SL vs NZ [WATCH]: Tim Robinson falls victim to the spin magic of Dunith Wellalage

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Dunith Wellalage’s spin magic to castle Dunith Wellalage
Sri Lanka takes 1-0 lead in the two-match series

Sri Lanka opened the T20I series with an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, propelled by Dunith Wellalage’s inspired spin bowling and a composed finish from Charith Asalanka. In a game where bowlers held the upper hand, Wellalage’s precise line and clever variations caused headaches for New Zealand’s top order, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s victory.

Dunith Wellalage’s spin magic to castle Dunith Wellalage

New Zealand’s innings began on a rocky note, especially after Tim Robinson’s early dismissal in the second over. Wellalage, with only his second delivery of the game, claimed Robinson’s wicket with a beautifully disguised slider. Aiming to play off the back foot, Robinson misread the pace and trajectory of the ball, which skidded in sharply to clatter into his leg-stump, sending the zing bails flying. Robinson’s brief knock of 3 off 6 balls highlighted the challenge facing New Zealand’s batters against Wellalage’s spin magic.

Here’s the video:

Beaten and how 🔥#TimRobinson is completely undone by the trickery of #DunithWellalage 🪄 #SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/180N2ZFjq8
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2024

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 2nd T20I – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Wellalage continued to press the advantage, taking crucial wickets and finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 20. His efforts, complemented by disciplined performances from Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 20), Nuwan Thushara (2 for 14) and Matheesha Pathirana (2 for 29), helped restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 135 in 19.3 overs. Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes offered some resistance, each contributing 27, but New Zealand’s batting lacked the firepower needed to post a more competitive score.

Sri Lanka takes 1-0 lead in the two-match series

Chasing 136, Sri Lanka encountered early setbacks as Foulkes fought back with the ball, claiming 3 for 20. However, a steady and determined innings from Asalanka, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 35, ensured Sri Lanka reached the target with one over to spare. Despite some nervy moments, the hosts held their nerve, ending on 140/6 in 19 overs.

This victory puts Sri Lanka 1-0 ahead in the series, with Wellalage’s performance signalling his potential as a game-changer. The second T20I will offer New Zealand an opportunity to regroup, but they’ll need to find an answer to Sri Lanka’s formidable spin attack if they hope to level the series.