New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, SL in NZ, 3 T20Is, 2024/25 Full score card

Fuller and straight, up on the stumps. Binura Fernando drives it straight to mid off and runs a single. New Zealand win the game by 8 runs and this has been a brilliant comeback from the Kiwis!

That should do it for New Zealand! Much fuller at the stumps. Binura Fernando drives the ball hard, to the left of mid on and the batters run a couple of runs.

Very full, on off, Matheesha Pathirana stays leg side of the ball and tries to squeeze it out on the off side but misses. The ball goes towards the keeper and the batters sneak in a bye. 12 needed off 2.

On the pads, fuller. Flicked away to deep square leg for a single. 13 runs needed from 3 balls.

Matheesha Pathirana comes out to bat but he will be at the non-striker's end for now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work by Zakary Foulkes! Foulkes pitches the ball up on the stumps to the new batter. Binura Fernando drives it straight back to the bowler off the front foot. Wanindu Hasaranga is halfway down the wicket from the non-striker's end, looking to get on strike. Foulkes sticks out his left hand as he stays low. Manages to make the stop and turns around to release an underarm throw at the bowling end to catch Wanindu well short of his crease.

Binura Fernando is the new man in

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy grabs an easy catch and Maheesh Theekshana walks back now! Slower delivery outside the off stump line from Zakary Foulkes as he watches Maheesh Theekshana walking across. Maheesh Theekshana looks to play the scoop but only manages to spoon it up in the air. Jacob Duffy from short fine leg settles under it and takes a nice catch. An ideal start to the over for New Zealand. Sri Lanka need 14 runs from 5 balls.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Zakary Foulkes. Sri Lanka need 14 from the last over.

FOUR! A good end to the over for Sri Lanka! Henry goes for the wide yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, near the tramline on off, Wanindu Hasaranga reaches out and drills it to the right of deep backward point. The fielder sprints and dives to his right but in vain as the ball gets past his dive.

Another good yorker, on middle and leg, Maheesh Theekshana digs it out in front of cover and takes the single.

Maheesh Theekshana comes in at number 8.

OUT! TIMBER! PERFECT YORKER! Matt Henry takes 2 wickets in the over and this time it's the wicket of Bhanuka Rajapaksa! Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and bowls a superb yorker on the leg stump line, swinging in. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to flick the ball but is rushed completely. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and knocks off the leg stump. Sri Lanka need 19 runs from 8 balls.

Nails the yorker, at the stumps, Wanindu Hasaranga jams it out on the off side for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Robinson grabs a brilliant catch and it is the huge wicket of Pathum Nissanka at a very crucial stage of the match! Drops the length short outside off and Pathum Nissanka makes room to slap it away on the off side. Times it to perfection but hits the ball straight to Tim Robinson at the deep cover boundary line. Tim Robinson times the jump to perfection and grabs the ball with both hands. Tosses it up as he goes beyond the boundary line and then comes back in and grabs the ball back. The third umpire checks the catch and deems it a clean effort.

Has Pathum Nissanka holed out? A juggling effort near the ropes by Tim Robinson and he looks confident. One replay is enough for the umpire to give his decision. OUT flashes on the big screen.

Nagging length on top of off. Pathum Nissanka blocks it off the front foot.

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Slower delivery once again from a shorter length. Bhanuka Rajapaksa helps the pull fine and beats the deep fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. Back-to-back boundaries to end the over. Sri Lanka need 20 runs from the last 12 balls.

FOUR! OFF THE MARK! Bowls the ball short over off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa comes down the track and plays the upper cut to the right of deep third for a boundary. Outstanding placement and connection from Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Hits the length on the stumps. Bhanuka Rajapaksa taps it straight to point from the crease.

Two in two for Zakary Foulkes or is it? Bhanuka Rajapaksa takes the review after being adjudged LBW! Zakary Foulkes runs in from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball on a good length on the stumps. The ball rushes onto the front pad of Bhanuka Rajapaksa as he gets beaten on the inside edge while looking to block the ball. The umpire raises the finger. The ball is passing close to the bat and at the same time, the bat is hitting the pad. The third umpire deems that there is no bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside the leg stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa survives!

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Michael Bracewell grabs an easy catch and the skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka walks back to the hut! Zakary Foulkes drops the ball short at the batter with pace and Charith Asalanka is rushed. Tries to pull the delivery but only manages a top edge that goes straight up towards Michael Bracewell at deep square leg. Charith Asalanka walks back and Sri Lanka are 145/4 now, needing 28 runs in 16 balls.

Drops the length short at the batter. Pathum Nissanka looks to pull it but gets a hit on the gloves and the ball goes towards the fine leg region for a single.

Zakary Foulkes returns to the attack. 2-0-28-0 so far for Zakary.

Pathum stays back to a nagging length delivery on the stumps and tucks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. Sri Lanka need 29 runs from 18 balls.

SIX! UP AND OVER! What a shot! Michael Bracewell pitches the ball wide outside the off stump line, slower in the air. Pathum Nissanka takes the front foot towards the ball and swings his arms through the line of the ball. Times it brilliantly over the head of cover for a superb six.

On the pads from Michael Bracewell. Charith Asalanka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Touch fuller outside off. Pathum Nissanka walks in and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full toss just outside the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka goes for a wild slog. Catches the top edge and the ball flies behind for a couple of runs to the left of short third.

Too full outside off. Pathum Nissanka looks to play the reverse sweep but misses the ball completely.

Another good bumper on top of the leg stump line. Charith Asalanka looks to pull it away but misses. Pleads the umpire for a wide but the umpire says no. Another dot to end the over. Sri Lanka need 40 runs in 4 overs now.

