New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, SL in NZ, 3 T20Is, 2023 Full score card

SIX! UP UP UP AND OVER THE FENCE FOR A MAXIMUM! We have a super over on the cards here. Over-pitched delivery in middle, Ish Sodhi times this to perfection right from the meat of his bat way over the head of deep mid-wicket fielder for a maximum. Super over follows.

Full and quick on off, Henry Shipley drills this to long on and takes a single. 7 needed of the last delivery.

Bye. Wide yorker, Ish Sodhi fails to get any bat on this but they run a single as the keeper throws this back to the bowler. 8 needed of the last 2 deliveries.

Short-pitched delivery on top of off, Ish Sodhi smashes this to Chamika Karunaratne at long off and take a couple as the fielder fumbles a bit.

Full and wide outside off, Ish Sodhi drills this to long off for a couple. The fielder does brilliantly to save a couple of runs for his team as he dives to his right and collects the ball while sliding. 11 needed now off 4.

Ish Sodhi is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! The game shifts in favor of the visitors again as Rachin Ravindra departs. Full and wide of off, Rachin Ravindra smashes this hard and uppish towards Wanindu Hasaranga at wide long off. Wanindu Hasaranga makes no mistake and takes a crucial catch.

Henry Shipley walks out to bat but it will be Rachin Ravindra on strike at the start of the final over. Dasun Shanaka will bowl the final over. Can he defend 12 runs?

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Fuller one outside off, Adam Milne looks to go big but loses his body shape and top edges this towards third man. Charith Asalanka takes a good catch in the deep to dismiss Adam Milne.

Low full toss on off, Rachin Ravindra pushes this to long on for a single.

FOUR! Error in judgment from Wanindu Hasaranga at mid off costs his team a boundary here. Fuller one on off, Rachin Ravindra drills this powerfully to mid off and Wanindu Hasaranga misreads this and watches the ball fly towards the fence for four.

Fuller one on middle, Adam Milne looks to slog but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

Wide! Short-pitched delivery is way too high for the umpire's liking. Wide signaled as Adam Milne leaves this.

Fuller one outside off, Rachin Ravindra drives this to mid off and takes a single.

Fuller one on off, Adam Milne smashes this to wide mid off for a single.

Wide! Fuller one way too wide of off, Adam Milne looks to get some bat on this but fails to do so. Wide signaled.

There is a bit of rain in the air. The DLS par score at the end of 18 overs is 172. So, New Zealand are 2 runs ahead at the moment. Sri Lanka now bring Pramod Madushan (3-0-27-1) back into the attack.

FOUR! This is massive in the context of this game. Back of a length around middle, Rachin Ravindra clears his front foot and slogs this one bounce over the fence at the cow corner region for a boundary.

SIX! Back of a length on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls this way over the fence for a maximum towards the deep square leg region.

SIX! Short-pitched delivery around middle, Rachin Ravindra slogs this over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Slower one angling away from the stumps, Rachin Ravindra gives it a charge but fails to get any bat on this.

On a length around off, Adam Milne edges this to short third man for a single.

Fuller one in middle, Rachin Ravindra pushes this to the off side for a single.

Adam Milne comes in at number 8.

OUT! Sri Lanka are right on top with the dismissal of James Neesham. Fuller on off, James Neesham plays the reverse sweep but mishits this and lands it straight in the bucket arms of Pramod Madushan at short third man.

Fuller on off, Rachin Ravindra places this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up down leg, Rachin Ravindra looks to sweeps but gets a glove on this and the keeper does well to stop this.

Fuller and quicker on off, James Neesham pushes this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Short in length in middle, James Neesham hops back and smashes this over the bowler's head all the way for a maximum.

Fuller one on off, Rachin Ravindra cuts this to point and takes a quick single.

Short-pitched delivery in middle, James Neesham pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a couple. The fielder does amazing to save some runs here.

On a length around middle, Rachin Ravindra pushes this to mid on for a single.

Rachin Ravindra is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Massive moment in the game as Daryl Mitchell departs. Fuller one in middle, Daryl Mitchell looks to slog this over the deep mid-wicket fence but finds Dhananjaya de Silva and watches him collect this clean.

On a length around middle, James Neesham pushes this to the on side for a single.

FOUR! Short-pitched delivery in middle, James Neesham pulls this towards the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Short-pitched delivery towards middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls this to mid-wicket for a single.

