Sri Lanka emerged victorious within the first T20I of the sequence, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in a low-scoring contest on the Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium.
New Zealand’s batting struggles towards Sri Lanka’s bowling assault
The Black Caps bought off to a rocky begin after electing to bat first, with wickets tumbling in fast succession. Tim Robinson (3 off 6) and Mark Chapman (1 off 6) have been dismissed cheaply, placing stress on the center order. Will Younger (19 off 19) and Glenn Phillips (13 off 13) confirmed some resistance, however the scoring fee was gradual. Michael Bracewell top-scored with 27 runs off 24 balls, whereas Zakary Foulkes added a late flourish with 27 runs off 16 balls. Regardless of their efforts, New Zealand’s batting was inconsistent, and so they have been bowled out earlier than reaching the 140-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated the proceedings. Nuwan Thushara was the choose of the bowlers with 2 wickets for simply 14 runs from 3 overs. Dunith Wellalage’s sensible spell of three wickets for 20 runs from 3.3 overs put the Kiwis on the again foot. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga have been additionally key contributors, claiming 1 and a couple of wickets respectively. Matheesha Pathirana and Charith Asalanka supplied very important breakthroughs as nicely, guaranteeing Sri Lanka’s whole dominance with the ball.
Charith Asalanka anchors Sri Lanka’s profitable chase
Chasing 136, Sri Lanka had a number of early setbacks, with Kusal Mendis (0 off 5) falling for a duck and Kusal Perera (23 off 17) and Kamindu Mendis (23 off 16) making helpful contributions. Nonetheless, the chase was anchored by Charith Asalanka, whose composed 35 off 28 balls guided Sri Lanka in the direction of their goal. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (4 off 4) and Wanindu Hasaranga (22 off 23) added essential runs, with Dunith Wellalage (11 off 7) taking part in the of entirety. Sri Lanka reached the goal with 6 wickets remaining, ending at 140/6 in 19 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers fought arduous, with Zakary Foulkes being the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for simply 20 runs in his 3-over spell. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell every claimed a wicket, however the Kiwi bowlers couldn’t defend their modest whole.
Charith Asalanka was named Participant of the Match for his match-winning knock, main Sri Lanka to a hard-fought victory.
The following match of the sequence might be held on Sunday, November 10, on the similar venue, as each groups look to construct momentum for the rest of the sequence.