On a good length, straight and on top of the stumps. Charith Asalanka taps it back to the bowler from the crease.

Good bumper at the new batter with pace. Charith Asalanka drops down and sees it through.

Nagging length on top of the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks it down to fine leg for a single.

Drops the length short at the batter. Pathum Nissanka pulls the ball in front of deep mid-wicket and the batters run another brace.

Steams in from over the wicket for the hat-trick ball. Hits the length hard, on the off stump line and Pathum Nissanka plays it very late, towards the left of third man and the batters run a couple.

Very full, wide on off, Pathum Nissanka jams it out in front of extra cover for a single. 7 runs off the over. Sri Lanka need 45 runs in 30 balls.

Short and on off, Charith Asalanka punches it towards cover where a slight misfield from Mitchell Santner to his right allows a single.

Floated up, full and at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka goes for a swipe across the line. Scuffs his shot beside the pitch on the leg side for one more.

Dropped short, over off, Pathum Nissanka slaps it back over the bowler's head but does not time it well enough. Daryl Mitchell at long off runs and tumbles to his right to flick the ball towards the converging long on fielder. Two runs taken.

Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka drops it with soft hands in front of point and takes a quick single.

Short and on off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

Charith Asalanka, the skipper of Sri Lanka is the next man in for Sri Lanka.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jacob Duffy goes bang, bang, bang! Three wickets in the over for New Zealand and all of a sudden, they are right back in the contest. This leaves the batter, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and pushes at the away-going delivery. The ball grazes the outside edge and the keeper Mitchell Hay completes a safe catch. It's the Duffy-Hay combo yet again. Duffy will be on a hat-trick on the first ball of his next over. From 120/0, Sri Lanka have slipped to 121/3 in 6 balls. They need 52 from 36 balls.

Kamindu Mendis walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A double whammy from Jacob Duffy! Going across the batter, on a good length, outside off, Kusal Perera stays put and has a massive hoick across the line. Gets a top edge that goes straight up towards the backward point region. There is a bit of indecision between the keeper Mitchell Hay and Glenn Phillips at backward point. Hay calls for it eventually and takes it with a tumble to his left. An ordinary shot from Perera. He goes for a 2-ball duck.

Beaten! This climbs onto the batter, on a shortish length from over the wicket, on off, Kusal Perera tries to use the pace of the delivery and steer it down towards deep third but misses as the ball goes over his bat.

Kusal Perera is the batter at number 3 for Sri Lanka.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Duffy returns to the attack and breaks through! Can New Zealand build on this scalp and stem the flow of runs? Duffy bangs it into the deck, over off, Kusal Mendis walks across to the off side and tries to scoop it over the keeper. Only manages to get a glove on it and the keeper Mitchell Hay does the rest behind the wicket. The 121-run opening stand is broken. Mendis goes for 46 (36) with Sri Lanka needing 52 runs in 39 balls.

Takes pace off, on a nagging length, outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to run it down to deep third but misses.

Duffy comes back into the attack and angles it in, on a nagging length, Pathum Nissanka smears it away but does not quite get hold of it. It dribbles in front of deep fine leg for a single.

Pushed through, full and on off, driven straight to cover. 10 runs off Santner's final over. Sri Lanka will take it any day of the week. They need 53 runs in 42 balls.

FOUR! Gap picked to perfection! Fired in, on the fuller side, on middle, Kusal Mendis reaches out in front and takes it on the full. Sweeps it firmly to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

This is floated up again and it stays a bit low, short and on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka stays low and pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips is quick across the turf to his left and keeps it down to one.

Slower and shorter, on off, Kusal Mendis goes on the back foot and nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

FOUR! Nicely cut away! Sliding on with the arm, short and just outside off, Kusal Mendis makes a bit of width as he backs away and cuts it late to get it between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Darted in, flat and short, on middle, Kusal Mendis stabs it down on the leg side.

Three dots in a row! Foulkes finishes the over well but the damage was already done in the first half. 11 runs off it. Very full, angling in, on off, Pathum Nissanka jams it out back to the bowler. Sri Lanka need 63 runs in 48 balls.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka stays put to go back over the bowler's head with a flat bat but misses.

Gets the wide yorker in, outside off, Pathum Nissanka reaches out but fails to squeeze it out.

FOUR! Smart batting! Change of pace by Zakary, slower one, on a nagging length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka walks across his stumps and picks his spot to go over short fine leg for a boundary.

Wide! Banged in short but this sails over the batter's head. Pathum Nissanka plays the forehand almost with a vertical bat but fails to connect.

Banged in short, over off and middle, Pathum Nissanka takes the short ball on but the ball hits high on the bat. Manages to clear mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.

FOUR! Zakary gets greeted back into the attack with a boundary! A length delivery, at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka clears his front leg and swipes it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

Dropped short, on off, Pathum Nissanka slaps it to deep cover for just a single. Just 4 runs off the over. Can the bowler at the other end back the skipper up?

Slower and shorter, this grips and turns away, on off, Mendis is early into the shot but manages to push it away wide of point for one.

Quicker and flatter, short and on off, Kusal Mendis hangs back and pushes it to cover.

Lovely stuff! Loopy slower delivery by Santer, it drops in front of the batter, Kusal Mendis lunges to block it out but the ball rips past the outside edge.

Turning away, short and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it past cover for a single.

This slides on with the arm, on a nagging length, going over the stumps, Kusal Mendis makes room to cut it away but the ball kicks up a bit and goes over the angled bat.  The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and concedes a bye.

