ICC World Cup 2015, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Player ratings

Sri Lanka

Tillakaratne Dilshan – 2

After a wonderful series against New Zealand, Dilshan left a lot to be desired with his performance in the opening game, failing with the bat and ball in equal measure. I would give him two for the five overs he bowled which went for 7 runs apiece.

Lahiru Thirimanne – 7

Thirimanne played a beautiful innings at the top of the order for Sri Lanka which gave his team an outside chance of winning the game. But his dismissal in the 22nd over turned the tide in New Zealand’s favour.

Kumar Sangakkara – 6

Sangakkara’s run of form extended into the World Cup as he eased his way to a 38-ball 39 before becoming the victim of the circumstances that the Sri Lankan batsmen had contrived for themselves - getting out trying to score quickly.

Mahela Jayawardene – 0

Jayawardene gets the same amount of points as his contribution in the match – 0. Mahela’s expertise in the slips wasn’t needed much, and with the bat, Mahela disappointed his fans, trying to run down Vettori to third man and edging behind.

Angelo Mathews – 3

Mathews earns only three points, with at least 4 points being slashed off for his poor captaincy. Mathews stubbornly stuck to Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekera despite them going for plenty and failed to bowl out himself and Jeevan Mendis, who was the pick of the bowlers.

In the batting order too, he lacked innovation and imagination as he once again strictly adhered to the norm. Mathews could have used Kulasekera as a floater or at least sandwiched Dimuth Karunaratne between Sanga and Mahela. He did neither as Sri Lanka tried their tested-and-failed method for the umpteenth time.

Dimuth Karunaratne - 1

Karunaratne didn’t do too much with the bat, but his blinder to remove Kane Williamson at long on earns him a point.

Jeevan Mendis - 3

It was expected that Mendis wouldn't have much of a contribution to make in the World Cup, but he grosses points for the two quick wickets he picked up, even though they ultimately made no difference to the result.

Rangana Herath - 6

The wily old fox came to Sri Lanka’s rescue after the Brendon McCullum storm beat the Lankans black and blue. His economy and the wicket of the Kiwi captain gets him 6, but with good support at the other end, he could have garnered more.

Nuwan Kulasekera - 1

Kulasekara didn't deserve much for his effort today, but the wicket he picked up off the last ball makes it compulsory to grant him a solitary point.

Suranga Lakmal - 8

Easily the best Sri Lankan pace bowler today, Lakmal’s accuracy helped Sri Lanka make a comeback during New Zealand’s middle overs. Given the way he bowled, fans thought that he must have been handed the new cherry and they cannot be blamed.

Lasith Malinga - 6

Malinga had a sorry outing but earns six points for his sheer determination to play amidst pain. At the death, despite being wayward, Malinga found some of his old magic, and with time, he is destined to give Sri Lanka some hope.