On this day in 2015: Martin Guptill’s ferocious innings destroys Sri Lanka

There are several matches in cricket history across formats that are defined by an innings of a player. It may not have necessarily been a century but an equally important knock in the context of the game. Let’s talk of one such awe-inspiring innings from Martin Guptill’s bat that came in 2015.

Sri Lanka meagre with the bat

It happened during the second ODI against a touring Sri Lanka. After winning the toss, Angelo Mathews and co decided to bat first. It was a disappointing batting performance from the visitors, with Nuwan Kulasekara’s 19 being the highest score. Thanks to the fiery Kiwi bowlers, the Lankans were bundled out for a below-par total of 117 runs.

It was Matt Henry who came out all guns blazing to fire the batters in front. He named a four-fer to his credit while conceding just 33 runs in his 9.4 overs. Mitchell McCleneghan also got three wickets to his name. When the chance came for BlackCaps to chase the score, there was no looking back for Guptill.

Guptill unleashes himself

Guptill opened the innings with Tom Latham, who didn’t have to worry at all due to the explosive bat show by his partner. Guptill wreaked havoc on the Lankan bowlers and broke their backs as he smashed 93 runs from 30 balls. His strike rate flew over 300, and his innings was laced with 9 fours and 8 sixes, making the chase look like a walk in the park. Thanks to his sheer brilliance, New Zealand won the game with 10 wickets in hand in just 8.2 overs.

All the credit for New Zealand’s humongous win went to their bowlers and Guptill, of course. He was named the player of the match, and NZ took a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. Though Guptill hammered all bowlers, he devastated Dushmantha Chameera and Jeffrey Vandersay, who was playing his debut game.