Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka upsets New Zealand

 

New Zealand has had a remarkable few months, with their women’s team clinching the T20 World Cup and then achieving a historic whitewash over India in India. Now, as the men’s squad returns to Asia for the white-ball segment of their tour, they will face Sri Lanka in a two-match T20I series. Led by Mitchell Santner, this revamped Kiwi team enters the series as underdogs, much like their women’s team and the Test side in recent months. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, under the guidance of coach Sanath Jayasuriya, is on an upward trajectory following their victories over the West Indies.

Sri Lanka extended their remarkable form, dominating New Zealand in the first T20I at Dambulla with a commanding 4-wicket victory, securing the win with one over to spare.

A brief about 1st T20I:

Event: 1st T20I – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand,

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla,

Date: 09 November 2024, Saturday,

Toss: New Zealand opted to bat first,

Umpires: Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri,

3rd umpire: Ruchira Palliyaguruge,

Referee: Ranjan Madugalle.

Debutant – Mitch Hay (wicket keeper).

New Zealand chose to bat first on what appeared to be a good pitch for batting, and got off to a solid start with a couple of boundaries in the first over bowled by Maheesh Theekshana. However, their early optimism was short-lived as Sri Lankan bowlers struck consistently, leaving New Zealand struggling at 31-3 by the end of the powerplay. It was a tough day at work for debutant Mitch Hay, who was dismissed for a duck on second ball by Matheesha Pathirana.

Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes both managed to score over 20 runs, but New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 135 runs in 19.3 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 20 runs in 3.3 overs. Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana each took 2 wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana added 1 to the tally.

New Zealand innings,

Zakary Foulkes: 27 *(16 balls, 1 four, 1 six),

Michael Bracewell: 27 (24 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)

Dunith Wellalage: 3.3 – 0 – 20 – 3

Nuwan Thushara: 3 – 0 – 14 – 2

 

Sri Lanka didn’t get off to the best start, as Kusal Mendis (0) was dismissed by Mitchell Santner in the second over. However, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera steadied the ship, guiding Sri Lanka to a brisk rate of 8 runs per over, and they reached 49-2 by the end of the powerplay.

New Zealand fought back in the middle overs, picking up three more wickets to keep Sri Lanka under pressure and prevent them from getting closer to the target. However, Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, held his ground, playing a crucial knock of 35 to guide his team across the line and ensure no further setbacks.

Sri Lanka innings,

Charith Asalanka: 35*(28 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes)

Kamindu Mendis: 23 (16 balls, 4 fours)

Zakary Foulkes: 3 – 0 – 20 – 3

Glenn Phillips: 2 – 0 – 12 – 1

 

Match Abstract :

New Zealand fell short with not enough runs on the board, managing just 11 boundaries throughout their innings, while Sri Lanka had already struck 11 boundaries within the first 10 overs of their chase. Captain Charith Asalanka ensured he stayed till the end, and fittingly, it was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, Dunith Wellalage, who sealed the victory with a couple of boundaries in the final overs, adding the perfect finishing touch.

Player of the match – Charith Asalanka.

 

Upcoming,

2nd T20I: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand,

When: 10 November 2024,

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.