A lot rests on the shoulders of Daryl Mitchell here and he needs support from James Neesham.

A loud appeal for LBW but not given! Sri Lanka have gone upstairs for a review. Wanindu Hasaranga floats this one full and on leg, James Neesham pulls out the reverse sweep but does not connect. The ball catches him in front of the stumps and Sri Lanka go up in unison. The finger stays down and Dasun Shanaka goes for a review. The UltraEdge shows no bat and it is pitching outside leg on Ball Tracking.

FOUR! Short and quicker on off, James Neesham advances down the track and thumps it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Googly, short on off, Daryl Mitchell drops it to the right of the bowler and sets off for a quick single.

Short and slower this time on off, James Neesham nudges it to square leg and opens his account with a single.

Bowls it full and quicker on middle and leg, James Neesham sweeps it along the ground to short fine leg for a dot.

James Neesham walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Wanindu Hasaranga comes back and strikes straightaway! Starts with a flighted delivery, full on off, Mark Chapman gets down to slog sweep this one. Does not get a proper connection and holes out to deep mid-wicket where Dhananjaya de Silva does the rest. A much-needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka as this partnership was starting to take the game away from them.

Slower and on a length on leg, Mark Chapman heaves it to deep square leg and keeps the strike with a single. Good comeback by Pramod Madushan after being hit for four on the first ball.

Full again and on off, Daryl Mitchell drills it down to long on for a run.

Nails the yorker on leg, Daryl Mitchell can only dig this one out down the wicket.

Short and outside off, Mark Chapman cuts it to deep point and has to settle for a single.

Short and at the batter, Daryl Mitchell helps it to short fine leg and takes a single.

FOUR! Full delivery on off, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg and tries to loft it over mid off. Does not get it from the middle of the bat but enough to clear Chamika Karunaratne there and the ball races away to the fence.

Full and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down to long on and retains the strike with a single.

Bye! Darted in full but down the leg side, Mark Chapman shuffles to scoop but does not connect. Kusal Mendis behind the wicket gets a glove on it and the batters cross for a bye.

Fraction short and outside off, Daryl Mitchell opens the bat face and guides it to short third man for a single.

Short and around off, Mark Chapman works it towards short third man and sets off for a single.

FOUR BYES! Short and on leg by Maheesh Theekshana, Mark Chapman moves to the off side to paddle it fine but misses. Kusal Mendis behind the wicket gets blinded by the movement of the batter and he misses as well.  .

Short and quicker on middle, Mark Chapman hangs back and can only defend it back to the bowler.

SIX! Short again and outside off by Dilshan Madushanka, Daryl Mitchell gets into a good position and latches onto the pull shot. Pulls it flat and wide of deep mid-wicket for a maximum. Most expensive over of the game, 24 runs came off it.

FOUR! FIFTY for Daryl Mitchell! Slower and into the wicket on leg, Daryl Mitchell waits for the ball to arrive and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary. Brings up his fifty and raises his bat to soak in the applause. Daryl Mitchell is keeping New Zealand in the game here.

Short of a length and on leg, Mark Chapman pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Back of a length on middle, Mark Chapman swats it hard and to the left of deep mid-wicket. Pathum Nissanka there slides but in vain as his feet were touching the ropes as he made contact with the ball.

SIX! SHOT! Full and angling in on leg, Mark Chapman clears his front leg and smokes it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

NO BALL! Short and wide outside off, Daryl Mitchell makes room and drags this one down to long on for another single. Dilshan Madushanka has overstepped and a Free Hit will follow now.

Starts with a short delivery at the batter, Mark Chapman gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Darted in full at the pads, Daryl Mitchell misses the clip and wears the ball on his pads.

Keeps it full and quicker on middle, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and places it gently in front of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Full and at the pads, Mark Chapman tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

SIX! Googly, full and outside off, Mark Chapman shimmies down the track and smacks it over long off for a biggie.

Short again and outside off, Mark Chapman cuts it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Googly, short and outside off, Mark Chapman reaches out and pushes it to cover.

On a length around middle, Mark Chapman pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short-pitched delivery near the badge on the helmet, Daryl Mitchell goes for the pull but gets a top edge that lands in front of long leg as they take a single.

Back of a length around the pads, Mark Chapman tucks this to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller around middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes this to deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes this gently towards vacant mid on as the fielder is standing deep and takes a couple.

