November 10, Colombo (LNW): In a challenging chase of 136 runs, Sri Lanka’s batting line-up encountered resistance against New Zealand’s second-string squad but ultimately secured a win with a critical 38-run partnership between Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.
This crucial stand for the sixth wicket provided stability and took the hosts closer to victory.
Reflecting on the performance, Asalanka expressed satisfaction but noted areas for improvement. “Overall, it is a good win,” he remarked. “We could have held them to around 110 or 120, but their lower order did well to push the score.”
The stand ended when Hasaranga attempted an aggressive shot against Zakary Foulkes, only to be caught by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner at mid-on, departing after a solid 22 runs.
Asalanka, however, remained unbeaten with a composed 35 off 28 balls, steering the innings with precision.
Dunith Wellalage, who earlier claimed three New Zealand wickets after they opted to bat, delivered the winning blow for Sri Lanka by dispatching Jacob Duffy for a six over mid-wicket, sealing the match with flair.
New Zealand’s modest total of 135 provided a cushion for Sri Lanka’s innings. Kusal Perera, showcasing his skill at the top of the order, broke Sri Lanka’s T20 record books by surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan as the nation’s highest run-scorer in the format, contributing a brisk 23 off 17 balls.
New Zealand’s score of 135 marked the third-lowest T20I total recorded in Dambulla, reflecting their struggles with the bat.
Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenges New Zealand faced, commenting, “We thought 160 was achievable after we won the toss, but the dew made it tricky to grip the ball, and a couple of partnerships turned the game away from us.”
The visiting team arrived in Sri Lanka following a dominant Test series in India but lacked key players, including Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra, who were rested in preparation for the upcoming Test series against England.
Despite these absences, all-rounder Michael Bracewell provided some resistance with a fighting 27 off 24 balls, featuring two boundaries and a six.
New Zealand’s innings saw a glimmer of hope through a 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Ish Sodhi and Zakary Foulkes, with Foulkes sharing top-scorer status at 27 off just 16 balls, including a four and a six.
However, Sodhi’s departure for 10 in the final over ended their chances of building a competitive total.
New Zealand also introduced debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay, who was dismissed for nought after facing just two balls, caught off Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka’s performance underscored their ability to capitalise on New Zealand’s weakened line-up and build momentum, as they seek consistency in their T20 form on home soil.