Drinks break! Sri Lanka are in complete control of the chase. They have managed to keep the required run rate under control right from the start and more importantly, they have all 10 wickets in hand. Even after the ease in the field restrictions, New Zealand have not managed to stem the flow of runs. Mitchell Santner did manage to squeeze in a quiet over but he will need support from the other end.

Just short on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball between deep mid-wicket and long on and the batters run a couple of runs to end the over. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka are 95/0, needing 78 runs in 60 balls.

SIX! SLOGGED! Fuller again and punished! Rachin Ravindra pitches the ball up on the leg stump line, slower in the air. Pathum Nissanka gets down on a knee and slogs the ball up and over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. Pathum Nissanka gets to a well deserved FIFTY!

Short and wide, cut away to sweeper covers for a single.

Floats the ball up on the stumps. Kusal Mendis taps it back to the bowler.

FOUR! SLAPPED! Rachin Ravindra bowls it short and wide outside off stump for Kusal Mendis to open his arms. Kusal Mendis stays back and slaps the ball to the left of point for a superb boundary.

Drops the ball on a nagging length outside off. Pathum Nissanka taps it to sweeper covers for a single.

Just short outside off. Kusal Mendis stays back and nudges the ball to short third man.

Fuller on the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka sweeps the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Nagging length outside off. Pathum Nissanka looks to slice it but misses.

Bowls it short on the stumps. Kusal Mendis pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Nagging length on off. Pathum Nissanka taps the ball to the left of covers for a run.

Short and wide. Kusal Mendis looks to cut the ball but gets an inside edge towards short fine and the batters run a single.

Tosses the ball up slow on the stumps. Kusal Mendis takes out the front foot and nudges it to the left of mid on for a single.

SIX! BANG! Biggest of the night! Michael Bracewell tosses the ball up on the stumps and Kusal Mendis dances down the track and slogs the ball up and over long on for a massive six.

Short ball on top of the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Another delivery short of length on top of the off stump. Pathum Nissanka pulls the ball between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple.

Drops the length back outside the off stump. Kusal Mendis slaps it to sweeper covers for a single.

Nagging length on the pads. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Touch fuller on the off stump. Pathum Nissanka drives the ball to long off to end the over with a single.

Nagging length on the stumps. Kusal Mendis flicks the ball away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Picks up the gap brilliantly! Short from Mitchell Santner on the stumps again and this time, Kusal Mendis gets back deep in the crease and pulls the ball superbly between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Another half-tracker on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka pulls it aerially towards Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nagging length on the stumps. Kusal Mendis tucks the ball to deep mid-wicket and runs a single.

Drops the length back outside the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka stays back and slaps the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack.

Fuller on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

Nagging length outside off. Kusal Mendis tries a paddle shot but only manages a single from deep square leg.

Touch fuller on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! FIFTY up for Sri Lanka! A very good bouncer right at the helmet of the batter from Jacob Duffy. Pathum Nissanka is rushed on the pull shot and maganes to get a glove on the ball. The ball flies over the wicketkeeper and goes towards the boundary.

On the pads once again from a good length. Pathum Nissanka flicks it behind deep square leg and the batters run a brilliant couple.

WIDE! Spraying down the leg side this time around. Pathum Nissanka looks to pull it but misses. Wide called.

Nagging length on top of off. Pathum Nissanka taps it straight to point.

Drags the length back now, on off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and cuts it to deep backward point for a run. 9 runs off the over. Sri Lanka need 127 runs from 90 balls.

FOUR! Hammered! Hurls it on the fuller side, on off, Pathum Nissanka winds up and thumps it along the ground and beats the diving Santner at mid off to his right for a boundary.

Right in the slot, on off, Kusal Mendis clobbers it on the bounce to mid off where the ball bounces awkwardly in front of Mitchell Santner but he does well to get his body behind the ball and keeps it down to one.

Bends his back and digs it in short, at the right shoulder of the batter, Kusal Mendis hurriedly sways away from the line of the ball and lets it go.

Very full, honing in at the stumps, pushed in front of mid off for a single by Pathum.

Good running! Henry spots the batter moving across and he fires it in, full and around off, Pathum Nissanka takes it on the full and paddles it behind square on the leg side. Foulkes in the deep is a bit slow to get to the ball and that allows the batters to complete the second run with ease.

On a hard length, on off, Pathum Nissanka dabs it to the left of backward point for a single. An expensive first over from Foulkes. 18 runs off it.

SIX! Up and over! This shapes back in again into the right-hander, on a length, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka gets his front leg out of the way nice and early and makes use of the swing and the angle. Swipes it in front of square on the leg side and just about manages to clear the deep mid-wicket fence for a six.

FOUR! Smeared away! Swinging back in, at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka clears his front leg and swats it between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

A huge shout for LBW but that looked to be sliding down leg. Shaping back in, on the fuller side, Kusal Mendis walks across his stumps to heave it away but misses on the inside edge. The ball hits him on the front pad and rolls away on the leg side for a leg bye.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Mendis! Nipping back in, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis looks to play at it on the off side but the ball catches the thick inside edge and sneaks past the stumps. Beats the diving Matt Henry at short fine leg to his right for a boundary.

Wide! Sprayed down leg, on a nagging length, Kusal Mendis swings to get it behind square on the leg side but misses.

Halt! Sri Lankan batters get a few refreshments and Pathum Nissanka receives his mandatory concussion test from the doctors after the hit on the helmet.

