New Zealand won the nail-biting competition against Sri Lanka, closes the second T20I Their tour by just 5 runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. In a game dominated by the bowlers, both teams struggled to score significant points, making it a memorable low-scoring thriller for the fans. Sri Lanka’s cup decider looked promising at first, but New Zealand’s tenacity eventually sealed victory and leveled the series.
New Zealand stumble with the bat
Batting first, New Zealand faltered from the start as the Sri Lankan bowlers put intense pressure on them, restricting them to 108 runs in 19.3 overs. Will Young (32 of 30) put up a brief resistance, anchoring shots side-by-side Josh Clarksonwho hit a quick 24 off 25 balls including two sixes. However, no other New Zealand batter has reached double figures Mitchell Santner (19 off 24), offering an important contribution in the middle order. Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga He stood out with an impressive 4 wicket claim for just 17 runs in 4 overs. Matheesha Pathirana picked up 3 scalps for just 11 runs and provided a tough task for the New Zealand line-up.
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Sri Lanka’s collapse during a spirited bowling display
Chasing a modest 109, Sri Lanka started cautiously but suffered immediate setbacks with early wickets. Although Pathum Nissanka‘s valiant effort of 52 off 51 balls, including six boundaries, crumbled under pressure as Sri Lanka’s batting line-up failed to sustain their partnership. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (13 from 15) briefly raised hopes of a successful chase, but as wickets continued to tumble, Sri Lanka remained in a precarious position. Glenn Phillips Led the New Zealand attack with a sensational spell, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 1.5 overs. Loki Ferguson also contributed significantly with a brilliant hat-trick in 2 overs, conceding only 7 runs, Michael Bracewell and Santner each took key wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting order.
In a tense final, Sri Lanka trailed by 5 runs, their last wicket falling on the penultimate ball of the innings at 103 runs. New Zealand’s disciplined and relentless bowling effort was crucial in keeping the total low and securing a well-fought victory.
