Jacob Duffy-inspired New Zealand pulled off a dramatic eight-run win over Sri Lanka in the thrilling T20I series opener at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on December 28. Sri Lanka batters committed a harakiri despite the solid 121-run opening partnership and lost 8 wickets in 37 runs and suffered an epic batting collapse while chasing a target of 173 runs.
New Zealand's stunning win over Sri Lanka in T20I thriller
Jacob Duffy's sensational three-wicket spell trumped Pathum Nissanka's valiant knocks of 90 runs. Meanwhile, with this victory New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Batting first, New Zealand set a respectable total of 172/8. However, their innings faced early setbacks, with the score plummeting to 65 for five in 9.5 overs. The hosts appeared to be in a precarious position. But, a crucial 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell revived their innings, which helped them to post a competitive total.
Daryl Mitchell while displaying an aggressive batting approach, scored a quickfire 62 runs off 42 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Bracewell also chipped in with a well crafted unbeaten 59 off 33 riding on four fours and four sixes. For Sri Lanka, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga each picked two wickets.
Matheesha Pathirana, despite taking one wicket, conceded 60 runs in his four overs, proving expensive. Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Hay failed to make any impact with the bat as they all got dismissed for single-digit scores.
Sri Lanka's dramatic batting collapse despite Pathum Nissanka's 90
Sri Lanka made a blistering start to their chase, scoring 56 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis formed a formidable opening partnership, accumulating 121 runs for the first wicket in just 13.3 overs. However, with 52 runs required from 39 balls, the Sri Lankan batting order faltered badly.
Jacob Duffy (3/21) delivered the crucial breakthrough for New Zealand, dismissing Mendis, who had scored a fluent 46 runs off 36 balls. Despite Mendis's dismissal, Nissanka continued to anchor the innings, scoring a quick-fire half-century off 34 balls. He remained at the crease until the penultimate over, but his valiant efforts ultimately went in vain as Sri Lanka fell short of the target by eight runs.
Nissanka continued his impressive form, scoring a well-crafted 90 runs off 60 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. However, his innings came to an end when Matt Henry dismissed him. With 20 runs needed from the final 10 deliveries, the Sri Lankan batsmen succumbed to pressure, ultimately falling short of the target. Sri Lanka, who were once well placed at 121 for no loss, lost 8 wickets in a span of 37 runs as they were restricted for 164/8
Jacob Duffy emerged as the most effective bowler for New Zealand, claiming three wickets. Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes also contributed with two wickets each.
Meanwhile the second T20 between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on December 30 at the same venue.