END OF OVER:50 | 4 Runs | NZ: 228/9 | RR: 4.56
- Michael Mason4 (6b)
- James Franklin45 (46b)
- Sanath Jayasuriya5-0-28-0
- Chaminda Vaas10-0-46-1
Take a bow James Franklin, his unbeaten 45 was one of the coolest and calmest innings you'll see in ODI day cricket, alongside the ones played by Inzamam, Lara and the like.
Sanath Jayasuriya bowled a fantastic last over defending just a paltry run. He managed five dot balls and no doubt gave several New Zealand fans heartburn. Credit to Michael Mason too for not panicking after playing five dot balls in the last over, credit to Mark Gillespie for digging out umpteen yorkers, credit to Kumar Sangakkara for scoring 89, the highest individual score at this venue. The series is now level at 1-1.
What a match to end 2006, it's been an eventful year and it could not have asked for a more fitting finish. Send us your comments.
Jayawardene says he thought Jayasuriya's experience and him being a left-arm bowler against a right-hand batsman would be a good ploy in the last over. Well he was very nearly right!
Vettori gives credit to Franklin, and it's well deserved. Franklin even played Murali with ease.
Man of the Match: James Franklin. No surprises there, he did everything right and it must have been just terrible watching Mason playing that last over from the other end after taking New Zealand to the threshold of victory. But Mason came through and Franklin's effort wasn't in vain.
Jamie and I have had a blast bringing this game to you. That's it from us at Cricinfo for 2006. Do tune in for the third ODI on January 2. Happy new year everybody. Cheers!
They have to run for anything now.
END OF OVER:49 | 6 Runs 1 Wkt | NZ: 224/9 (1 run required from 6 balls, RR: 4.57, RRR: 1.00)
- James Franklin45 (46b)
- Michael Mason0 (0b)
- Chaminda Vaas10-0-46-1
- Lasith Malinga10-0-53-1
Jayasuriya to bowl the last over, Mason on strike, New Zealand need one run, Sri Lanka need one wicket. Everyone is in the circle.