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London: Sri Lanka maintained their winning streak to seal a place in the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 with a 49-run victory over New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Ajantha Mendis spun out New Zealand as Sri Lanka roared into the World Twenty20 semi-finals with an emphatic 48-run win at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.
The mystery spinner grabbed 3-9 in three overs as the Black Caps failed miserably to chase down a target of 159 in a must-win game and were shot out for 110 in 17 overs.
Kumar Sangakkara's side went into their final Super Eights clash unbeaten but defeat to the Black Caps would still have spelt the end of their participation due to inferior run-rate.
But a disciplined bowling performance, not least from Ajantha Mendis, who took two wickets in an over on his way to three for nine, ensured their total of 158 for five was more than enough.
Only Martin Guptill (43 from 33 balls) really threatened before Sanath Jayasuriya tempted him into one big shot too many and they capitulated for 110 all out.
Tillekeratne Dilshan had earlier got the Sri Lanka innings off to a fine start with a 37-ball 48, an innings curiously short of the inventive paddles and sweeps he has pioneered in the competition.
Dilshan's opening partner, 39-year-old Jayasuriya, fell for a golden duck to the third ball of the innings but Sangakkara (35) and Mahela Jayawardene unbeaten 41 fared better.
Mendis is the Man of the Match for his spell of 3/9
Earlier, Sangakkara made 35 to anchor his side to 158-5 after he won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket.
Sangakkara put on 62 in 49 balls for the third wicket with Tillakaratne Dilshan and 50 for the fourth with former captain Mahela Jayawardene after he won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket.
Dilshan hit a pugnacious 48 off 37 balls before tapping a catch to the cover fielder off Vettori in the 12th over.
Vettori also removed Sangakkara in the 18th over to a catch in the deep to finish with two for 32 in his four overs.
Jayawardene remained unbeaten on 41 off 29 balls that included the only six of the innings and six fours.
Sri Lanka took a heavy toll of fast bowler Kyle Mills, who went for 41 runs in four overs.
New Zealand removed opener Jayasuriya and Chamara Silva by the fourth over to make it 25-2, before Dilshan and Sangakkara began the rescue act.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 158 for 5 (Dilshan 48, Jayawardene 41*, Sangakkara 35) beat New Zealand 110 (Guptill 43, Mendis 3-9, Udana 2-17) by 48 runs.
