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In an exciting finish at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20I. Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 173, appeared to be cruising at 121 for no loss, but a stunning collapse, triggered by Jacob Duffy’s brilliant spell, saw them fall short in the final overs.
Duffy’s Game-Changing Over
The match’s turning point came in the 14th over when Jacob Duffy unleashed a sensational spell, picking up three wickets in the space of just six balls. Duffy removed Kusal Mendis (46) with a pull shot that was gloved to the keeper, followed by the dismissals of Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis for ducks. The collapse was swift, as Sri Lanka tumbled from a comfortable position to 121 for 0 to 164 for 8 by the end of their innings.
Duffy’s figures of 4-0-21-3 were instrumental in breaking the Sri Lankan resistance. Although he missed out on a hat-trick, his performance tilted the match in New Zealand’s favor.
Sri Lanka’s Struggle to Finish Strong
Despite needing 29 runs from the last three overs with seven wickets in hand, Sri Lanka’s hopes of victory were dashed by further setbacks. Young Zakary Foulkes played a crucial role, dismissing Charith Asalanka, who pulled a short delivery straight to the deep square leg fielder. The drama continued when Bhanuka Rajapaksa survived an LBW appeal thanks to DRS, but his back-to-back boundaries in the 18th over didn’t prove enough.
Pathum Nissanka, who had earlier played a lone hand with a well-crafted 90, was dismissed by a stunning catch from Tim Robinson. As Rajapaksa’s leg-stump was sent for a walk by Matt Henry, and Foulkes picked up two more wickets, Sri Lanka’s chase fizzled out. The hosts wrapped up the win with a remarkable display of bowling, dismissing Sri Lanka for 164.
Strong Batting from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings had a rocky start, losing early wickets in their pursuit of a competitive total. At one point, the hosts were struggling at 65 for 5 in the 10th over. However, Daryl Mitchell’s resilient 62 and a blistering 59 off 33 balls from Michael Bracewell turned the tide. Their 110-run partnership off just 58 balls resurrected New Zealand’s innings, guiding them to a challenging total of 172/8 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Opening Stand and Collapse
Sri Lanka’s chase started positively with the opening partnership of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. After a quiet start, the duo found their rhythm, with Mendis attacking Foulkes for a 17-run over. They brought up the 50-run mark in the PowerPlay, and Nissanka’s elegant drive brought him his half-century. However, their progress was halted when Duffy struck, leading to the collapse that handed New Zealand the win.
Final Overs Drama and New Zealand’s Victory
The final overs were filled with drama as Sri Lanka tried to mount a last-minute charge. Despite Nissanka’s best efforts, the hosts’ bowlers held their nerve. Foulkes and Matt Henry delivered key breakthroughs, and Sri Lanka’s chase ended on 164/8, giving New Zealand an eight-run victory.
Summary of Scores
- New Zealand: 172/8 in 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 62, Michael Bracewell 59; Binura Fernando 2-22, Maheesh Theekshana 2-29)
- Sri Lanka: 164/8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 90, Kusal Mendis 46; Jacob Duffy 3-21, Matt Henry 2-28)
New Zealand’s remarkable win was built on the back of some brilliant bowling from Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes, while the partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell was crucial in setting a challenging target. This victory gives New Zealand a solid start to their T20I series against Sri Lanka.