On a length just outside off, Mark Chapman taps this to short cover and takes a single.

Fuller in the line of stumps, Mark Chapman pushes this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up in middle, Daryl Mitchell walks down the track and tucks this to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes this back to the bowler.

Fuller outside off, Mark Chapman pushes this to point for a single.

Short in length on off, Mark Chapman back away and pushes this back to the bowler.

Fuller one on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls this flat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga is introduced into the attack.

Well-directed bouncer, Mark Chapman sways away from this.

FOUR! Straight out of the coaching manual. Fuller one on off, Mark Chapman drives this straight down the ground for a boundary towards long off.

Mark Chapman walks out to the middle.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! On a length around the pads, Tom Latham flicks this off his pads high in the air towards the long leg and departs as Nuwanidu Fernando takes a good catch running in from the fence.

On a length around middle, Daryl Mitchell smashes this towards mid-wicket for a single.

Short pitched delivery hurries up on Tom Latham, he pulls this towards fine leg for a single.

On a length outside off, Daryl Mitchell pulls this to deep square leg for a single.

Pramod Madushan comes back into the attack.

Fuller one in middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes this to deep mid-wicket for a single. Daryl Mitchell was keen on the second but refused rightly by Tom Latham.

Floats one outside off, Daryl Mitchell guides this to point and looks to run but the single was not on offer.

Quicker and fuller on pads, Daryl Mitchell pushes this to mid on.

On a length around middle, Daryl Mitchell defends this well.

FOUR! Short and wide of off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and cuts this over the fielder at point for a boundary.

Quicker and flatter on off, Daryl Mitchell gives it a charge and pushes this wide of the bowler for no run.

FOUR! Glorious stroke for four. On a length around pads, Tom Latham pulls this toward deep square leg for a boundary.

Back of a length on top of middle, Tom Latham defends this off his back foot.

On a length around the pads, Daryl Mitchell nudges this to square leg and takes a single.

FOUR! On a length around middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls this toward the gap at deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Dhananjaya de Silva puts in the slide to stop this but couldn't save the boundary.

Short and wide of off, Tom Latham pushes this wide of point for a single.

Fuller one on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes this to vacant short mid-wicket and takes a single.

FOUR! Length delivery at the pads, Tom Latham uses the pace of the delivery and tucks it wide of deep backward square leg for a boundary. An expensive first over by Pramod Madushan, 12 runs came off it.

Full and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell clips it wide of mid on and takes a single.

Persists with back of a length on middle, Tom Latham drops it in front of the wicket and calls Daryl Mitchell for a quick single.

FOUR! In the air, but safe! Back of a length and around off by Pramod Madushan, Tom Latham stays back and guides it wide of the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.

Back of a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell backs away and punches it to mid off for a single.

Close! On a good length and around off, Tom Latham taps it in front of point and takes a single. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but does not hit.

Pramod Madushan comes into the attack now.

SIX! Glorious by Daryl Mitchell! Dilshan Madushanka bowls it on a length and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell isn't one to miss out as he presents a straight bat. Lofts it over long on for a biggie.

Fuller and slower at the pads, Tom Latham clips it to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Goes short and at the batter, Daryl Mitchell pulls but without any timing. The ball rolls to deep square leg for a run.

Slower this time and on a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shapes to go through the off side but lets the ball pass.

On a good length, around off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and taps it to extra cover for a dot.

FOUR! Hammered! Short and angling across on off, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and pulls it hard and through mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Clever batting! Pushed through quicker and on middle, Tom Latham gets inside the line and paddles it wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

Full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell places it in front of deep mid-wicket and settles for a single.

Shortens his length and bowls it on off, Tom Latham punches it off the back foot to long off for a run.

Full and angling in on off, Tom Latham pushes it back to Maheesh Theekshana.

FOUR! Nicely played! Darted in full and at the pads, Tom Latham sweeps it in the air but in the vacant backward square leg region for a boundary.

Full and tailing into the batter, Daryl Mitchell shimmies down the track and drives it to mid off for a quick single.

Short of a length and shaping away on off, Tom Latham hangs back and blocks it out.

Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it towards point and takes a single.

SIX! SHOT! Full and at the stumps by Dilshan Madushanka, Daryl Mitchell picks the length early and lofts it with a straight bat. Clears the long on fence for a maximum.

Full and angling across on off, Daryl Mitchell steers this one towards third man. Two fielders perform the chase and save a run for their side.

