First Semi-Final

Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand
Sri Lanka 289/5 (50 ov)
New Zealand 208 (41.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 81 runs. Mahela Jayawardene, the Man of the Match.
So Sri Lanka enter their second World Cup final (after the memorable one in 1996). New Zealand fail to cross the semi-final stage for the fifth time in World Cups but when they reflect on today they will look back at a truly outstanding knock by Mahela Jayawardene, probably the defining innings of the tournament.

Once Sri Lanka had made 289, New Zealand didn't have much of a chance, especially with the pitch taking turn and Sri Lanka posessing a varied attack. Muralitharan teased and tormented with 4 for 31 while Malinga and Vaas turned in excellent support acts. New Zealand had a chance at 100 for 2 but a collapse of sorts left them high and dry.

Murali said "Wicket turned a bit and Mahela played a brilliant innings so that made Sri Lanka win the match. It was one of the brilliant hundreds.So that's it for today for the first semi-final. Thanks for stopping by , Good night and good luck.