In the air...but safe! Zakary Foulkes serves a bumper first up from over the wicket, at the batter, Pathum Nissanka tries to get under the ball and help it over the keeper but the ball gets big on him. It brushes the glove before going on to hit the side of the helmet. The ball balloons off the helmet and drops short of the sliding Matt Henry at short fine leg. They cross.

On a back of a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis opens the bat face and runs it down to the left of deep third and comes back for the second run. Mendis puts a dive in to make his ground at the batting end.

On a hard length, over off, Pathum Nissanka drops it in front of cover for a single.

Another big shout, this time for LBW but the umpire is unmoved again! New Zealand think it is high and they decide not to take the review. On a nagging length, coming back in off the wicket, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka goes for a swipe across the line but fails to connect as the ball sneaks under the bat and goes on to hit him on the back pad. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have gone over the stumps. A good call not to take the review.

A definitive noise and it is taken by the keeper! New Zealand are convinced and they take the review. Nipping back in sharply, on off and middle, Pathum Nissanka hops to punch it on the off side with an angled bat but gets cramped for room due to the movement. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and goes behind towards the keeper. The UltraEdge shows the ball passing close to the bat but it has brushed the back thigh pad on the way through. No bat involved. New Zealand lose their review.

Quick single taken! Angling in, on a length, on off, Kusal Mendis defends it late and right under his eyes. The ball drops near his feet and Mendis gets called through for a quick run. Henry gets to the ball quickly in his follow through and flicks it at the stumps at the batting end. It is referred upstairs but the replays show that Pathum Nissanka is in safely.

FOUR! Sweetly struck! A bit too full, attacking the stumps, Kusal Mendis brings his bottom hand into play and whips it. Hits it a bit uppishly but well away from the mid on fielder to his right for a boundary.

At 136.9 kph, shaping away, on a back of a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka stands tall to punch it away but fails to get the timing right. Mistimes it in front of cover.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Duffy with a short fine leg in place, on a length, Pathum Nissanka helps it off the pads to the left of the fielder inside the ring for a boundary.

This rears up a bit off the deck, on a hard length, a bit of away nibble, Pathum Nissanka hops and taps it down the deck.

Hits the deck hard and the ball kicks up a bit, on a nagging length, on middle, Kusal Mendis hangs back to block it out. The ball catches the shoulder of the bat and rolls wide of backward point for one.

A bit of late away movement for Duffy, on a good length, on the off stump line, Kusal Mendis gets squared up slightly but manages to keep it out.

A hint of width on offer, on a back of a length, Kusal Mendis shapes up to cut it late but misses.

Jacob Duffy will share the new ball attack with Matt Henry for New Zealand. He is all set on his mark to start the second over of the innings.

This is on a short of a length, on off, stabbed down on the off side by Pathum Nissanka.

A big mix-up but no harm done! Jagging back in, on a nagging length, Pathum Nissanka is hurried as he looks to keep it out with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge onto the pad and it rolls away in front of square leg. Mendis sets off for the run before being sent back by his partner. The throw comes at the bowling and Mendis has to put the dive to get back. The dive results in more lower back discomfort for Mendis but he looks fine to continue.

FOUR! Classy shot! On a short of a good length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes to ride the bounce and with a high elbow, punches it between cover and point for a boundary.

Keeps it in the corridor of off, on a back of a length, Kusal Mendis stays leg side of the ball and dabs it down to deep backward point for a single.

In the channel on off, on a good length, going away off the deck slightly, Kusal Mendis has a poke at the delivery and gets beaten as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Movement and bounce first up for Henry! Nipping back in from over the wicket and a bit of extra bounce, on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka hops to deal with it but gets beaten on the inside edge. Wears it high on the thigh pad and the ball rolls away on the off side for a leg bye. Sri Lanka are underway!

OUT! RUN OUT! A run out to end the New Zealand innings! A fantastic over from Maheesh Theekshana. Stays around the wicket for the right-hander and angles it across, on a nagging length, Zakary Foulkes drags it across in front of deep mid-wicket and decides to come back for the second run. Kamindu Mendis swoops in off the ropes and picks the ball up with his left hand. Fires in a throw on the bounce to the keeper. The throw is a bit wide but Kusal Mendis does well to collect the throw and take the bails off. It is referred upstairs and the replays show that Foulkes is short of his crease despite the dive. Just 3 runs off the 20th over. New Zealand finish with 172 on the board.

Zakary Foulkes is in to face the last ball of the innings.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A sharp catch from Kusal Mendis! Turning out to be a fine last over from Maheesh Theekshana. Fired in, near the tramline on off, on a nagging length, Michael Bracewell walks towards the tramline and tries to sweep it away but gets a bottom edge on it. The keeper Kusal Mendis gets the gloves in the correct position and takes a good catch near his knees. End of an entertaining innings from Bracewell. He goes for 59(33).

Comes from around the wicket and spears in a yorker, at the left-hander, at the toes, Mitchell Santner jams it out on the off side and crosses over.

Mitchell Santner is the new batter in.

OUT! STUMPED! Daryl Mitchell runs past one. End of a great knock from Mitchell. Pushed through, on a nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and tries to get close to the line of the ball to launch it down the ground. Fails to connect and the keeper Kusal Mendis does the rest with Mitchell nowhere in the frame. A good first half of the final over for Sri Lanka. A wicket and a single so far.

Slower through the air and away from the batter's arc, near the tramline on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell swings to go back over the bowler's head but misses.

Full and wide on off, Michael Bracewell walks across and pumps it down to long off for a single.

