Slow pitch helps NZ edge S Lanka in US
Monday, 24 May 2010
FORT LAUDERDALE (Florida), May 23 (AFP): New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 28 runs in the first of two Twenty20 matches Saturday as international cricket made an historic attempt to break into the American market.
However, the format's reputation as a carnival of brutal power-hitting suffered on a slow, lifeless pitch at the 20,000-capacity Central Broward Regional Park Stadium at Lauderhill.
New Zealand struggled to a modest 120-7 off their 20 overs before Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 92.
On a day of tough batting and bowling conditions, only two sixes were hit in the entire match, which was hardly the kind of advertisement the International Cricket Council (ICC) would have wanted.
Saturday's match and a second on Sunday are the first cricket games on US soil between two ICC full members.
However, the format's reputation as a carnival of brutal power-hitting suffered on a slow, lifeless pitch at the 20,000-capacity Central Broward Regional Park Stadium at Lauderhill.
New Zealand struggled to a modest 120-7 off their 20 overs before Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 92.
On a day of tough batting and bowling conditions, only two sixes were hit in the entire match, which was hardly the kind of advertisement the International Cricket Council (ICC) would have wanted.
Saturday's match and a second on Sunday are the first cricket games on US soil between two ICC full members.