New Delhi. The first T20 between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was played at Bay Oval. In this match, New Zealand registered a spectacular victory by 8 runs. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scored half-centuries in a 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket to help New Zealand to an eight-run win over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20 Internationals on Saturday. Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Excellent bowling in the death overs also turned the match in New Zealand’s favor. In reply to New Zealand’s 172-8, Sri Lanka was reduced from 121-0 to 164-8. Mitchell made a partnership of 62 runs and Bracewell made a partnership of 59 runs, which lasted for 60 balls. Earlier, New Zealand had lost 5 wickets at 65. Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Hay on two consecutive balls in the 10th over. However, New Zealand, batting first, managed to score 172 runs.
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Pathum Nissanka, who came out to chase, scored 90 runs in 60 balls and made an opening partnership of 121 runs with Kusal Mendis. Mendis contributed 46 runs in Sri Lanka’s first century opening partnership in T20 in 122 innings in 8 years. However, he was out in the 14th over, in which Jacob Duffy took three wickets for one run.
After the fall of 3 wickets, the path of Sri Lanka’s run chase started becoming difficult. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Perera were also out in the same over. Nissanka was out in the 19th over. Sri Lanka was all out on runs and lost the match. New Zealand has taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20 series. The next T20 will be played on 30 December.
Tags: Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 28, 2024, 5:12 PM IST