Oram leads New Zealand victory march in inaugural Double Wicket final

Having gone through the series without losing a match, New Zealand were determined to maintain that unblemished record.

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first in the finals of the inaugural Double Wicket World Championship. The Sri Lankans from the start of their innings (extended to 12 overs for the finals), were mixing aggression with caution.

Experienced Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda De Silva led the charge, hitting out to all parts of the ground. In doing so however, he lost his wicket twice and finished with a score of 47. Meanwhile, his partner Mahela Jayawardene gave solid support in scoring 22. The Sri Lankans at the end of their innings must have felt reasonably satisfied, having managed 70 runs. Bowling for New Zealand, Vettori had figures of two for 49, while Oram ended with figures of one for 50. There was one extra in the Sri Lankan innings.

New Zealand wanting to preserve their unbeaten record in the competition were all aggression at the start of their innings. Jacob Oram in particular was merciless on the Sri Lankan bowlers. He hit 13 towering sixes in his innings of 106, and in the process became the only centurion of the competition. His 50 came up off 17 balls, and his century off of 40 balls.

The result of the finals was never in doubt, as the New Zealanders marched steadily toward their target. At the end of 12 overs, New Zealand were 149, with Oram 106, and Vettori 37. There were six extras in the New Zealand innings.

Bowling for Sri Lanka, De Silva ended with figures of none for 82, and Jayawardene two for 84. New Zealand therefore won by 79 runs, and became the first winner of the Double Wicket World Championship, which will be held at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St. Lucia for the next 10 years.

Scores: Sri Lanka 70 (De Silva 47, Jayawardene 22, Extras 1)
Bowling: Vettori two for 49, Oram one for 50

New Zealand: 149 (Oram 106, Vettori 37, Extras 6)
Bowling: De Silva none for 82, Jayawardene 2 for 84
Result: New Zealand won by 79 runs