Avenging Bond back in form for New Zealand

COLOMBO - Fast bowler Shane Bond roared back to form for New Zealand at R Premadasa Stadium last night, dislodging Tillekartne Dilshan with the fifth ball of his opening over to help set-up New Zealand’s 22-run victory in the second and final Twenty20 clash.

Bond avenged his treatment in the best manner possible when the opener could not resist flicking a delivery to Martin Guptill, one of only two boundary riders, near the square leg rope.

Dilshan’s explosive 57 was not enough to secure a Sri Lankan victory in game one so his single last night was never going to aid the side’s cause as they suffered a fourth straight Twenty20 defeat at the venue.

Bond finished with figures of three for 18 from his four overs, as Gihan Rupasinghe and Nuwan Kulasekara were mopped up at the death.

Vettori was delighted with the 34-year-old’s efforts during the latest phase of his recall.

Asked how he gauged Bond’s contribution to the 2-0 series sweep the captain smiled: “Seven of his overs have been outstanding. You couldn’t really ask for too much more. It’s great for him to start the way he has and I think he’ll get better and better.” (ANI)