The Hindu : Sport : Astle stars for New Zealand

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Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006
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Astle stars for New Zealand

Nathan Astle in action. — PHOTO: AFP

AUCKLAND: Nathan Astle scored an unbeaten 40 from 37 balls to guide New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 cricket international on Tuesday, tying the two-match series 1-1.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 115 in 18.2 overs, batting after winning the toss, and New Zealand survived a brief middle-order collapse to reach the target with nine balls remaining.

Brendon McCullum (28) and Stephen Fleming (17) shared a 51-run opening partnership in 5.5 overs, but New Zealand slumped to 86 for five before Astle led the host to victory.

Sri Lanka had earlier struggled on a lively pitch, reaching 71 for eight before Lasith Malinga (27) and Dilhara Fernando (21) helped it add 44 runs for its last two wickets.

James Franklin took three for 23 and Andre Adams two for 20, while Michael Mason (one for 19) and Mark Gillespie (one for 13) bowled good spells for New Zealand.

Fernando capped a strong all-round performance for Sri Lanka by taking three for 19.

The scores: Sri Lanka 115 from 18.2 overs (Lasith Malinga 27, Dilhara Fernando 21; James Franklin three for 23, Andre Adams two for 20) lost to New Zealand 116 for five from 18.3 overs (Nathan Astle 40, Brendon McCullum 28; Dilhara Fernando three for 19). — AP

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