Sri Lankans looking to add to their success

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE

The third one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played today at the Pallekele Stadium starting at 2.30 p.m. The second game played at the same venue ended in a victory for Sri Lanka on the Duckworth/Lewis system.Sri Lanka will be looking to add to their success.

The New Zealand captain Ross Taylor and seam bowler Andy Ellis who were admitted to hospital with complaints of food poisoning have been discharged after treatment and will be fit to play.

At the time of writing, the weather is fine in Pallekele and it is hoped that a full game of 50 over cricket for each side is played and that there will be no need for Duckworth and Lewis to take strike.

The Kiwis batting first did well to make 250 for 6 in the 50 overs with Ross Taylor making a great 72 and Brad Watling making 55.

When they were in strong position to force a win, the rains came down and with Sri Lanka making 118 for 3 in 22.5 overs and with no further play possible, Sri Lanka were awarded victory on the D/L system.

Tillekeratne Dilshan 37 and skipper Mahela Jayawardene 43 not out batted successfully for the home team. An interesting game of cricket is expected today.