Back of a length this time and on off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and keeps it out on the off side.

Daryl Mitchell walks out next.

OUT! BOWLED! Dilshan Madushanka gets into the act now! Starts with a length delivery at the stumps and the ball nips back in after pitching. Chad Bowes does not account for the inward movement as he tried to defend. The ball sneaks through the gate and crashes onto the stumps. This is some start for Sri Lanka and not so, for New Zealand.

Dilshan Madushanka shares the attack with Maheesh Theekshana for the visitors.

Full and at the pads, Chad Bowes clips it through square leg for a single.

Short and angled in on off from 'round the wicket, Tom Latham hangs back to defend but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to backward square leg and Latham opens his account with a single.

Tom Latham walks out next.

OUT! LBW! Maheesh Theekshana strikes and removes Tim Seifert! Bowls this one full and at the stumps, Tim Seifert plants his foot forward and looks to clip this one on the leg side. He gets beaten by the trajectory and the ball strikes him on the front toe. Sri Lanka go up in unison and the umpire raises the finger. Tim Seifert has a word with Chad Bowes but eventually runs out of time and has to make his way back.

Flatter and at the stumps, Tim Seifert pulls out the reverse sweep and wears it on the gloves.

Pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Tim Seifert tries to push it on the off side but misses.

Chad Bowes and New Zealand are underway! Fullish delivery outside off, Chad Bowes drives it crisply and wide of mid off. Chamika Karunaratne dives to his left and keeps it to one.

Short and around off by Henry Shipley, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side again and slaps it over extra cover. Collects three runs before the fielder in the deep cuts it off. A good finish to the innings by Sri Lanka.

SIX! This is even better! Keeps it short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and thumps it over wide long off fence for the yet another maximum.

SIX! Cracking shot! Persists with short length and on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga gets into a good position and flat bats it over mid off. Gets plenty of bat on it and clears the straight fence for a biggie.

Back of a length and on middle, at 139 kph, Wanindu Hasaranga has a big swing at the ball but connects with thin air.

Goes short and bowls it with pace on off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and slaps it over cover for a couple of runs more.

Cutter and on a short length, Kusal Perera tries to swat this one but toe ends it to cover for a single.

Short again and on middle, Kusal Perera pulls it to deep square leg for a single. An excellent over by Adam Milne in the context of the game.

Pace on this time and short at the batter, Kusal Perera shapes to pull but takes his eyes off the ball. The ball catches him on the helmet and it is a sharp take by Tom Latham to his left. The physio comes out to have a look and assesses Kusal Perera who looks fine.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and short on off, Kusal Perera goes for the pull but gets deceived by the pace and connects with thin air.

Slower and short, outside off, Kusal Perera moves across and lets it pass. He wants a wide but he had moved way outside off.

Leg bye! Follows the batter and fires it full at the pads, Wanindu Hasaranga misses the clip and the ball rolls off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.

Bends his back and bangs it into the wicket, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and swings his bat but misses.

Short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and flat bats it to mid off. Keeps the strike with a single.

Fuller and on off, Kusal Perera whips it down to long on for a run.

On a length and on midlde and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

Short of a length on off, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side and swats it over cover for a couple of runs.

Good-length delivery in the channel outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga pokes at his delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Dasun Shanaka falls and James Neesham has his second wicket! Back of a length and around off by James Neesham, Dasun Shanaka creates room to slap it down the ground. Takes on the long off fielder but without any timing. Adam Milne stationed there takes a few steps forward and completes the catch.

FIFTY for Kusal Perera! On a good length on middle, Kusal Perera places it perfectly in front of deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs. This has been a sensible knock by him and now needs to bat through to help Sri Lanka reach a daunting total.

Goes short and at the batter, Dasun Shanaka gets cramped for room and wears it on the gloves. The ball lobs well in front of Tom Latham and batters cross for a quick single.

On a length at the stumps, Dasun Shanaka defends it to the left of the bowler for a dot.

Dasun Shanaka walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Benjamin Lister has his first T20I wicket and it is the big one of Charith Asalanka! Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it full at the batter, Charith Asalanka gets down and heaves this one. Does not get proper connection and holes out to Tim Seifert at deep square leg who makes no mistake. A much-needed breakthrough for New Zealand.

Banged in short and on off, Chamika Karunaratne goes for the pull but the ball climbs on him and he does not connect.