On a fullish length, on off, Michael Bracewell drills it down to long off for one more. Another expensive over from Pathriana. 15 runs off it. Ends with figures of 4-0-60-1.

Pulls the length back a bit, on off, Daryl Mitchell slaps it down to long off and gets to the other end.

Length delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell firms it down the ground to the right of long off for a brace.

NO BALL! It is going from bad to worse for Matheesha Pathirana! Pathirana gets it wrong as he serves an above-waist full toss, down leg, Daryl Mitchell just has to get some bat on it. He manages to do so and helps it to the right of short fine leg for a boundary. Free Hit coming up. The 100-run stand comes up off 54 balls.

On a fullish length, near the tramline on off, Michael Bracewell steers it down to deep backward point for one more.

Miscued but Mitchell gets away with it! Pushed across from around the wicket, on a length, Daryl Mitchell looks to go down the ground but ends up dragging it on the bounce to the man at long on. They cross.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Low full toss, going across, on off, Daryl Mitchell does not miss out as he swings through the line and lofts it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

SIX! Binura misses his mark and gets punished! Errs as he serves a low full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell clears his front leg as he stays deep in the crease and thumps it over long on for a boundary. Binura admonishes himself as he kicks the turf. Only 4 runs had come off the first 5 balls. The over ends up going for 10 runs.

A single that takes Daryl Mitchell to his FIFTY! He has held the innings together for the Kiwis and played the second fiddle in this partnership with Bracewell. Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Daryl Mitchell smacks it back towards the bowler. Binura Fernando sticks out his left boot and manages to take the sting out of the ball. The ball gets deflected off the shoe towards mid-wicket for one.

FIFTY FOR BRACEWELL! 2nd T20I half-century of Bracewell's career and it has come at the right time for his side. Low full toss, on off, Michael Bracewell knocks it down to long on and crosses over.

Going across, loopy slower delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of cover for one.

Low full toss, on off, Michael Bracewell drives it down to long on and crosses over.

Sees the batter move towards the off side but Binura Fernando holds his line, nails the yorker, near the tramline on off, Michael Bracewell tries to play the scoop and get it over short fine leg but misses.

FOUR! Gets it through! Fuller in length, near the tramline on off, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and creams the drive as he gets low. Beats the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. A good end to the over for the Kiwis. 11 runs off it. 60 runs off the last 4 overs.

Wide! Looks for the wide yorker but this goes just beyond the wide tramline on off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out but fails to connect.

Goes searching for the yorker, on off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and takes it on the full. Knocks it down to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Very full, on off, drilled along the ground to deep point for a single by Michael Bracewell.

Wide! Sees the batter move towards the off side and Nuwan Thushara ends up spilling outside the cut strip on the off side. Wide given.

Slower delivery, at the stumps, on a length, Michael Bracewell swats it in front of square to the left of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Another one that is pushed across the batter, on a length, Michael Bracewell goes hard on the drive but misses. Nuwan Thushara is celebrating but the keeper Kusal Mendis does not go up in appeal. Gets no support does Thushara and Sri Lanka do no take the review. The UltraEdge shows a flat line, so, a wise decision not to take the review.

Angling across, on a fullish length, around off, Michael Bracewell fails to squeeze it out on the off side.

Dishes out the googly, fuller and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell looks to flick it away. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. 15 runs off the over. New Zealand have scored 49 runs from the last 3 overs.

Full and down leg, Daryl Mitchell goes for the sweep but misses as the ball brushes his pad.

Very full, sliding onto the pads, Daryl Mitchell ease it to the left of deep mid-wicket and comes charging back for the second run.

SIX! Clean strike! Daryl Mitchell gets in on the six-hitting act. Floated up by Wanindu, on a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and swings through the line. Launches it high and handsome over long on for a biggie.

Looped up, fuller in length, on middle, Michael Bracewell gets down for the slog sweep and gets an inside edge that rolls to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Wanindu Hasaranga gets greeted back into the attack with a six! A loosener first up by Wanindu, way too short and it is the googly, on off, Michael Bracewell gets low to make the connection and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Slower and fuller, on off, Michael Bracewell drives it down the deck. It bounces off the turf towards the bowler. Matheesha Pathirana fails to collect it cleanly to his left and concedes a single. 22 runs off the over.

Good running! Slower and on a back of a length, on middle, Michael Bracewell goes for the pull but gets it off the toe end of the bat. It rolls in front of wide long and the batters come charging back for the second run.

SIX! ANOTHER MASSIVE HIT! Another slower delivery from Matheesha Pathirana and punished again. Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Michael Bracewell sets behind it and slogs the ball hard, up and over long off for another six of the over. Turning out to be a huge over for New Zealand.

Nails a yorker on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell digs it up and runs a single from mid-wicket.

NO BALL! Matheesha Pathirana oversteps and the umpire calls a No Ball! Fuller outside the off stump. Michael Bracewell slashes the ball to deep point for a run. Free Hit coming up.

SIX! THAT IS HUGE! Second boundary of the over. Superb start for New Zealand. Another length ball from Matheesha Pathirana on the stumps and this time, Michael Bracewell reads the length early and slogs it up and over the deep mid-wicket fence for a massive hit.

FOUR! SLAP! Matheesha Pathirana pitches the ball on a good length on top of the off stump with pace. Michael Bracewell takes the front foot away and lofts the ball up and over the bowler's head for a superb boundary.

FOUR! SHOT! Fuller and straight from Maheesh Theekshana, with a bit of pace on the ball. Daryl Mitchell stays put and drives the ball hard, back past the bowler. The ball goes all along the carpet and runs away to the long off boundary despite the diving efforts of both long off and long on fielders.

