Cricket Highlights, Dec 26: Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand (1st T20) – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

NZ VS SL (1st T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling first T20I match between NZ and SL, held under the lights at Mount Maunganui on December 28, 2024, as part of Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand. The match showcased intense cricketing action, with New Zealand securing a narrow 8-run victory. 

The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui Batting first, the hosts set a competitive target of 173 runs, scoring 172/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sri Lanka fought valiantly in their chase but fell just short, managing 164/8 despite some spirited performances. This closely contested game set the stage for an exciting series between the two teams.

The Kiwi top order struggled to build momentum early on, with Tim Robinson (11 off 9), Rachin Ravindra (8 off 14), and Mark Chapman (15 off 13) failing to convert their starts. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Binura Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana, kept the pressure on with disciplined bowling. 

Fernando claimed two key wickets, including Robinson and Ravindra, while Theekshana’s spin accounted for Daryl Mitchell (62 off 42) and Michael Bracewell (59 off 33), who were instrumental in anchoring the New Zealand innings.

Daryl Mitchell played a vital role in stabilizing the innings during the middle overs. His 62-run knock featured four boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his ability to handle the spinners and accelerate when needed. 

Michael Bracewell added the much-needed late fireworks, smashing four fours and four sixes to lift the scoring rate. Despite the late assault, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga managed to pick up crucial wickets in the death overs, preventing NZ from crossing the 180-run mark.

In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was largely powered by opener Pathum Nissanka, who played a scintillating knock of 90 off 60 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and three sixes, providing SL with a strong foundation. Nissanka was well-supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored a brisk 46 off 36 balls with six fours and a six. The duo’s partnership of 121 runs for the first wicket put Sri Lanka in a commanding position by the 14th over.

However, the game turned dramatically after the dismissals of Mendis and Nissanka in quick succession. Jacob Duffy’s incisive bowling dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order, as he claimed three crucial wickets for just 21 runs in his four overs. 

Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Wanindu Hasaranga tried to steady the innings but failed to find the boundary consistently under pressure. The late-order collapse, combined with some excellent fielding by New Zealand, including two run-outs, ensured that Sri Lanka fell short of the target by eight runs.

Matt Henry (2/28) and Zakary Foulkes (2/41) were also effective with the ball, playing key roles in the death overs. Ultimately, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort and clutch performances at critical moments secured a thrilling victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard

New Zealand– 172/8

Sri Lanka– 164/8(20/20)

Result – New Zealand won by 8 runs

Player of the Match – Jacob Duffy

NZ VS SL Playing XI

New Zealand

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay(WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(WK), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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