Fullish delivery on leg, Kusal Perera clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Smashed! Goes full this time but allows the batter to get underneath, Charith Asalanka drills this one flat and over long on for yet another maximum.

Shortens his length and keeps it slower, Charith Asalanka waits for it and pulls it and wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs more.

SIX! Charith Asalanka goes huge! Slower again and fuller at the stumps, Charith Asalanka picks the change of pace and gets into a good position. Smokes it well over long on fence for a biggie.

Full and outside off, Kusal Perera guides it wide of point for a single.

Pace on this time and on a length on off, Kusal Perera tries to run this one fine on the off side but misses.

Leg bye! Henry Shipley comes into the attack and starts with a slower delivery, full on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka gets down to slog sweep but does not connect. The ball rolls behind the wicket off his pads and the batters cross.

Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to square leg for a single.

Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera hops onto his back foot and slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller one turning away from the batter, Kusal Perera goes for the reverse sweep again but misses out.

Short in length outside off, Charith Asalanka smashes this to long off for a single.

Fuller around off, Kusal Perera drives this to long off for a single.

FOUR! Tossed up on off, Kusal Perera reads the wrong 'un early and plays the reverse sweep over the fielder at point for a boundary.

Fuller one around middle, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi (3-0-25-0) will bowl out now.

Wide! On a length down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Slower one on middle, Charith Asalanka pushed this just in front of square on the on side for a single.

FOUR! Touch fuller around middle, Charith Asalanka looks to slog but gets a leading edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary toward third man. Ish Sodhi pts in a good effort but couldn't save the boundary. Half-century for Charith Asalanka.

On a length in middle, Charith Asalanka edges this to point for no run.

Wide! Short-pitched delivery going down leg, Charith Asalanka leaves this.

Leg bye. Back of a length on pads, Kusal Perera looks to pull but gets hit on his pads and takes a single.

Touch fuller on middle, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards the on side for a single.

Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Full toss outside off, Charith Asalanka pushes this through the fielder at extra cover for a couple.

Back of a length around middle, Kusal Perera pulls this flat batted to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a length around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to the on side and takes a single.

SIX! Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka lofts this over the infield and clears the fence with ease for a maximum towards long off.

Back of a length outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this to long on for a single.

Wide! Full and way too wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Adam Milne (2-0-28-1) comes back on.

Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka defends this to short cover.

On a length around middle, Kusal Perera edges this towards point but Chad Bowes drops this and they run a single for it here. Chad Bowes moves to his right really quickly but fails to collect this.

Back of a length around pads, Charith Asalanka swirls and hits this to short fine leg for a single.

Short and wide of off, Kusal Perera cuts this through point for a single.

On a length around off, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards long on and takes a single.

SIX! A maximum served as a welcome back to James Neesham. On a length around off, Charith Asalanka smashes this over the fielder at long on for a maximum.

James Neesham (2-0-15-1) comes back into the attack.

Short in length on off, Charith Asalanka pushes this to long off for a single to end the over.

Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg and takes a snigle.

Tossed up on pads, Charith Asalanka tucks this to square leg and takes a single.

Quicker and fuller on pads, Kusal Perera pushes this to square leg for a single.

Wide! Short in length and way wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Fuller on on off, Kusal Perera cuts this to short third man.

SIX! Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera slogs this just over the fence at long on for a maximum.

Leg bye! Slower again and at the pads, Kusal Perera misses the clip and gets rapped on the pads. The ball lobs in front of short fine leg and batters cross.

Length delivery angling in on leg, Charith Asalanka tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller this time and at the stumps from 'round the wicket, Charith Asalanka keeps this one out back to the bowler.

Back of a length on off, Kusal Perera drags this one along the ground to fine leg for a run.

Another slower delivery and shorter as well, Charith Asalanka turns this one to short fine leg and crosses over for a run.

Slower and angled in on a length on middle, Kusal Perera nudges it in front of square leg for a single.

Another googly, short and outside off, Charith Asalanka waits for the ball to arrive and cuts it through point for a couple of runs more.

Floated, full on off, Charith Asalanka gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.

Googly, short and quicker on off, Charith Asalanka goes back and chops this one along the ground to short third man.

Fuller and outside off, Kusal Perera drives it down to long off for a run.

Flighted, full on leg, Charith Asalanka presses forward and places it in front of square leg for a run.

