Ronchi, Elliott record stand sets up NZ win
Saturday, 24 January 2015
DUNEDIN, Jan 23 (AFP): A record batting blitz by Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott set New Zealand up for an overwhelming 108-run win over Sri Lanka in their fifth one-day international in Dunedin Friday.
In a stunning display of power hitting, Ronchi (170 not out) and Elliott (104 not out) bludgeoned an unbeaten 267 to lift New Zealand from 93-5 to 360-5 in their 50 overs in a world record sixth-wicket stand.
"It was an incredible batting performance by Luke and Grant," said New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.
"After being 90-odd for five, getting us through to that total was something not witnessed too often.
Sri Lanka skipper Lahiru Thirimanne said the partnership made a mockery of their game plan on a green wicket.
New Zealand 360 for 5 (Ronchi 170*, Elliott 104*) beat Sri Lanka 252 (Dilshan 116, Boult 4-44) by 108 runs.