Between the first T20I New Zealand and Sri Lanka The Blackcaps delivered a nail-biting contest as staged A dramatic comeback to win by 8 runstook a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
New Zealand sets itself a respectable target
Opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka restricted the hosts to a competitive 172/8 in 20 overs. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell Managing the New Zealand innings. The hosts suffered early setbacks but found stability with Mitchell’s excellent knock of 62 runs. Bracewell added to the momentum with an explosive 59 off just 33 balls, laced with boundaries and quick runs between the wickets. The duo ensured New Zealand passed the 170-run mark despite a disciplined bowling effort from Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana.
Pathum Nissanka anchors only in Sri Lanka’s mempty row collapse
Chasing 173, Sri Lanka started on a high note, courtesy of a sensational opening stand of 121. Pathum Nissanka and Where in Mandy. Nissanka played the rounds of his life scoring 90, anchoring the chase with poise and aggression. Mendis scored a solid 44 before being dismissed in the 14th over, with Sri Lanka needing just 52 runs with nine wickets in hand.
After that, the game took a dramatic turn Jacob Duffy By dismissing Mendis, he triggered a collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose three wickets in as many balls. Duffy claimed the prized scalp Kusal Perera for the golden duck, followed by Kamindu Mendisdeparting on the next delivery. From a dominant position, Sri Lanka’s middle order faltered under pressure. captain Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksaand Hasaranga was unable to steady the batting as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. A disciplined effort by the Blackcaps, especially in the death overs, saw Sri Lanka require 14 runs off the last six balls.
Also read: NZ vs SL 2024-25, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Stream details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA & more
Jacob Duffy’s match-winning bowling
Zachary Foulkes He held his nerve in the end, delivering a string of pinpoint yorkers that proved too much for the Sri Lankan seamers. With no boundaries in the last over, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short, finishing on 164/8. Duffy was named Man of the Match for his three game-changing wickets, including key dismissals that thwarted Sri Lanka’s chase. His ability to seize the moment turned the match upside down. Meanwhile, Bracewell’s quick shots and Foulkes’ composure under pressure were instrumental in New Zealand’s victory.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Chasing 173, Sri Lanka lost by 8 runs after being 121/0 in the 14th over. Unbelievable.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 28, 2024
No Sri Lankan batsman has scored a T20I Century in the last 13 years
𝗣 𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘁𝘁𝘁𝗿
A great catch by Tim Robinson!#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/RAkaB9o2LB— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 28, 2024
It was a remarkable return from New Zealand! 🔥 It’s incredible how they defend this out of nowhere. 🖤
What a collapse by Sri Lanka – 120/0 in 13 overs to 164/8 in 20 overs. 😱 They scored only 44 runs in 42 balls for 8 wickets. 🏏#cricket | #NZvsSL | #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/44WS1EWSXS
— Zain Cric (@Zain_Cric) December 28, 2024
Oh dear, after reaching 121 for no loss in the 14th over, Sri Lanka collapsed and were restricted to 164 for 8 in an 8-run defeat at Mt Maunganui.
Sri Lanka failed to sustain their momentum in the second half in both the innings. 🤷🏽♂️#NZvSL @ThePapareSports
– Damith Weerasinghe (@Damith1994) December 28, 2024
KJP proves me every time he goes to battle. It also ruins the franchise’s chances in future tournaments. #NZvsSL https://t.co/oRLZsNcv3w
— Sanju (@SanjeewaKUK) December 28, 2024
Thriller at Bay Oval! From Jacob Duffy (3-21) in the middle and coolly at the death of Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) he won the 1st T20I. Track all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024
Great bowling display from New Zealand 🏏🙌#cricket #NZvSL #newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/x4IgveKmQn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
60 to Pathum Nissan 90.
A bright tattoo.#slvsnz pic.twitter.com/dewiNH7NSL
— Prasanna Rodrigo (@Prasannarod) December 28, 2024
Another top knock from this class Pathum Nissanka moved but failed to lead his team home, he batted so well but failed to clear the rope 🥲. Others just had to bat sensibly around him, they could have sealed the game at 18-19#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/KxffFOgX7X
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 28, 2024
Another classy half-century from Pathum Nissanka, SL’s top-ranked T20I wicket at No.9. Nissanka does not hide his desire to climb to the top and win the title of world number one. The next 12 months could be a defining chapter in his quest for greatness.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) December 28, 2024
Sri Lanka opener: 136(96)
Remaining: 21(24)
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) December 28, 2024
