Guptill, Neesham make dynamic ODI returns
ONE had not played international cricket since March, the other had been out of the side for 18 months. But for Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham, it was like they had never been away.
Guptill shone in the Black Caps’ opening ODI against Sri Lanka with a superb 138, before Neesham blasted an incredible 34 from an over, then took three for 38 as the Black Caps claimed a 45run victory at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
In between, Kane Williamson (76) and Ross Taylor (54) provided their usual contributions, as the Black Caps ensured Sri Lanka’s bowling struggles continued, racking up a mammoth 3717 after winning the toss and batting first.
Having won just 17 of their last 59 ODIs since they last visited New Zealand, Sri Lanka were always likely to be up against it in this threematch series, but their bowling was incredibly limp, and their fielding did not help the cause as they were ruthlessly plundered.
Their batting showed more promise — Niroshan Dickwella (76) and Danushka Gunathilaka (43) added 119 for the first wicket in quick time, and Kusal Perera blasted an excellent 86ball 102 as Sri Lanka gave the home side some nervy moments.
However, the target was always going to be too tough, and a pair of horrendous innings from Dinesh Chandimal (10 off 18) and Asela Gunaratne (11 off 23) killed any realistic hope they may have had.
While Trent Boult (265), Matt Henry (187) and Lockie Ferguson (265) copped some early stick, Neesham dismissed both openers, and Ish Sodhi (253) helped increase the required run rate to an unclimbable height as Sri Lanka eventually fell 45 runs short.
Victory always seemed likely after Guptill led the way in his return to ODI cricket, having missed the Pakistan series due to a calf injury. The experienced opener crafted his 14th ODI century in a splendid innings, barely offering the visitors a chance as he mixed power with placement.
Part of his success was admittedly due to a disastrous Sri Lankan bowling display. Captain Lasith Malinga contributed more headhigh noballs (three) than wickets (two) as he was swatted for 78 from 10 overs, Nuwan Pradeep went for 72 from eight, and the Sri Lankan spin duo of Seekkuge Prasanna and Lakshan Sandakan were easily accounted for, going for 60 and 64 runs respectively.
It was the batting against the spinners which was the most impressive part of the innings — at least until Neesham went berserk. Guptill and Williamson expertly accumulated, playing to all areas of the ground in a partnership of 163 — New Zealand’s secondhighest second wicket stand in ODI history.
Williamson looked comfortable once again in reaching 76 off 74 balls, to the point where it was a surprise when he got out, chopping on to Pradeep.
But Guptill and Taylor carried on where he had left off. Taylor smacked a 34ball 50, while Guptill became the fifth New Zealander to reach 6000 ODI runs as he hit 11 fours and five sixes in his 139ball stay.
He ensured the hosts would post a strong total, but Neesham then turned it into a fearsome chase. The recalled allrounder blasted five sixes in the innings’ penultimate over from Thisara Perera, as part of a phenomenal 47 not out from 13 balls, and had a chance to break the record for most runs in an over. With the help of a noball, 33 runs came from the first five deliveries. However, just as an unthinkable
record loomed, Perera finally found his line, and Neesham could swat only a single.
Fifteen more came from the final over to send the Black Caps to their seventh highest ODI score. If not for running out of overs, Neesham would have claimed the fastest ever ODI 50, but his contribution did not end there — three wickets capped off a dream return. — NZME