The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka offered an exciting contest as the Blackcaps hosted a spectacular comeback to win by 8 runstaking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
New Zealand sets a respectable goal
By opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka restricted the hosts to a competitive total of 172/8 in their 20 overs, with standout performances from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell leading the New Zealand innings. The hosts faced early setbacks but found stability thanks to Mitchell’s stellar 62-run knock. Bracewell added momentum with an explosive 59 off just 33 balls, mixed with boundaries and quick runs between the wickets. The duo ensured New Zealand crossed the 170-run mark despite Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling efforts, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana.
Pathum Nissanka anchors but m from Sri Lankamiddle order collapse
Chasing 173, Sri Lanka started on a high note, courtesy of a sensational opening stand of 121 runs between Pathum Nissanka and Where in Mendi. Nissanka played the innings of his life, scoring a sublime 90, anchoring the chase with poise and aggression. Mendis contributed a steady 44 before his dismissal in the 14th over, leaving Sri Lanka needing just 52 runs with nine wickets in hand.
The game took a dramatic turn after Jacob Duffy he dismissed Mendis, leading to a collapse in which Sri Lanka lost three wickets in as many balls. Duffy claimed the prized scalp of Kusal Perera by a golden duck, followed by Kamindu Mendiswhich left in the next delivery. From a dominant position, Sri Lanka’s middle order faltered under pressure. Captain Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksaand Hasaranga failed to stabilize the innings as the New Zealand bowlers tightened their grip. The Blackcaps’ disciplined efforts, especially in the death overs, left Sri Lanka needing 14 runs off the last six balls.
Also Read: NZ vs SL 2024-25, T20I Series: Streaming, Live Streaming Details: When and Where to Watch in India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA and Other Countries
Jacob Duffy’s match-winning bowling
Zakary Foulkes He held his nerve in the last over, delivering a series of precise yorkers that proved too much for the Sri Lankan fans. With no boundaries down the stretch, Sri Lanka fell woefully short and finished at 164/8. Duffy was named Man of the Match for his revolutionary three-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissals that derailed Sri Lanka’s chase. His ability to seize the moment turned the game around. Meanwhile, Bracewell’s quick innings and Foulkes’ composure under pressure were instrumental in New Zealand’s victory.
This is how Twitter reacted:
Sri Lanka lost by 8 runs after being 121/0 in the 14th over, chasing 173. Unbelievable.
—Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 28, 2024
No Sri Lankan batsman has scored a T20I century in the last 13 years.
𝗣 𝗡𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 missed this today by just 10 runs!
A great catch by Tim Robinson!#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/RAkaB9o2LB— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 28, 2024
This has been a remarkable comeback from New Zealand! 🔥 Incredible how they defended this out of nowhere. 🖤
What a collapse by Sri Lanka: from 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
Gosh, after reaching 121 for no loss in the 14th over, Sri Lanka collapsed and were restricted to 164 for 8, resulting in an 8-run defeat at Mount Maunganui.
Sri Lanka failed to maintain the momentum in the second half in both innings. 🤷🏽♂️#NZvSL @ThePapareSports
– Damith Weerasinghe (@Damith1994) December 28, 2024
KJP shows it to me every time he comes out to bat. It’s also ruining his chances in future tournaments for the franchise. #NZvsSL https://t.co/oRLZsNcv3w
-Sanju (@SanjeewaKUK) December 28, 2024
A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) through middle and composure at the death of Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to claim victory in T20I 1. Catch up on all the scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe
– BLACK CAPS (@BLACK CAPS) December 28, 2024
Excellent New Zealand bowling performance 🏏🙌#Cricket #NZvSL #newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/x4IgveKmQn
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
Pathum Nissanka 90 out of 60.
A brilliant stroke.#slvsnz pic.twitter.com/dewiNH7NSL
– Prasanna Rodrigo (@Prasanrod) December 28, 2024
Another great hit from this class act Pathum Nissanka but he failed to take his team home, he made such a good shot but couldn’t clear the rope 🥲. Others simply had to bat sensibly around him and could have sealed the game in overs 18-19.#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/KxffFOgX7X
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 28, 2024
Another classy half-century from Pathum Nissanka, SL’s highest-ranked T20I batsman at No. 9. Nissanka has made no secret of his ambition to climb to the top and claim the coveted title of world number one. The next 12 months could well be a defining chapter in your quest for greatness.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) December 28, 2024
Sri Lanka openers: 136 (96)
The rest: 21(24)
– Michael Appleton (@micheappleton) December 28, 2024