by Tillakeratne Dilshan at short fine leg, two-handed and diving; and Daniel Vettori lbw to a doosra he didn't read.
That dismissal left New Zealand a virtually beaten side at 116 for seven in the 26th over. They eventually were all out for 208, thanks to a last wicket partnership of 49 between Jeetan Patel and James Franklin.
