Twitter Reactions: Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul helps Kiwis go 2-0 up against Sri Lanka

New Zealand Cricket Team.
(Photo By – Phil Walter/ Getty Images)

Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I at Mount Maunganui on December 30, to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and seal the victory. After a brilliant win in the first match, the Kiwis were much more dominant this time, with their bowlers putting on a comprehensive effort to defend a total of 186/5.

Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss for the second time in this series, backfired as their bowling attack was unable to contain New Zealand’s batters. Tim Robinson (41 from 34), Mark Chapman (42 from 29), and Mitchell Hay (41* from 19) were the best performers with the bat for the hosts. Hay’s knock in the lower order guided the hosts to a total of 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara (1/25) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2/28) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, the tourists had a good start, as Kusal Perera (48 from 35) and Pathum Nissanka (37 from 28) put together a solid 39-run partnership for the second wicket. However, once the middle order crumbled, thanks to the brilliant efforts from the Kiwi bowlers, Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed. Jacob Duffy was the star of the show, claiming figures of 4/15, including a crucial spell in the middle overs where he dismissed four of Sri Lanka’s top and middle-order batters. Mitchell Santner (2/22) and Michael Bracewell (1/30) also played key roles in restricting the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just 14 runs. Charith Asalanka (20) and Kusal Mendis (10) were unable to contribute with the bat, and the tail fell quickly, with the side eventually being bundled out for 141 runs. Hay was awarded the Player of the Match award for his heroics with the bat earlier.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka in second T20I: