New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell bats during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt Maunganui Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell bats during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt Maunganui Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz Jacob Duffy’s sensational 3/21 alongside Daryl Mitchell’s quick-fire 62 and Michael Bracewell’s brilliant 59 helped New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20I of the series at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturdayking game, December 28. (Live Streaming | More Cricket News)
Opting to field first, Sri Lanka got off to a terrific start as Binura Fernando picked up both Tom Robinson and Rachin Ravindra early on in their innings.
At one stage, New Zealand were reduced to 65/5 before Daryl Mitchel (62 off 42) and Michael Bracewell (59 off 33) played the rescue knock to take them to 172/8 in 20 overs.
On the other hand, China have qualified for their maiden Asian Champions Trophy final. Their journey to the summit clash has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with a defeat to India but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Malaysia. The hosts then faced a 2-3 loss to South Korea and were also routed 5-1 by Pakistan in the pool stage.
The youngster displayed goalkeeping masterclass in the shoot-out, saving all four of Pakistan’s attempts after the match was drawn 1-1 in regulation time.
A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) through the middle and composure at the death from Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to snatch victory in T20I 1. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024Chasing a par total on a good Bay Oval surface, Sri Lanka were up and running as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on a show.
However, Matt Henry gave New Zealand the opening and the hosts never looked back since as Sri Lanka crumbled to 164/8 in their 20 overs, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka, T20I SquadsNew Zealand: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay(w), Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Bevon Jacobs
mulan slotSri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathiranaking game, Nuwan Thushara, Avishka Fernando, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal