Cricket world cup: Murali magic leaves Black Caps spellbound

Muttiah Muralitharan produced a magical spell to back up Kumar Sangakkara's majestic century as Sri Lanka handed a crushing 112-run defeat to New Zealand in their World Cup Group A match in Mumbai.

The off-spinner picked up four for 25 to skittle out the Black Caps for 153 in 35 overs after Sangakkara's 111 helped Sri Lanka to pile on a competitive 265 for nine.

Sangakkara added 145 with Mahela Jayawardene (66 off 90 balls) for the third wicket before Angelo Mathews' cameo boosted the total. Chasing 266 for victory, New Zealand faltered from the start, losing five frontline batsmen for 92 inside 22 overs and eventually surrendering without any fight in a match which was a dead rubber, with both teams having already progressed to the last eight.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sangakkara and Jayawardene stabilised the innings after both openers were dismissed with just 19 on the scoreboard.

Jayawardene got a huge reprieve on 24, when Nathan McCullum's return catch off the right-hander was ruled not out by umpire Asad Rauf after consultation with his colleagues, despite replays appearing to rule in favour of the Black Caps. Sri Lanka slipped from 210 for four to 239 for eight in a matter of six overs, but Mathews held the tail together with 41 not out off 35 balls.

In reply, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals as half the side was back in the pavilion inside 22 overs.