It could well be argued that it was a good toss to win on a green pitch and seam friendly conditions. However, that being taken into consideration, New Zealand’s knocking down of Sri Lanka in Cardiff was spell bounding by a team which meant business right from the word go.

This also happened to be the third match in a row in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which ended well before the schedule. This was largely because of the massive gap between the skill sets of the two teams. New Zealand’s brand of cricket justified their favorites tag ahead of the game while Sri Lanka seemed to have no answer – neither with the bat nor with the ball.

As a result, New Zealand knocked over Sri Lanka by 10 wickets with a whopping 203 balls remaining.

Here are a few turning points of the match:

1. The toss

On seam friendly conditions and on a wicket that had plenty to offer for the fast bowlers, the toss was always going to be crucial. New Zealand made the best use of the pitch after electing to bowl first. It would however be difficult to conclude if the results could have been otherwise had Sri Lanka won the toss.

2. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson show

A perfect example of how to make the best use of the opportunity at hand was Matt Henry’s bowling spell, who replaced a not-yet-fit Tim Southee. Opening the bowling for New Zealand, Henry picked a wicket off his very second ball to put Sri Lanka on the back foot. Complimenting him was his fellow pacer Lockie Ferguson. Sri Lanka never really recovered from the early blows.

3. Captain, the lone warrior for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was the only positive for Sri Lanka in the match. Not only did the left-handed batsman carried his bat through the innings – becoming only the 12th cricketer and the second Sri Lankan batsman to do so – but in the process showed remarkable composure and calm. Perhaps the skipper’s knock will reignite the hope of Sri Lankan fans and players alike.

4. The openers finish the job for New Zealand

After bowlers put on a remarkable show for New Zealand, it was the batsmen’s turn. And the openers made sure that they finish the job and come back. To chase down 137 in 16.1 overs was just the icing on the cake and further worsened the spirits of the Sri Lankan team who seemed to ask no questions and possess no threat to the opposition batsmen.

Sri Lanka meet Afghanistan and New Zealand meet Bangladesh on 4th June (Tuesday) and 5th June (Wednesday), respectively, in their World Cup campaigns ahead.