NZ vs SL: Sri Lanka prevail in Super Over against New Zealand in a T20I match for the ages in Auckland

New Zealand and Sri Lanka were involved in one of the most entertaining T20I matches of all time on April 2 (Sunday).

SportsTak

• Sun • 02 Apr 2023

New Zealand and Sri Lanka were involved in one of the most entertaining T20I matches of all time on April 2 (Sunday). The first of
the three-game T20I series had an edge-of-the-seat drama as the Islanders held their nerve to clinch a thrilling win against the Black Caps in Super Over at Eden Park in Auckland. With the win, Dasun Shanaka's men secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a target of 197 runs, the hosts required seven runs from the last delivery to win the game while they needed six to tie the contest. Ish Sodhi, who is not known for his batting, smacked Sri Lanka's skipper Shanaka's delivery into the stands and sent the game into a Super Over.

As per the rule, the Black Caps had to bat first in the Super Over as they batter second in the regulation game. Daryll Mitchell and James Neesham came out to bat for the Kiwis with Maheesh Theekshana taking the ball for the Islanders. The Sri Lanka spinners conceded just eight runs in the over and first dismissed Neesham and then Mark Chapman.

Needing just nine runs to win the game, Sri Lanka entrusted Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka to bring the team home against the bowling of Adam Milne. Asalanka, who was the undisputed hero for the Islanders, smacked the second delivery for a six and their delivery, which was a no-ball, for a four and rolled out Sri Lanka's path to a famous victory.

Earlier, Asalanka scored 67 runs off 41 balls with the help of two fours and six sixes as Sri Lanka posted a total of 196/5 in 20 overs. Kusal Perera chipped in with a knock of 53 not out off 45 balls.

In reply, Mitchell led New Zealand's run chase by scoring 66 runs off 44 balls five fours and three sixes. Chapman (33 runs off 23 balls) and Rachin Ravindra (26 runs off 13 balls) played handy cameos with the bat before Sodhi (10 not out off 4 balls) sent the game to a Super Over.