Cricket Highlights, Dec 30: Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand (2nd T20) – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

NZ vs SL (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd T20I match between NZ and SL, which took place on December 30, 2024, at Mount Maunganui as part of Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand. New Zealand posted an imposing target of 186/5 within their allocated 20 overs, setting the stage for a competitive chase. In response, Sri Lanka struggled to keep up with the required rate and could only manage 141 runs in 19.1 overs, falling short by 45 runs. 

New Zealand’s top order got off to a solid start, with Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra facing early pressure. Robinson contributed a steady 41 off 34 balls before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga. Ravindra, who had been struggling for form, was dismissed cheaply for just 1 run. 

However, Mark Chapman steadied the innings with a vital knock of 42 off 29 balls, but he was stumped by Kusal Mendis off Hasaranga’s bowling. Glenn Phillips, coming in at number 4, made a quick-fire 23 from 16 balls before being dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana.

The innings saw a crucial partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay, who added 41 runs. Hay, in particular, took charge with his explosive batting, scoring 41 not out from just 19 balls, including 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 215.78. 

He was well supported by Michael Bracewell, who remained not out on 5 from 3 balls. New Zealand’s middle and lower-order batters powered through the final overs, pushing the scoreboard to a solid 186/5.

Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who was the most successful, picking up 2 wickets for 28 runs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also had reasonable spells, but their efforts were not enough to stop the flow of runs. Maheesh Theekshana struggled in the middle overs, conceding 52 runs from his 4 overs.

In response, SL chase started poorly as they lost early wickets. Kusal Mendis was the first to fall, dismissed for just 10 runs by Mitchell Santner. Pathum Nissanka, however, kept Sri Lanka in the game with a steady knock of 37 runs from 28 balls before being dismissed by Jacob Duffy. Kusal Perera made a vital contribution with 48 runs from 35 balls but was dismissed by Duffy as well, leaving Sri Lanka at 127/4.

The middle order collapsed rapidly, with Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga all falling cheaply. Duffy was the destroyer for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for just 15 runs, including key wickets of Mendis, Asalanka, and Hasaranga. 

Matt Henry also chipped in with 2 wickets, including the important wicket of Avishka Fernando. Sri Lanka’s batting crumbled under pressure, with only 141 runs on the board in 19.1 overs, handing NZ a comfortable 45-run victory.

The match highlighted New Zealand’s clinical all-round performance, with their batsmen setting a challenging total and their bowlers executing their plans well. Duffy’s impressive 4-wicket haul and the explosive batting from Mitchell Hay were the key highlights of the match.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard

New Zealand– 186/5

Sri Lanka– 141(19.1/20)

Result – New Zealand won by 45 runs

Player of the Match – Mitchell Hay

NZ vs SL Playing XI

New Zealand

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay(WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(WK), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(C), Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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