Martin Guptill continued his rich vein of form as New Zealand cruised to a 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second one-day internationals in Christchurch on Monday.
Chasing a paltry target of 118, Guptill was at his menacing best from the outset and in the process claimed the record for the fastest ODI half-century by a New Zealander, taking mere 17 balls to score 50.
Guptill made 93 not out from a mere 30 balls, which includes eight sixes and nine boundaries, as New Zealand wrapped up the match in just 8.2 overs. Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 17.
Skipper Brendon McCullum, however, couldn’t play a part in the breakneck chase after injuring his back making a diving stop at deep square leg earlier on.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showcased an inept batting display as the tourists were bundled out for 117 within 27.4 overs. None of their batsmen were able to cross the margin of 20.
Fast bowler Matt Henry claimed his consecutive four-wicket hauls, while fellow paceman Mitchell McClenaghan took three wickets as Sri Lanka again struggled on a wicket conducive to strokeplay.
With the win, New Zealand have taken a strong 2-0 lead in the five-match series and will next take on the tourists at Nelson’s Saxton Oval on New Year’s Eve.
