• New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 8 runs in the first T20I of the three game series.

  • Jacob Duffy was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling.

Twitter reactions: Pathum Nissanka’s stellar knock in vain as Sri Lanka fall short against New Zealand in the 1st T20I
NZ vs SL (Image Source: X)

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The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka delivered a nail-biting contest as the Blackcaps staged a dramatic comeback to win by 8 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

New Zealand sets a respectable target

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 steering New Zealand’s innings. The hosts faced early setbacks but found stability through Mitchell’s stellar 62-run knock. Bracewell added momentum with an explosive 59 off just 33 balls, laced with boundaries and quick running between the wickets. The duo ensured New Zealand crossed the 170-run mark despite disciplined bowling efforts from Sri Lanka, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

Pathum Nissanka anchors but Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse 

Chasing 173, Sri Lanka began on a high note, courtesy of a sensational 121-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. 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 dismissed Mendis, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose three wickets in as many balls. Duffy claimed the prized scalp of Kusal Perera for a golden duck, followed by Kamindu Mendis, who departed on the very next delivery. From a position of dominance, Sri Lanka’s middle-order faltered under pressure. Captain Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Hasaranga failed to stabilize the innings as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. The disciplined efforts of the Blackcaps, especially in the death overs, left Sri Lanka needing 14 runs off the final six balls.

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Jacob Duffy’s match-winning bowling 

Zakary Foulkes held his nerve in the last over, delivering a series of pinpoint yorkers that proved too much for the Sri Lankan tailenders. With no boundaries coming in the final stretch, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short, finishing at 164/8. Duffy was adjudged the Player of the Match for his game-changing three-wicket burst, including the pivotal dismissals that derailed Sri Lanka’s chase. His ability to seize the moment turned the match on its head. Meanwhile, Bracewell’s quickfire innings and Foulkes’ composure under pressure were instrumental in New Zealand’s victory.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: Sri Lanka announces ODI squad for New Zealand tour; Charith Asalanka to lead

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