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Scorecard Summary
SRI LANKA 154 (52.4 OVERS)1ST INNINGS
- Upul Tharanga33 (96)
- Chamara Kapugedera37 (86)
- Shane Bond3/43 (13)
- James Franklin3/30 (12)
NEW ZEALAND 206 (85.4 OVERS)1ST INNINGS
- Stephen Fleming48 (158)
- Daniel Vettori63 (114)
- Muthiah Muralidaran4/65 (34)
- Chaminda Vaas3/49 (18)
SRI LANKA 170 (53.1 OVERS)2ND INNINGS
- Kumar Sangakkara*100 (154)
- Upul Tharanga24 (40)
- Shane Bond4/63 (19.1)
- James Franklin2/34 (13)
NEW ZEALAND 119/5 (33 OVERS)2ND INNINGS
- Nathan Astle24 (39)
- Craig Cumming43 (57)
- Muthiah Muralidaran3/34 (14)
- Chaminda Vaas2/33 (12)
END OF OVER:33 | 5 Runs | NZ: 119/5
- Brendon McCullum14 (8b)
- Jacob Oram12 (46b)
- Muthiah Muralidaran14-5-34-3
- Farveez Maharoof3-0-15-0
It's been an intriguing, low-scoring Test and New Zealand have held the advantage, although very slight at times, all the way through. Jayawardene's decision to bat first and Vettori's defiant fifty proved crucial to the final outcome. New Zealand's 52-run lead in the first-innings was invaluable.
Sri Lanka had their moments too, Muralitharan's four wickets in the first innings and Kumar Sangakkara's outstanding century on the third morning. However they just didn't score enough to stretch New Zealand to the limit.
It's been a fascinating Test and I've enjoyed bringing it to you. My favourite oddity from this Test was Craig Cumming being caught thrice of no-balls. That's about it from us at Cricinfo, your commentators for this match have been Binoy George, Sajan Nair and George Binoy. Do join us for the second Test at Wellington beginning on December 15. Cheers.
Match Coverage
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No regrets on controversial run-out - Fleming
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New Zealand clinch five-wicket victory
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New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Christchurch
Match home for the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Christchurch between November 7 and 11, 2006
Vettori steers NZ to 52-run lead
Shane Bond ripped through Sri Lanka during an extraordinary day of Test cricket to leave New Zealand on the verge of victory in the opening Test