Reuters
Christchurch, Dec 28: Martin Guptill (93 n o, 30b, 9×4, 8×6) flirted with a world record then had to settle for a New Zealand one as he demolished Sri Lanka’s bowling to guide his side to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in the second ODI here Monday. The win put the Kiwis 2-0 up in the five-match series.
Guptill, who had moved to 46 off 13 balls, had AB de Villiers’ record of 16 balls for a half century in his sights before two yorkers from Nuwan Kulasekara ended the bid. He brought up his 50 off 17 balls, with five boundaries and four sixes, as New Zealand chased down Sri Lanka’s 117 off just 8.2 overs.
Guptill said he had no idea he was close to De Villiers’ record before umpire Richard Illingworth mentioned it. “Richard (Illingworth) said something like I was getting close with a couple of balls to go and then I got a couple of yorkers in there,” Guptill said in a televised interview. “I am pretty happy with the way things are going (but) I’ll take a 90 not out and the win rather than the fastest 50 and getting out.”
Sri Lanka’s senior players were urged by coach Jerome Jayaratne after the first game to step up against New Zealand but again failed against a pace bowling attack without the express speed of Adam Milne.
“It was quite embarrassing,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. “It was a pathetic batting display by the whole unit.”
Matt Henry (4/33) again picked up a four wicket haul and was well-supported by Mitchell McClenaghan (3/32).
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 117 in 27.4 overs (Matt Henry 4/33) lost to New Zealand 118 for no loss in 8.2 overs (Martin Guptill 90 n o) by 10 wickets.