SIX! Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka clears his front leg and smokes it with a slog sweep over deep square leg for a biggie.

Shortish delivery on off, Charith Asalanka swats this one hard to deep mid-wicket. Retains the strike with a single.

Back of a length and on off, Charith Asalanka swivels to pull but plays it a bit early. Toe ends it down the wicket for a dot.

Much straighter this time and on a good length, Charith Asalanka gets cramped for room and can only push it to extra cover.

Length delivery outside off, Charith Asalanka slashes hard at the delivery but connects with thin air.

SIX! SHOT! In the slot and outside off by James Neesham, Charith Asalanka does not miss out as he thumps this one well over long off for his first maximum.

Full and outside off from 'round the wicket, Kusal Perera drives but the ball flies off the outside edge towards third man. Benjamin Lister runs and slides to his right and saves three runs for his side. The umpires want to ensure his feet are not touching the ropes and it is confirmed by the replays.

Beauty! Pushed through with the arm and on off, Charith Asalanka plays for the turn and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated, full on leg, Kusal Perera knocks it down to long on for another single.

Googly, full on off, Kusal Perera gets forward to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls to short third man.

Short and slower on middle, Charith Asalanka goes back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Close! Fuller and on leg by Ish Sodhi, Kusal Perera helps this one to short fine leg and calls his partner for a quick single. Charith Asalanka obliges and gets off the blocks quickly. The fielder at short fine leg fires an accurate throw to Tom Latham behind the wicket. The keeper takes the bails off but the replays show that Charith Asalanka had made it in.

Tossed up, full on middle, Charith Asalanka gets across and clips it to long on for a single.

End of the Power Play. Sri Lanka started poorly but that counter attack for Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera has helped them back into the game. It is a Power Play shared by the sides as the hosts got their wickets and the visitors are off with flying colors. Ish Sodhi comes into the attack.

On a good length on off, Kusal Perera hangs back and keeps it out on the off side. At the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka have scored 72 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.

Slower and shorter on middle, Kusal Perera waits for it and pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Strays onto the pads on a length, Charith Asalanka turns it to short fine leg and scampers across for a quick single.

On a good length on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks this one in front of mid-wicket and wants a single. He gets sent back by his partner.

FOUR! Charith Asalanka is off the mark with a boundary! Full and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out to the delivery and drives it through extra cover. Finds the gap and opens his account with a boundary.

Charith Asalanka walks out next.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! What an inspired bowling change by Tom Latham! James Neesham starts his spell with a good-length delivery around off, Dhananjaya de Silva stays leg side of the ball and tries to go through the off side. His feet went nowhere and ends up chipping it in the air to mid on where Ish Sodhi does the rest. Sri Lanka are now 3 wickets down inside the Powerplay.

Fuller one around off, Dhananjaya de Silva cuts this to short third and sets off for a single.

Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to flick but misses out. Wide signaled.

On a length with fingers rolled over it, Dhananjaya de Silva guides to this short third.

SIX! Overpitched on off, Dhananjaya de Silva lofts this over the bowler's head for a maximum towards long on. Dhananjaya de Silva hits this clean and clear for a maximum.

FOUR! Edged for four as no one was placed at slip. Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva slashes hard and this and edges this through first slip for a boundary.

Full and straight on off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this to cover for no run.

Fuller one on pads, Dhananjaya de Silva flicks this to deep square leg for a couple.

Change of ends for Benjamin Lister.

Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva guides this to third man for a single.

On a length around off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this in front of first slip for no run.

Leg bye. Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera deflects this off his pads towards square leg for a single.

Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this.

On a length around the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva taps this in front of short mid-wicket and takes a single. The fielder does well to hit the stumps but the batter was safely in.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! Back of a length around off, Kusal Mendis looks to place this over the short fine leg fielder but couldn't get a proper connection of this as the ball deflects off his gloves and into the hands of Rachin Ravindra at short fine leg. A good inning comes to an end.

Back of a length with pace off it, Kusal Perera taps this towards the vacant short leg position and takes a single.

Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Kusal Perera looks to swing this time but misses out. Yet another wide.

Wide! Short-pitched delivery drifting down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Debutant Henry Shipley comes on to bowl.

SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Fuller one on off, Kusal Mendis flicks this straight miles in the air and clears the boundary line at long on for the second maximum of this game.

