Cricket: Bond rules rematch - and captain is stoked

It was initially an inauspicious return for Shane Bond, but New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes the fast bowler's rapid recovery proves he is over the worst of his resurrection as an international cricketer.

Bond's comeback to the New Zealand side for the first time since late 2007 was initially a chastening experience, as Sri Lankan destroyer Tillakaratne Dilshan took four consecutive boundaries from his first over on Wednesday night.

But Bond ruled their rematch at R Premadasa Stadium, dislodging Dilshan with the fifth ball to help set up a 22-run win in the second and final Twenty20 clash.

The Sri Lanka opener could not resist flicking a delivery to Martin Guptill, one of only two boundary riders.

Dilshan's explosive 57 was not enough to secure a Sri Lankan victory in game one so his single on Friday was never going to aid the side's cause. Bond finished with figures of three for 18 from four overs.

Vettori was delighted with the 34-year-old's efforts. Asked how he gauged Bond's contribution the captain smiled: "Seven of his overs have been outstanding. You couldn't really ask for too much more. It's great for him to start the way he has and I think he'll get better and better."

Bond was employed at the top and tail of the opposition's run chase and made crucial breakthroughs at both ends.

"Taking the new ball and then coming back at the death ... I've been really impressed with the way he bowled then. He looks confident and when Shane's confident, he's a really good bowler.

"I think we'll see more of that as the one-day series goes on. This series will take the nerves away from him and he'll be able to concentrate on playing cricket now."

Bond was comfortably New Zealand's most economical bowler on Friday. While the batting of Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptill were the cornerstones of New Zealand's daunting 170 for four, Dilshan's early departure was essential to ease the tension.

"Shane stood up and said he wanted to do that job," Vettori enthused. "We had some good plans [for Dilshan] and they worked. It's always great when that happens because you work pretty hard and sometimes it doesn't work out."

Bond's next challenge is his first ODI since the 2007 World Cup semifinal loss to Sri Lanka in Jamaica.

The Twenty20 clean sweep boosted morale in the wake of a dispiriting test series.

Vettori could finally savour a collective effort. He had been unusually expensive and so entrusted McCullum with the slow bowling responsibilities. Three balls later, the offspinner snapped Sri Lanka's only viable stand.

Mahela Jayawardene (41) was superbly caught by an airborne Jesse Ryder to end a 67-run partnership with captain Kumar Sangakkara for the fourth wicket.

McCullum had allrounder Angelo Mathews nabbed by the end of his first over to put the outcome beyond doubt.

Ryder scooped the man of the match and man of the series awards, his 52 from 37 balls maintaining the impetus after McCullum missed his half century. Ryder's outstanding performance in the field strengthened his claims to the man of the series award.

- NZPA