Fuller on the stumps. Michael Bracewell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Struck powerfully! On the pads from around the wicket angle to the left-hander. Michael Bracewell stays back and sweeps the ball hard. Bhanuka Rajapaksa at deep backward square leg tries his best to reach the ball with a dive to his right but in vain.

Floats the ball up wide outside off. Daryl Mitchell looks to play the inside out but mistimes it to sweeper covers for a single on the bounce.

Tosses the ball up on off. Michael Bracewell launches the ball uppishly towards long off for a single.

Just short on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell flicks the ball to the left of deep mid-wicket for a single and wants a second run. Michael Bracewell sends him back.

Nails a yorker on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell digs the ball towards long on and takes a run to keep strike for the next over.

Fuller on the pads, slower delivery. Michael Bracewell flicks the ball towards square leg and runs a single.

FOUR! BRILLIANT PLACEMENT! Nuwan Thushara brings the length back and bowls this outside the off stump line, allowing Michael Bracewell to open his arms. Michael Bracewell slaps the ball, beating cover to his right. The ball runs away to the cover fence despite the diving effort of the sweeper cover fielder.

Much fuller on the off stump this time. Michael Bracewell looks to drive it hard but mistimes the ball down back to the bowler.

Hits the length hard on top of the off stump, from over the wicket angle to the left-hander. Michael Bracewell blocks it off the front foot, back to the bowler.

Starts off just short on top of off. Daryl Mitchell punches the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

Short and on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to long on for a single.

Floats it up fuller on off. Michael Bracewell drives the ball to long on for another run.

Touch fuller on the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell sweeps the ball to deep square leg for a run.

Nagging length on the stumps. Michael Bracewell flicks it to long on for a single.

FOUR! JUST ENOUGH! Wanindu Hasaranga floats it up, away from the left-hander outside off. Michael Bracewell gets down on a knee and slogs the ball hard off the middle of the bat. Maheesh Theekshana at deep mid-wicket is standing a few yards in off the ropes. He runs to his left and stretches out his left hand but the ball brushes his fingertips and goes behind for a boundary.

Just short on top of the stumps. Michael Bracewell stays back and taps the ball towards covers.

Short and wide outside off. Daryl Mitchell looks to cut it hard but misses the ball completely.

Nagging length on the stumps this time. Daryl Mitchell flicks it in front of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters run hard and take a quick couple of runs.

Floats the ball up on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell walks in and taps it back to the bowler.

Low full toss on the stumps from around the wicket angle. Michael Bracewell drives it to long on and runs a single.

Just short outside off. Daryl Mitchell taps it to sweeper cover for a run.

Nagging length on top of off. Daryl Mitchell drops it straight towards the bowler.

Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and gives the ball air, full and on off, Michael Bracewell firms the drive but can't get it past cover. End of a successful over for Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka.

Michael Bracewell is the new batter in for New Zealand to face the hat-trick ball!

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Two in two for Wanindu Hasaranga! Slips in the googly does Wanindu, on a good length, on middle, Mitchell Hay plants his front foot across and does not pick the googly from the hand. Shapes up to work it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but the ball spins past the inside edge to hit the front pad right in front of the stumps. Wanindu does not even bother appealing. Hay knows he is a goner and after a quite word with Mitchell, he walks off. New Zealand have now lost half their side for just 65. Hat-trick ball coming up.

Drinks! New Zealand just have not been able to get going in their innings so far as whenever they have been able to get some sort of momentum, Sri Lanka have pegged them back. It would have been even worse for the hosts had Matheesha Pathirana not overstepped when Daryl Mitchell was adjudged LBW. Mitchell holds the key here for the Kiwis to get to a competitive total while the tourists will look to continue to chip away at the wickets. Mitchell Hay joins Daryl Mitchell out in the centre.

A big, big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Wanindu Hasaranga is convinced and Charith Asalanka takes the review. It is the slider from Wanindu, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Glenn Phillips reaches out in front as he goes for the slog sweep but fails to make any contact. The ball sneaks under the bat and goes on to hit him on the crouched back leg. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is crashing into the middle stump. It is three reds and the on-field decision will have to overturned.

Pushed through, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell lunges and taps it in the vacant mid-wicket region. The batters think about the second run but Wanindu Hasaranga is quick to get to the ball and slides while picking the ball up. Turns around and knocks the stumps down at the bowling end but Mitchell is in as the replays confirm.

Floated up again, full and on middle, knocked down to long on for a single by Glenn.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and swipes it between deep mid-wicket and long on. Kamindu Mendis gets around from deep mid-wicket and bends low to his left to prevent the boundary. He flicks the ball away from the ropes and that allows the batters to take the third run.

Rolls his fingers over the ball again, at the stumps, on a length, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of cover and takes the single. End of an eventful over. 13 runs off it.

Short and wide on off, Glenn Phillips slaps it to the right of deep point. The batters think about the second run but Kamindu Mendis is quick to get around and hurls in a throw at the bowling end. He also manages to hit the stumps as Glenn is sent back by Mitchell for the second run. The replays show that Glenn had his bat grounded inside the crease when the stumps were disturbed.

Dishes out the slower one, on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it wide of cover for a single.

Nails the yorker, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell jams it out back to the bowler.

SIX! BANG! Daryl Mitchell takes full toll on the Free Hit! Length delivery, around off, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg quickly and clobbers it over long on for a biggie.

