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.
Also Read: NZ vs SL 2024-25, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA & other countries
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:
Sri Lanka lost by 8 runs after being 121/0 in the 14th over, chasing 173. Unbelievable.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 28, 2024
No Srilankan batter Scored T20I Century in Last 13yrs
𝗣 𝗡𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 missed this Today by just 10 runs!
A Great catch by Tim Robinson!#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/RAkaB9o2LB— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 28, 2024
This has been a remarkable comeback from New Zealand! 🔥 Unbelievable how they defended this from nowhere. 🖤
What a collapse by Sri Lanka – from 120/0 in 13 overs to 164/8 in 20 overs. 😱 They scored only 44 runs in 42 balls for 8 wickets. 🏏#Cricket | #NZvsSL | #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/44WS1EWSXS
— Zain Cric (@Zain_Cric) December 28, 2024
Oh dear, after reaching 121 for no loss in the 14th over, Sri Lanka collapsed and were limited to 164 for 8, resulting in an 8-run defeat in Mount Maunganui.
Sri Lanka failed to keep the momentum in the second half in both the innings. 🤷🏽♂️#NZvSL @ThePapareSports
— Damith Weerasinghe (@Damith1994) December 28, 2024
KJP is proving me every time he comes out to bat. He’s ruining his chances in future franchise tournaments too. #NZvsSL https://t.co/oRLZsNcv3w
— Sanju (@SanjeewaKUK) December 28, 2024
A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) through the middle and composure at the death from Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to snatch victory in T20I 1. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024
Outstanding bowling performance from New Zealand 🏏🙌#Cricket #NZvSL #newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/x4IgveKmQn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
Pathum Nissanka 90 from 60.
A brilliant knock.#slvsnz pic.twitter.com/dewiNH7NSL
— Prasanna Rodrigo (@Prasanrod) December 28, 2024
Another top knock from this class act Pathum Nissanka but failed to take his team home that was such a good shot but couldnt clear the rope 🥲. Others just had to bat sensibly around him could have sealed the game in 18-19 overs#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/KxffFOgX7X
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 28, 2024
Another classy half-century from Pathum Nissanka, SL’s top-ranked T20I batter at No. 9. Nissanka has made no secret of his ambition to climb to summit and claim the coveted title of world’s number one. The next 12 months could well be defining chapter in his quest for greatness.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) December 28, 2024
Sri Lanka’s openers: 136(96)
The rest: 21(24)
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) December 28, 2024
Also READ: Sri Lanka announces ODI squad for New Zealand tour; Charith Asalanka to lead
