Cricket Highlights, Nov 10: New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka (2nd T20) – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

NZ vs SL (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd T20I between NZ and SL, which took place in Dambulla on November 10, 2024. The match saw a close contest, with New Zealand managing to defend a modest total of 108 runs. Sri Lanka fought hard but fell short by just 5 runs in their chase, ending with a score of 103. The match provided plenty of excitement, with both teams showing determination, but in the end, it was New Zealand who emerged victorious, taking the win by a narrow margin.

Will Young was the top scorer for New Zealand, making 30 runs off 32 balls before being stumped by Mendis off Hasaranga’s bowling. The middle order struggled, with Mark Chapman (2), Glenn Phillips (4), and Michael Bracewell (0) failing to make a significant impact, leaving the team at a precarious 33/5 by the 7th over. 

Mitchell Hay contributed a brief 3 runs, and Mitchell Santner added 19 runs from 24 balls, but the collapse continued. Josh Clarkson made 24 runs, and Zakary Foulkes scored 6, but New Zealand was bowled out for 108 in 19.3 overs. 

SL bowlers, particularly Wanindu Hasaranga, were exceptional, with Hasaranga taking 4 wickets for 17 runs. Matheesha Pathirana also played a crucial role, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs, as Sri Lanka dominated New Zealand’s batting and dismissed them well before the allotted 20 overs.

In response to New Zealand’s total of 108, Sri Lanka’s chase started with a solid foundation from Pathum Nissanka, who scored 52 runs off 51 balls, anchoring the innings with a strike rate of 101.96. However, the innings quickly faltered as New Zealand’s bowlers applied pressure. 

Sri Lanka’s innings was like a revolving door, with Kusal Mendis (2), Kusal Perera (3), and Kamindu Mendis (1) barely stopping by before heading back to the pavilion at 24/4. Captain Charith Asalanka made an express exit with a duck, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa teased with 15 runs before bidding farewell. Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga managed a meager 3, and Dunith Wellalage added just 1 to the scoreboard.

At 102/9, with just one more run needed, Maheesh Theekshana was dismissed, giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but Nuwan Thushara remained not out as Sri Lanka finished at 103/10 in 19.5 overs. 

NZ bowlers, particularly Lockie Ferguson (3/7) and Glenn Phillips (3/6), played crucial roles in restricting Sri Lanka’s chase. Despite Nissanka’s effort, Sri Lanka fell short by 5 runs, handing New Zealand a narrow but vital win.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard

New Zealand– 108(20)

Sri Lanka– 103(19.5/20)

Result – New Zealand won by 5 runs

Player of the Match – Lockie Ferguson

NZ vs SL Playing XI

New Zealand

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (WK), Mitchell Santner (C), Josh Clarkson, Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Sri Lanka

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

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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