A loud shout for LBW and the finger is raised! Daryl Mitchell has taken the review. Oh hang on, Pathirana has overstepped. That's the end of the story then. This skids off the deck, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell is caught on his crease as he looks to defend it with a straight bat. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. The replay shows that it would have been umpire's call, so, it would have stayed out if it was a fair delivery and had the review been taken. Free Hit coming up.

Wide! Sprayed down leg, on a length, Daryl Mitchell misses the flick. The 50 comes up for New Zealand.

Good effort! Near the tramline on off, full and it is the slower one, Daryl Mitchell reaches out to go over mid off but fails to get hold of it. Manages to clear mid off as Nuwan Thushara gives it a chase and prevents the boundary with a dive. Two runs taken.

Serves it short and flat, on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to deep cover and keeps the strike with a single. A tidy start by Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sliding on, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell lunges to defend. The ball lobs off the flap of the front pad and balloons to the keeper's left.

Slips in the googly but the slowness of the delivery allows the batter to adjust, Glenn Phillips gets on the back foot and turns it through mid-wicket for a run.

Slower and fuller, turning away, around off, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and drops it in front of cover for a quick single.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Glenn Phillips makes room and punches it past cover for one.

Starts with a googly but it is slower in the air and short as well, on middle, Daryl Mitchell rocks back and punches it down to long on for a single.

Attacking the front pad, full in length, glanced down to deep fine leg for a single.

A bit too straight, fuller in length, on the pads, Daryl Mitchell clips it to the left of deep square leg and takes a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Daryl Mitchell is the new batter in at number 5 for New Zealand.

OUT! TAKEN! Matheesha Pathirana strikes in his first over! Stays over the wicket as he bends his back and digs it in short, at the batter, Mark Chapman gets hurried as he tries to get on his toes and hook it away. The ball also gets big on him and he gets it high on the bat. Hits it flat towards deep backward square leg. Kamindu Mendis is looking into the sun but he has no trouble in sighting the ball as he completes a reverse cup catch with ease.

FOUR! Short and punished! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Mark Chapman frees his arms and slaps it to the left of deep point for a boundary.

Pushed across the left-hander, on a length, Mark Chapman strides forward and punches it to the left of the diving cover fielder for a couple of runs.

On the pads, on a length, Glenn Phillips flicks it through square leg for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana gets the ball in hand right after the Powerplay for Sri Lanka.

Beaten! Angling in and then the ball holds its line, on a back of a length, over off, Mark Chapman looks to turn it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but gets squared up due to the movement. Gets beaten on the outside edge. End of the Powerplay. New Zealand are 32/2.

Slower one, on a back of a length, around off, Mark Chapman is early into his pull and drags the shot behind square on the leg side for a brace.

Angling away, on a shortish length, on off, Glenn Phillips rides the bounce and steers it wide of backward point for a single.

A bit of yes and no but they make it! On a hard length, on off, Mark taps it with soft hands in front of point and sets off before stuttering halfway through the run. Glenn hesitates as well but in the end, decides to scamper across to the other end.

DROPPED! Charith Asalanka puts it down! Fuller in length, on off, Mark Chapman skips down the track and hits it flat towards mid off where Asalanka dives ahead and the ball comes at knee height. The ball bursts through his hands and rolls behind for a couple of runs. How costly will this drop prove to be for Sri Lanka?

A bit of an extra bounce, shaping away, around off, on a back of a length, Mark Chapman stabs it down on the off side.

Short of a length, around off, Mark Chapman drills it to deep cover and picks up a single.

Hits the length outside the leg stump line and swings the ball into the left-hander. Mark Chapman wears it straight on the pads and there is a huge appeal for LBW. The umpire says no. Sri Lanka do not take the review.

Another quick single! On the pads, on a back of a length, Glenn Phillips nudges it in front of mid-wicket and sets off quickly. The fielder swoops in and has a shy at the batting end but misses. The replays show that Chapman was safe even if the throw had hit.

Waist high full toss, outside the off stump line. Mark Chapman slaps it to sweeper covers for a run.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Glenn Phillips pats it in front of mid on and gets to the other end quickly.

Very full, on off, Mark Chapman jams it out on the leg side for a single.

Glenn Phillips is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Right after losing the review, Binura Fernando produces a genuine edge behind to Kusal Mendis! Rachin Ravindra is on his way back to the hut after having no answers to the Sri Lankan left arm quick. Binura Fernando comes again from over the wicket and hits the good length on the fourth stump line, swinging the ball away from the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra takes the front foot out and goes for another cover drive but only manages to catch the outside edge of the bat. Kusal Mendis does the rest behind the stumps and right after losing a review for caught behind, Sri Lanka pick up Rachin Ravindra for 8 (14).

Huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved! Binura Fernando runs in hard from over the wicket and swings it away from a good length. Rachin Ravindra looks to drive the ball on the up but the ball goes mighty close to the bat and goes back to Kusal Mendis. The fielders appeal for a caught behind but the umpire says no. Sri Lanka take the review. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat but the UltraEdge shows a flat line. Sri Lanka lose their review.

Hits the length on top of the stumps. Mark Chapman walks in and nudges the ball to mid on for a run to get off the mark.

Mark Chapman is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Binura Fernando gets the better of Tim Robinson! New Zealand lose their first wicket! Binura Fernando runs in hard form over the wicket angle and watches Tim Robinson walk towards him just before the release. Binura Fernando smartly pulls the length back and bowls the delivery with pace. Tim Robinson is rushed on the flat-batted shot and catches the ball high on the bat. The ball goes straight back to the right of Binura Fernando who shows good reflexes to catch the ball with both hands. Tim Robinson walks back for 11(9) and New Zealand are 20/1.

