Cricket Highlights, Nov 9: New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka (1st T20) – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

NZ vs SL (1st T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between NZ and SL in the 1st T20I of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka, held on November 9, 2024, in Dambulla. Despite setting a modest total of 135 runs, New Zealand fought hard, but Sri Lanka managed to chase down the target of 136 with 6 balls to spare. The match was a closely contested affair, with Sri Lanka securing a 4-wicket victory. We will delve into the key moments and performances that shaped this exciting match.

In the 1st T20I of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka, New Zealand posted a total of 135 runs. Despite a lower total from New Zealand, Sri Lanka managed to chase it down with steady contributions from their batters. The match was a close contest, with Sri Lanka’s efficient run chase ensuring the win.

In the 1st T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on November 9, 2024, New Zealand posted a total of 135 runs after being restricted to 19.3 overs. The innings saw a steady stream of wickets falling, with none of the batsmen able to build a significant partnership. 

Tim Robinson (3), Will Young (19), and Mark Chapman (1) were early dismissals, with Young the only one to reach double figures. Glenn Phillips (13) and Michael Bracewell (27) also failed to convert promising starts, while Mitchell Santner’s quickfire 16 and Zakary Foulkes’ unbeaten 27 provided some resistance. 

Ish Sodhi (10) and Jacob Duffy (0) were the final wickets to fall, leaving New Zealand all out for 135. The key bowlers for Sri Lanka were Dunith Wellalage (3/20) and Nuwan Thushara (2/14), while Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana also claimed a wicket each.

NZ’s batting was characterized by quick wickets and failed partnerships, as they struggled to set a competitive total. SL successfully chased down New Zealand’s target of 136 runs, reaching 140/6 in 19 overs to win by 4 wickets.

Sri Lanka’s chase kicked off with a wobble as Kusal Mendis (0) exited stage left thanks to Mitchell Santner’s early strike. Pathum Nissanka (19) soon joined him in the dugout, courtesy of Zakary Foulkes, leaving Sri Lanka teetering at 3/2. But then came the cavalry! Kusal Perera (23) and Kamindu Mendis (23) took the reins, swinging their bats like pros and peppering the boundary. 

Charith Asalanka (35*) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (4) continued the chase, with Asalanka playing a key role in the latter stages. Wanindu Hasaranga (22) and Dunith Wellalage (11*) wrapped up the chase with flair, guiding Sri Lanka to victory with a cozy cushion of 6 balls left in the bag.

The standout bowling performances for New Zealand came from Zakary Foulkes (3/20), while Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell also picked up a wicket each, but the total was ultimately insufficient to defend. Despite a few wickets falling in the middle, Sri Lanka’s steady contributions from the top order and a composed finish from Asalanka and Wellalage guided them to victory.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard

New Zealand– 135(20)

Sri Lanka– 140/6 (19/20)

Result – Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Charith Asalanka

NZ vs SL Playing XI

New Zealand

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

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.