Blackcaps start the tour positively

vs Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI at Colombo 7,8,9th 09.

Day 1

I am pretty excited about this match for two reasons.
1. NZ are playing a first class match after a long time. I have been waiting for this tour for many days.
2. Daryl Tuffey - He was given a chance to play for NZ again. I am a great fan of his bowling and I am expecting him to perform well on this tour.

Its has been good start for NZ getting those quick early wickets. Chris Martin was bowling well along with Daryl Tuffey. Eventhough, Daryl was little bit wayward initially, he got early wicket for NZ.


NZ bowlers were able to got those wickets at regular intervals. All the bowlers bowled very well. It has been good start to the tour.


At the end of the day's play:

New Zealand 43 for 1 trail Sri Lanka Development XI 159 (Chandimal 64, Tuffey 3-41) by 116 runs

Day 2

Good batting practice for NZ batsman:

Daniel Flynn - Looking good; willing to stay at the wicket for longer hours
Ross Taylor - Loved his innings; He should be the mainstay of the NZ innings for the rest of the tour

Jacob Oram - Disappointed me with the bat...
Brendon McCullum - Looks to me as a class act. However, needs to prove lot in tests
Daniel Vettori - I love him.... He bats with total commitment.

New Zealand 437 for 7 (Taylor 93, Vettori 96*, McCullum 78, Flynn 75, Mendis 4-73) lead Sri Lanka Development XI 159 by 278 runs

Day 3

Its a good chance for NZ to win this match. Leading by 278 runs, NZ can go allout for a win. The first thing I would expect is Vettori getting his 100.

As expected, Vettori gets his 100

Surprisingly... after that Jeetan Patel hit some glorious shots

Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI 257 for 6 (Nawela 64*, Paranavitana 51, Udawatte 47, Oram 3-32) and 159 (Chandimal 64) drew with New Zealanders 493 (Vettori 106, Lakshitha 4-96, Mendis 4-91)