Sri Lanka rode on superb bowling show followed by Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga's rescue act to eke out a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on November 9. With this Sri Lanka have taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Sri Lanka chased down the lowly 136-run target set by New Zealand with an over to spare.
Sri Lankan bowlers' total dominance over New Zealand
New Zealand, winning the toss, elected to bat first on a pitch that seemed to favor spin. Sri Lanka started their bowling attack with Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara. Theekshana struck early, dismissing Tim Robinson in the third over. New Zealand continued to lose wickets throughout the powerplay, ending it at a precarious 31/3.
The Sri Lankan spinners, exploiting the slow pitch, maintained a tight grip on the game. New Zealand's batting woes continued, and they lost their eighth wicket in the 16th over with just 96 runs on the board. However, a late-innings cameo from Zakary Foulkes, who scored an unbeaten 27 off 16 balls, helped New Zealand to a respectable total of 135.
Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets. Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with two wickets each. Charith Asalanka was the only bowler from Sri Lanka who failed to pick up a wicket.
New Zealand struck early, dismissing Kusal Mendis in the second over. However, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera capitalized on the fielding restrictions, forming a quick 40-run partnership off 22 balls. Both batters got good starts but were unable to convert them into significant scores, falling in consecutive overs.
At the end of seven overs, Sri Lanka were well-positioned at 55/3. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka continued the momentum, adding a 27-run partnership off 22 balls. However, Kamindu's dismissal in the 11th over brought Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the crease. Unfortunately, Rajapaksa fell victim to a bouncer from Foulkes in the following over.
Sri Lanka was well-positioned at the end of the seventh over, with the score at 55/3. Kamindu Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka formed a solid partnership, adding 27 runs off 22 balls to bring their team closer to the 136-run target. However, Kamindu's dismissal in the 11th over and Bhanuka Rajapaksa's departure in the following over left Sri Lanka in a precarious position, with half their side gone for 87 runs in 11.3 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga (22 off 23) joined his captain Charith Asalanka (35 off 28) at the crease, and the experienced duo batted with composure, bringing Sri Lanka closer to victory. Hasaranga's dismissal in the 18th over, once again to a short ball from Foulkes, added a bit of drama to the game.
New Zealand fought hard till the end, but Sri Lanka sealed the victory in the penultimate over, with Dunith Wellalage (11 off 7) hitting a boundary and a six off Jacob Duffy. Captain Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten on 35 off 28 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a thrilling four-wicket win.
New Zealand will look to bounce back when they take on Sri Lanka in the second T20I on November 10.
