Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by five wickets in the first World Cup semi final played at the R. Premadasa stadium Colombo. New Zealand were bowled out in the 49th over by Sri Lanka for 217 runs after Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis got three wickets. Tillakaratne Dilshan once again performed at the top of the order with a patient 73 while Captain Kumar Sangakkara scored 54.
Tim Southee picked up three wickets for 57 runs and caused some nervous moments in the middle of the game but Sri Lanka finally got to the total with 13 balls remaining.
India and Pakistan will play their semi final tomorrow at Mohali to stand a chance to meet Sri Lanka in the World Cup final in Mumbai on April 2.