NZ VS SL 1ST T20I

Right then, we couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling start to Sri Lanka's white-ball tour of New Zealand. A match that seesawed throughout both innings saw New Zealand stage remarkable comebacks in the latter halves to clinch victory. If this game is any indication of what’s in store for the rest of the series, we are in for an exhilarating ride. The second T20I will also take place here in Mount Maunganui on Monday, 30th December. The first ball will be bowled at 6.15 am GMT but as always, you can join us much earlier for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner reflects on the match, calling it a 'game of two halves.' He credits Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell for their crucial partnership, which turned the tide after a shaky start caused by Binura Fernando's impressive bowling. Santner acknowledges the challenge posed by Sri Lankan batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who played well. He explains their strategy of focusing on taking wickets with aggressive bowling and field placements when the run rate was steady at around eight. Santner praises Jacob Duffy for his game-changing performance, securing the win for New Zealand.

Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka expresses disappointment with his team’s performance, stating they should have done better. He praises Pathum Nissanka for batting well but emphasizes that others need to take responsibility for the loss. Asalanka believes improvements are needed in bowling and fielding, acknowledging that during the opposition's innings, the target seemed achievable. He remains focused on making a strong comeback in the next game.

Jacob Duffy is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his game-changing over. He expresses joy over the team's victory. He highlights the importance of breaking a big opening partnership by strategically bringing up the mid-wicket fielder, which proved successful. Duffy adds that after playing extensively in Asia, it feels great to return to familiar conditions with pace and bounce.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, the toss fell way Sri Lanka's way and they opted to bowl first. It was a tale of two halves with tourists dominating the first half as they chipped away at the wickets to reduce New Zealand to 65/5. Michael Bracewell's arrival changed the complexion as he provided much-needed impetus to the Kiwi innings. He stitched a 105-run stand with Daryl Mitchell to help New Zealand recover and get to 172. For Sri Lanka, Binura Fernando was the most economical with figures of 2 for 22 from his 4 overs while Matheesha Pathirana had a night to forget, going for 60 runs from his 4 overs.

The new batters found it difficult to get going straight away, but with Nissanka still at the crease, Sri Lanka’s hopes remained alive. However, once he was dismissed, the chase unravelled. None of the incoming batters could take the responsibility to see the side home. Duffy’s game-changing over proved to be the turning point and Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes capitalized on the momentum, backing each other brilliantly to pull off a remarkable win. From the position at the end of the 13th over when Sri Lanka needed 53 runs with all 10 wickets in hand, they managed only 44 runs while losing 8 wickets in the next 7 overs.

Sri Lanka's chase began strongly, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis capitalizing on the Powerplay to rack up 56 runs in the first six overs. Even after the fielding restrictions were lifted, New Zealand struggled to contain the scoring. Mitchell Santner was the only bowler who managed to do the holding job and the two Lankan openers managed to see him off. In search of some inspiration, Mitchell Santner turned to Jacob Duffy and he did not disappoint, striking thrice in the 14th over.

New Zealand pull off a stunning heist to take a 1-0 lead in the series! Sri Lanka will be heartbroken after letting a commanding position slip away. They were in complete control for the first 13 overs of the chase, sitting comfortably at 120/0 with all 10 wickets intact. With just 53 runs needed from the final 7 overs, they seemed to have the game by the scruff of the neck. However, New Zealand had other ideas, staging a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Fuller and straight, up on the stumps. Binura Fernando drives it straight to mid off and runs a single. New Zealand win the game by 8 runs and this has been a brilliant comeback from the Kiwis!

Much fuller on the stumps line. Binura Fernando drives the ball hard, to the left of mid on and the batters run a couple of runs.

Very full, on off, Matheesha Pathirana stays leg side of the ball and tries to squeeze it out on the off side but misses. The ball goes towards the keeper and the batters sneak in a bye.

On the pads, fuller. Flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana comes out to bat but he will be at the non-striker's end for now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work by Zakary Foulkes! Foulkes pitches the ball up on the stumps to the new batter. Binura Fernando drives it straight back to the bowler off the front foot. Wanindu Hasaranga is halfway down the wicket from the non-striker's end, looking to get on strike. Foulkes sticks out his left hand as he stays low. Manages to make the stop and turns around to release an underarm throw at the bowling end to catch Wanindu well short of his crease.

OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work by Zakary Foulkes! Foulkes pitches the ball up on the stumps to the new batter. Binura Fernando drives it straight back to the bowler off the front foot. Wanindu Hasaranga is halfway down the wicket from the non-striker's end, looking to get on strike. Foulkes sticks out his left hand as he stays low. Manages to make the stop and turns around to release an underarm throw at the bowling end to catch Wanindu well short of his crease.

Binura Fernando is the new man in

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy grabs an easy catch and Maheesh Theekshana walks back now! Slower delivery outside the off stump line from Zakary Foulkes as he watches Maheesh Theekshana walking across. Maheesh Theekshana looks to play the scoop but only manages to spoon it up in the air. Jacob Duffy from short fine leg settles under it and takes a nice catch. An ideal start to the over for New Zealand. Sri Lanka need 14 runs from 5 balls.