Sri Lanka pip New Zealand in Super Over thriller

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Tillakaratne Dilshan cracked a scintillating 76 but it was Lasith Malinga's tight bowling that scripted Sri Lanka's thrilling Super Over victory against New Zealand in the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

New Zealand capitalised on a strong start provided by openers Rob Nicol (58) and Martin Guptill (38) to post 174 for seven wickets after skipper Ross Taylor decided to bat first on a belter of a track at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka's response was even better as Dilshan and Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene (44) added 80 runs in about seven overs in the Group 1 match.

Requiring eight runs off the last over sent down by Tim Southee, Sri Lanka managed seven to finish on 174 for six and forcing the Super Over where a team nominate three batsmen to face six deliveries from a rival bowler.