SL vs NZ: Sri Lanka managed a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I in Dambulla on Sunday, trumping the tricky pitch and the talent of the under-23-year-old New Zealand team.
It was an eventful run chase as Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand’s modest target of 136 to seal victory with six balls left, coaxed by a composed 35* by their captain Charith Asalanka.
The Dambulla pitch was a goldmine for the spinners and Sri Lanka’s bowlers cashed in fully as both Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage threw early.
New Zealand faltered early to hand over three wickets inside power play which was achieved by losing Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman to be at 31/3. Wellalage bowled on tight lines along with Nuwan Thusara’s effective mix of variations, and New Zealand struggled to 135 before getting bowled out.
SL vs NZ: New Zealand recover slightly but failed to manage
Zakary Foulkes was the best for the visitors. He remained unbeaten on 27 off 16, as New Zealand recovered slightly from a precarious situation. With the ball, he took three wickets, including key wickets of Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, with 3/20.
Coming to the chase, Sri Lanka started well with Kusal Perera’s quick 22 off 15 balls. They, however, suffered blow after blow as Foulkes and the New Zealand attack started picking wickets at a regular interval. Kamindu Mendis’s brisk 23 off 16 balls helped keep the wheels rolling for Sri Lanka and it was Asalanka’s nerveless effort that sealed the deal for the win.
Asalanka continued with two sixes in the early overs and then kept the scoreboard moving while switching on to a controlled approach to make sure Sri Lanka crossed the finish line with six balls and four wickets still in hand.
The win with strong intent gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series, which reflects their skill in the spinning tracks, and New Zealand will look to regroup with their emerging players in the remaining games.