NZ vs SL 1st T20I Match Highlights
New Zealand dominates Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I match of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2024-25, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, with a dependable bowling performance by Kewes. Let’s look at NZ vs SL 1st T20I Match Highlights.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Match Highlights
After being invited to bat first, New Zealand faced early challenges, finding themselves in a dangerous position as the top order struggled to establish a solid foundation. During the powerplay, New Zealand suffered a significant setback, losing three key wickets, which placed immense pressure on the middle-order batters to recover the innings.
As the innings progressed, Glenn Phillips’ dismissal marked the fourth wicket, leaving New Zealand in a helpless situation with only 64 runs on the board after 9.4 overs.
However, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell stepped up during this critical juncture, exhibiting remarkable resilience and skill. Daryl Mitchell was particularly impressive, scoring a well-crafted 62 runs off just 42 balls, while Michael Bracewell contributed a brisk 59 runs off 33 deliveries. Their knock was instrumental in lifting New Zealand’s total to a decent 172 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
You might like: SA20 2025: Live Streaming, Squads, Schedule and Complete Details
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase began with confidence as their openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, forged an impressive partnership. The duo dominated the early overs, putting together a formidable 121-run partnership in just 13.2 overs, which put Sri Lanka in a strong position to chase down the target of 173 runs. At this point, it appeared that the match was firmly in Sri Lanka’s grasp.
However, the wave began to turn when New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy delivered a crucial breakthrough, claiming three wickets in consecutive deliveries. This sudden shift of momentum allowed New Zealand to regroup and apply pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
The rest of the New Zealand bowlers seized the opportunity, maintaining the pressure effectively and generating chaos within the Sri Lankan batting order. Remarkably, eight Sri Lankan batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, including two players who went out for ducks.
Despite the collapse of the innings around him, Pathum Nissanka stood out with his remarkable resilience, making a brave effort to anchor the innings with a superb knock of 90 runs off 60 balls.
Nissanka’s exceptional performance, however, was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from falling short in their run chase. Ultimately, the Sri Lankan team finished their innings with a score of 164 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs, handing New Zealand a well-deserved victory.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