Much fuller on the pads this time. Rachin Ravindra flicks it this time and gets a single well.

Swings the ball away from a fuller length on the off stump, from over the wicket angle. Rachin Ravindra opens up and looks to flick the ball, but the away movement catches the leading edge and goes towards covers.

Nagging length on top of off to the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra stays back and taps the ball to long off for a single to end the over.

On the pads, fuller. Tim Robinson flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Quality shot! Uses Maheesh Theekshana's pace on the ball and gets another boundary in the over. Maheesh Theekshana fires it up on top of the off stump from a nagging length. Tim Robinson takes the front foot out and punches the ball beautifully to the right of cover for the second boundary of the over.

Nagging length on the stumps. Tim Robinson flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

FOUR! SHOT! First boundary of the innings from Tim Robinson! Maheesh Theekshana drops the length on top of the middle stump line. Tim Robinson moves away from the crease opening up the off side, and slaps the ball past point for a boundary.

Tosses the ball up on off. Tim Robinson drops it back to the bowler.

First look at spin as Maheesh Theekshana comes into the attack.

BEATEN AGAIN! Binura Fernando stays away from the off stump and drops the length back a bit. Rachin Ravindra looks to throw his hands again at the ball but misses again. End of the over.

SWING AND A MISS! Binura Fernando bowls it away from the left-hander from a good length. Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and looks to slash it hard through point but misses.

BEATEN! Good length just outside off, swinging away. Rachin Ravindra looks to poke at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Nagging length just outside the off stump line, swinging away. Rachin Ravindra plays at it late and the ball falls short of short third. The fielder misfields the ball and the batters run a couple of runs.

Hits the length hard on top of the off stump. Tim Robinson walks in and flicks the ball to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

Runs in hard from over the wicket and hits the length outside off, gets a bit of swing away from the left-hander. Rachin Ravindra punches the ball towards sweeper cover and sets off for a run.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Binura Fernando.

Width away from the off stump line. Tim Robinson looks to slap it hard and the ball catches the bottom edge. The ball goes between the keeper and the second slip on the bounce and they both put in a dive to stop the ball. The second slip fielder manages to get a hand to it to make the stop. End of the first over!

Fuller on the stumps, swinging in. Rachin Ravindra flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run.

WIDE! Wayward down leg, Rachin misses the tickle and Kusal Mendis has to put in a dive to his right to stop the ball with one hand right after receiving treatment for his lower back.

Oh, what has happened here? The keeper Kusal Mendis is down on the ground and seems to be experiencing discomfort in his lower back. The replays show that Mendis tweaked his back while bending to collect the throw. The physio is out to have a look. Mendis is back on his feet but does not look overly comfortable. He is going to stay on the park.

Misfield and Rachin Ravindra is off the mark! Nuwan Thushara pitches the ball up on the off stump. Rachin Ravindra nudges the ball straight to the fielder at point. The fielder runs past the ball as he fails to read the spin and gives away a couple of runs to New Zealand.

Much fuller, swinging into the middle stump line. Rachin Ravindra adjusts to the swing and drops the ball down.

Runs in hard and swings the ball into the left-hander, just away from the leg stump line. Rachin Ravindra looks to flick the ball but wears it straight on the pads.

Starts off from over the wicket, on the pads. Tim Robinson tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and runs a single to get off the mark. New Zealand are underway!

We are all set for the action to start. Charith Asalanka and his men stride out to the centre. Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra will open the innings for New Zealand. Nuwan Thushara will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Sri Lanka. A slip in place. Let's play...

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Mitchell Santner and Charith Asalanka lead their respective sides out along with their mascots for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's national anthem first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

The skipper of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner says that the wicket usually plays well here but there is a bit of a green tinge on this surface. Informs that Bevon Jacobs and Nathan Smith miss out. Mentions that they enjoy playing at home as a unit and are looking forward to playing in front of a sell-out crowd. Feels that they have a good schedule leading up to the Champions Trophy.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka says that the wicket looks decent to bat and won't change much. Adds that they will look to chase. He further adds that the conditions here are very different and they will look to adapt as soon as possible. Finally, he talks about keeping things simple and taking 1 game at a time. He shares that the team is in good form and they will look to dominate straight away

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.

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

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

As the first of three matches in the series, this game will set the tone for the tour. Fans can look forward to an engaging battle of strategies, skills, and determination as New Zealand and Sri Lanka take the field, aiming to claim the early advantage in what promises to be an enthralling series. Stay tuned for toss and other match updates!

Historically, New Zealand holds a slight edge over Sri Lanka in T20Is, having won 14 out of the 25 matches played between the two teams, while Sri Lanka has secured 10 victories. With both sides showcasing impressive form in recent months, this match is expected to be closely contested.

Sri Lanka will be led by Charith Asalanka, who will look to guide his side to a strong performance. Key players such as Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana bring a mix of stability and flair to the team. New Zealand, under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, boasts a solid lineup with match-winners like Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Matt Henry. Both sides feature a blend of experienced players and rising stars, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Hello and a warm welcome to everyone joining us here today. The highly anticipated first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is set to take place at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to start the series on a winning note and establish early momentum. The match also marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand, which includes a series of three T20Is and three ODIs. The Bay Oval provides an exciting backdrop for the action as the teams prepare for a competitive showdown.

... MATCH DAY ...

Greetings sports fans! We're moments away from an exciting Sri Lanka in New Zealand, 3 T20I Series, 2024/25 clash here at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, where New Zealand and Sri Lanka are ready to deliver an engaging contest.