With a home semi-final to look forward to, the Sri Lanka fans are out in force in Colombo
However they have to wait to see their heroes bat as after New Zealand win the toss Brendon McCullum, who has struggled during the World Cup, initially looks in good touch at the top of the order
But the wicketkeeper plays down the wrong line to a straight one to be bowled by Rangana Herath
The V for victory might be a little early but the dismissal of the dangerous Jesse Ryder for 19 puts Sri Lanka in charge
However the Black Caps regroup with Scott Styris joining Ross Taylor in the middle to set the platform for a late assault
Styris and Taylor often deal in boundaries but they rotate the strike well until Taylor departs, caught in the deep as he tries to up the tempo
And New Zealand's hopes of posting a large total are effectively ended when Murali, with his last international ball in Sri Lanka, catches Styris plumb lbw
The end of the innings, when it comes, is quick - Andy McKay lasting two balls as number 11
New Zealand's hopes of defending their total rest on taking early wickets. they get Upul Tharanga but Tillakaratne Dilshan continues the form that has made him the leading run scorer
As a six exit in the World Cup semi-finals becomes increasingly likely the pain is etched on the faces of the New Zealand players
Not that their effort can be faulted, captain Daniel Vettori setting the example by throwing himself around in the field
Finally a breakthrough as Tim Southee dismisses Dilshan, the opener slicing to Jesse Ryder
And a mini-collapse suddenly gives New Zealand hope that they can repeat their quarter-final heroics, Vettori trapping Jayawardene lbw
But a composed Thilan Samaraweera finds a reliable partner in Angelo Mathews as Sri Lanka hold their nerve to reach a third World Cup final
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