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New Zealand Clinch T20I Series Against Sri Lanka with Clinical Performance
New Zealand sealed the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a dominant 45-run victory, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts delivered a well-rounded performance, with Jacob Duffy’s brilliant bowling spell making the difference, as Sri Lanka fell short in their chase of 186.
Strong Batting Foundation Sets the Tone for New Zealand
New Zealand’s batting effort in the second T20I was a significant improvement from the first match. After being put in to bat, the hosts lost Rachin Ravindra early in the third over. However, Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman forged a solid partnership, adding 69 runs off 47 balls. Their steady approach against Sri Lanka’s bowlers set up a strong platform for the middle order.
Despite challenging pitch conditions, both Robinson and Chapman maintained a healthy run rate. Chapman survived an LBW review early on and was dropped once, but he and Robinson dealt with Maheesh Theekshana’s inconsistent lengths during the powerplay. Robinson hit a big slog-sweep for six off Wanindu Hasaranga, before being dismissed by the spinner’s googly. This brought a slight lull in the innings, but Glenn Phillips quickly found his rhythm, hitting consecutive boundaries against Pathirana.
Theekshana, who was relatively easier to target, became the focal point for New Zealand’s attack. Phillips and Chapman both cleared the boundary off his bowling, but Sri Lanka’s response came in the form of Hasaranga, who bowled Chapman out and dismissed Phillips soon after. At 122/4, New Zealand was wobbling, but Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship.
Mitchell Hay’s Late Charge Powers New Zealand to 186
With three overs left, Mitchell Hay took control, smashing Theekshana for 17 runs in the penultimate over, including two sixes. The final over was equally destructive, as Hay hit Fernando for two more boundaries. This late surge saw New Zealand finish with a competitive total of 186/5.
Sri Lanka’s Top Order Steady but Lower Order Collapses
Chasing 186, Sri Lanka began positively, with the top order setting a solid foundation. However, the loss of Kusal Mendis early to Mitchell Santner in the fifth over shifted momentum towards New Zealand. Despite a promising partnership between Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka, New Zealand’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, with Duffy taking key wickets.
Kusal Perera was aggressive, particularly against the spinners, but New Zealand’s bowlers ensured the pressure mounted. Duffy took advantage of his earlier success, dismissing Nissanka and later removing Kusal with a yorker. Santner and Duffy’s combined effort saw Sri Lanka’s lower order collapse under pressure.
In the final overs, Duffy wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings, taking two more wickets in the penultimate over to finish with remarkable figures of 4-15, sealing the series for New Zealand with a dominant performance.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 186/5 (Mark Chapman 42, Tim Robinson 41, Mitchell Hay 41) beat Sri Lanka 141 (Kusal Perera 48; Jacob Duffy 4-15) by 45 runs.
New Zealand’s Dominant Performances in T20I Series
