The primary T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka delivered a nail-biting contest because the Blackcaps staged a dramatic comeback to win by 8 runs, taking a 1-0 lead within the three-match collection.
New Zealand units a decent goal
Opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka restricted the hosts to a aggressive whole of 172/8 of their 20 overs, with standout performances from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell steering New Zealand’s innings. The hosts confronted early setbacks however discovered stability by way of Mitchell’s stellar 62-run knock. Bracewell added momentum with an explosive 59 off simply 33 balls, laced with boundaries and fast operating between the wickets. The duo ensured New Zealand crossed the 170-run mark regardless of disciplined bowling efforts from Sri Lanka, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
Pathum Nissanka anchors however Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse
Chasing 173, Sri Lanka started on a excessive notice, courtesy of a sensational 121-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Nissanka performed the innings of his life, scoring a elegant 90, anchoring the chase with poise and aggression. Mendis contributed a gradual 44 earlier than his dismissal within the 14th over, leaving Sri Lanka needing simply 52 runs with 9 wickets in hand.
The sport took a dramatic flip after Jacob Duffy dismissed Mendis, triggering a collapse that noticed Sri Lanka lose three wickets in as many balls. Duffy claimed the prized scalp of Kusal Perera for a golden duck, adopted by Kamindu Mendis, who departed on the very subsequent supply. From a place of dominance, Sri Lanka’s middle-order faltered underneath stress. Captain Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Hasaranga did not stabilize the innings as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. The disciplined efforts of the Blackcaps, particularly within the demise overs, left Sri Lanka needing 14 runs off the ultimate six balls.
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Jacob Duffy’s match-winning bowling
Zakary Foulkes held his nerve within the final over, delivering a collection of pinpoint yorkers that proved an excessive amount of for the Sri Lankan tailenders. With no boundaries coming within the remaining stretch, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly quick, ending at 164/8. Duffy was adjudged the Participant of the Match for his game-changing three-wicket burst, together with the pivotal dismissals that derailed Sri Lanka’s chase. His skill to grab the second turned the match on its head. In the meantime, Bracewell’s quickfire innings and Foulkes’ composure underneath stress had been instrumental in New Zealand’s victory.
Right here is how Twitter reacted:
Sri Lanka misplaced by 8 runs after being 121/0 within the 14th over, chasing 173. Unbelievable.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 28, 2024
No Srilankan batter Scored T20I Century in Final 13yrs
𝗣 𝗡𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 missed this Right now by simply 10 runs!
A Nice catch by Tim Robinson!#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/RAkaB9o2LB— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 28, 2024
This has been a outstanding comeback from New Zealand! 🔥 Unbelievable how they defended this from nowhere. 🖤
What a collapse by Sri Lanka – from 120/0 in 13 overs to 164/8 in 20 overs. 😱 They scored solely 44 runs in 42 balls for 8 wickets. 🏏#Cricket | #NZvsSL | #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/44WS1EWSXS
— Zain Cric (@Zain_Cric) December 28, 2024
Oh expensive, after reaching 121 for no loss within the 14th over, Sri Lanka collapsed and had been restricted to 164 for 8, leading to an 8-run defeat in Mount Maunganui.
Sri Lanka did not hold the momentum within the second half in each the innings. 🤷🏽♂️#NZvSL @ThePapareSports
— Damith Weerasinghe (@Damith1994) December 28, 2024
KJP is proving me each time he comes out to bat. He is ruining his probabilities in future franchise tournaments too. #NZvsSL https://t.co/oRLZsNcv3w
— Sanju (@SanjeewaKUK) December 28, 2024
A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) by way of the center and composure on the demise from Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to grab victory in T20I 1. Compensate for all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024
Excellent bowling efficiency from New Zealand 🏏🙌#Cricket #NZvSL #newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/x4IgveKmQn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
Pathum Nissanka 90 from 60.
A superb knock.#slvsnz pic.twitter.com/dewiNH7NSL
— Prasanna Rodrigo (@Prasanrod) December 28, 2024
One other high knock from this class act Pathum Nissanka however did not take his staff residence that was such a superb shot however couldnt clear the rope 🥲. Others simply needed to bat sensibly round him may have sealed the sport in 18-19 overs#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/KxffFOgX7X
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 28, 2024
One other elegant half-century from Pathum Nissanka, SL’s top-ranked T20I batter at No. 9. Nissanka has made no secret of his ambition to climb to summit and declare the coveted title of world’s primary. The subsequent 12 months may effectively be defining chapter in his quest for greatness.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) December 28, 2024
Sri Lanka’s openers: 136(96)
The remainder: 21(24)
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) December 28, 2024
