OTD| Luke Ronchi-Grant Elliott power duo shattered records with stunning 267-run partnership against Sri Lanka for 6th wicket in 2015

This is a memorable day for New Zealand cricket as the two former Kiwi players, Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliot, formed a breathtaking 267-run partnership against Sri Lanka for 6th wicket in 2015. This partnership broke multiple records and propelled New Zealand to a memorable win over Sri Lanka. 

Series on the line

New Zealand and Sri Lanka were playing a long 7-match ODI series. The home side, New Zealand, had a 2-1 lead in the series and one match ended with no result due to rain. It was important for New Zealand to win this match somehow in order to consolidate their position in the series. 

The Sri Lankan captain won the toss at Dunedin and opted to invite New Zealand to bat first. Sri Lanka achieved initial success as New Zealand got off to a disappointing start. The Kiwis lost half of their side in the first 20 overs. They were 93/5 when Luke Ronchi came into bat with the experienced Grant Elliott. It was a very tricky situation for New Zealand but the perseverance from the two batters cleared the path for the Kiwis. Ronchi and Elliot counter-attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers and the initiative was taken by Luke Ronchi. Elliot played cautiously but he also showed intent in the end. 

Luke Ronchi was phenomenal as he did not let Sri Lanka cause any further blows and his partnership with Elliot exhibited how others should have batted on that track. The duo stayed unbeaten till the last ball and guided New Zealand to a mammoth total of 360 runs. The wicketkeeper-batter ended up with 170 runs off just 99 deliveries whereas Grant Elliot scored 104 runs off 96 balls. 

In the second innings, the New Zealand bowling unit dominated the proceedings and forced Sri Lanka to surrender. Eventually, the Kiwis won the match by a huge margin of 108 runs and Grant Elliot was awarded the player of the match as he picked up a couple of wickets as well. 

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