Jacob Duffy (3-21), Daryl Mitchell (62) and Mitchell Bracewell (59) helped New Zealand to sweep past against Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20I at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
SRI LANKA'S INNINGS
Chasing a 173-run target, Sri Lanka could only compile 164-8 in 20 overs, with Pathum Nissanka playing a great knock, compiling a 60-ball 90 and smashing seven boundaries and one towering six.
Nissanka found an able ally in Kusal Mendis, who was looking good for his 36-ball 46, studded with six boundaries and one six, before he was shown the way to the pavilion by Jacob Duffy.
The Nissanka-Mendis stand treated the Black Caps’ bowlers with the utter contempt and stitched a 121-run partnership before the hosts staged a terrific comeback and ensured they drew first blood against the visitors.
There was nothing to talk about with the rest of the Sri Lankan batters, as nobody with the exception of their openers showed any sort of resistance. Kusal Perera (0), Kamindu Mendis (0), Charith Asalanka (3), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (8), Wanindu Hasaranga (5), Maheesh Theekshana (1) failed to deliver with the willow.
Binura Fernando (4) and Matheesha Pathirana (0) remained unbeaten.
Duffy (3-21) spearheaded the New Zealand bowling attack and bagged three wickets.
Matt Henry (2-28) and Zakary Foulkes (2-41) two wickets apiece.
Mitchell Santner (0-26), Michael Bracewell (0-30), Rachin Ravindra (0-14) remained wicketless.
NEW ZEALAND'S INNINGS
Earlier, after put into bat, the home side posted 172-8 in 20 overs, with Mitchell Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell stand remained standout. The duo together plundered 105 runs off merely 60 deliveries to add impetus to New Zealand’s total.
Daryl Mitchell, who recently signed up for the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), was once again brilliant with the bat as he turned the tide.
He compiled a 42-ball 62, smashing four boundaries and two sixes. He was ably supported by Michael Bracewell, who scored a 33-ball 59, whacking four boundaries and four sixes.
Tim Robinson (11), Rachin Ravindra (8), Mark Chapman (15), Glenn Philips (8), Mitchell Hay (0), Zakary Foulkes (1) failed to show resistance with the bat.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner remained not out on a run-a-ball 1.
For Sri Lanka, Binura Fernando (2-22), Maheesh Theekshana (2-29) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-33) took two wickets apiece.
Matheesha Pathirana (1-60) turned out to be way too costly for his team. However, he took a scalp.