FOUR! Excellent from Sri Lanka. On a length outside off, Kusal Mendis smashes this uppishly and clear the infield on off. The ball has raced away for a boundary.

Full and straight on off, Kusal Perera gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

Goes full in search of a yorker, Kusal Mendis blocks this out and steals a single as the fielder at mid on collects this.

SIX! That's innovation at its very best. Fuller one outside off, Kusal Mendis gets into a position to play the scoop stroke early and goes through the stroke. Kusal Mendis finds the perfect connection on this as he scoops this for a maximum towards fine leg.

FOUR! Sri Lanka is on a boundary spree here. Half-volley outside off, Kusal Mendis lofts this over the infield on off and finds the fence at cover.

Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera glances this to long leg for a couple more. A good over comes to an end for Sri Lanka.

On a length on top of off, Kusal Perera pushes this in the gap at cover for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Kusal Perera is on fire. Good length delivery on off, Kusal Perera drives this all along the ground and just wide of mid off for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the visitors. On a length just outside off, Kusal Perera slices this over point for a boundary towards backward point.

FOUR! Overpitched outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this through the gap at cover for a boundary.

Full and wide of off, Kusal Perera goes for a drive but gets beaten on the inside.

It will be Benjamin Lister to operate from the other end.

Fuller length delivery around middle, Kusal Mendis pushes this towards mid on to end the first over.

On a length around the pads, Kusal Mendis tucks this in front of square on the on side and looks to take a single that was not there and is rightly sent back by his partner.

FOUR! This will make the Lankan side feel a lot better. Inswinging fuller one on pads, Kusal Mendis flicks this and finds the fence at fine leg.

1 run. Inswinging delivery full on pads, Kusal Perera flicks this to short fine leg for a single.

Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera looks to flick but misses out. Tom Latham collects it well stretching to his right.

Full and wide outside off, Kusal Perera drives this uppishly but lands it in front of mid off.

Kusal Perera  comes in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Some swing to start the game. Fuller one outside off swinging away from the batter, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive but gets beaten on his outside edge. Tom Latham collects this clean and appeals for a caught behind but the umpire has turned this down. Tom Latham asks for a review and the UltraEdge shows a clear spike when the ball is next to the bat. Sri Lanka loses their first wicket on the very first delivery.

We are done with the pre-game formalities. The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle and they are joined by the two Sri Lankan openers. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will open the innings for Sri Lanka. Adam Milne will start the proceedings with the new ball for New Zealand. Here we go...

The first ball in the first T20I is just moments away but before that, both teams will line up for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera (WK), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (C), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Chad Bowes (On T20I debut), Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (C/WK), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley (On T20I debut), Ish Sodhi, Benjamin Lister.

TOSS - The coin toss lands in the favour of Tom Latham and New Zealand have opted to BOWL first.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been far from satisfactory on this tour, as they are still searching for their first victory on this tour. They first lost the Test series and missed out on a chance to get into the World Test Championship final, then later missed out on a chance to directly qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after losing the ODI series. Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka will be looking to start better in the T20I series with the experience of Wanindu Hasaranga in their ranks. Can the visitors turn their fortunes around? Let's find out. Toss and team updates coming up shortly... 

New Zealand is buzzing at the moment, with the team coming into this T20I series with wins against the Asian side in both ODI and Test series. The hosts would like to start on a winning note in the T20I series as well. New Zealand lost their last T20I series against India, but they would be firm favourites to clinch this series. The team is very well balanced, with a mixture of youth and experience led by Tom Latham. Daryl Mitchell seems to be that key player for the squad, as he could be a game-changer for the hosts.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the first T20I of the three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland. We can expect some exciting cricket between these two teams in the shortest format of the game.

... MATCH DAY …

It is time for the T20I series now as New Zealand goes against Sri Lanka at Eden Park. The hosts have sealed the ODI series by 2-0 and they will now look to win this one as well. New Zealand will be led by Tom Latham in the absence of Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, as both are playing in the Indian T20 league. Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, and Tim Seifert are explosive batters in the middle order for their side while the bowling department will be led by Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is at full strength and will be captained by Dasun Shanaka, who wouldn't be high on confidence after losing the ODI series. They will be looking to bounce back and win this one. Kusal Perera is an explosive batter and needs to take his team off to a flying start. Their skipper, Shanaka also needs to up his game and take an early lead in the series. Two of their premier bowlers are Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, and a lot will depend on them. Which side will come out on top? Let's find out together.