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

OUT! CAUGHT! There goes the final wicket. This one is bowled full and outside off, much slower through the air, from the back of the hand. Binura Fernando looks to loft it over cover, off the front foot but goes through his shot early. It takes the outer half of the bat and loops up towards short third man where Jacob Duffy moves smartly towards his right to complete that catch in the end. Sri Lanka are all out for 141. New Zealand win by 45 runs to seal the series.

Goes fuller again, but outside off, Nuwan Thushara dabs it to point and wants to take a quick single but is sent back by his partner.

Thushara negotiates the hat-trick ball safely! Goes full around off, angling in, Nuwan Thushara comes forward and defends it to mid off from the front foot.

Nuwan Thushara is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mitchell Hay takes a good catch there! Back-to-back wickets for Henry and he will be on a hat-trick on the next ball! Good length, just outside off, from over the stumps, shaping away, Matheesha Pathirana goes to defend it with the full face of the bat. He only manages to get an outside edge that goes behind where the keeper Mitchell Hay dives low to his right to take the catch. Sri Lanka are nine down.

Matheesha Pathirana comes in now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one falls. Bowled full and way wide outside off, almost on the tramline. Avishka Fernando makes room and slices this one uppishly towards Tim Robinson, stationed at deep backward point boundary who just moves a couple of steps towards the right to complete that catch. The last recognised batter for Sri Lanka, Avishka Fernando departs.

Full and on the off stump. Binura Fernando drives it towards cover.

Starts off with a slower one, way outside off. Binura Fernando tries to reach it with his outstretched hands, to cut but is unable to in the end. The ball dies down on its way to the keeper.

Much fuller, around middle and leg, Binura Fernando goes for a flick but gets through the inner half of the blade to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

A low full toss, around middle, dipping in, Avishka Fernando digs it out with the toe end of the bat to long on for a single.

On a good length, around off, slower in pace, Binura Fernando dabs it wide of point for a single to get off the strike.

WIDE! Full but down the leg, angling in, Binura Fernando tries to flick it but misses it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Binura Fernando comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Another one in the over for Jacob Duffy. Opts to bowl an off-cutter again, into the pitch, much fuller. Maheesh Theekshana lines himself up to launch it over the long off fence but only manages to sky this one up towards Mitchell Santner who readies himself near the long off fence and completes a regulation catch.

Banged in short, over off, Theekshana goes for the pull but misses.

Maheesh Theekshana is the new man in.

OUT! BOWLED! Dragged on! Jacob Duffy gets a wicket on the first ball again. This one is bowled back of a length, into the wicket, an off-cutter as it comes off the pitch. Wanindu Hasaranga opens up, looks to make room and tries to cut it towards backward point, but instead chops it back onto the base of the middle stump. Sri Lanka continue to fall away in the chase.

Bowled much slower through the air, grips and turns away. Avishka Fernando tries to reach it with his outstretched hands but misses.

WOW! WHAT AN EFFORT BY PHILLIPS! Santner gives flight to the full ball, around middle, turning away, from around the stumps. Wanindu Hasaranga goes on his knees to slog out this to the deep mid-wicket fence where Phillips is stationed. He catches the ball first and then releases the ball as he goes over the ropes. Then comes back in and throws the ball to the non-striker's end and keeps the batters down to just a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT AT DEEP SQUARE LEG! Santner gets the better of his counterpart! Mitchell Santner gives the air to the full ball, around middle, from over the wicket, turning in. Charith Asalanka goes on his knee to slog it away but doesn't make a good connection. The ball goes straight to Mark Chapman who takes it with both hands at deep square leg comfortably. Sri Lanka are 135/5, needing 52 runs in 20 balls

Goes short again, outside off. Goes on with the arm. Avishka Fernando flat bats it towards deep point for a single.

Flatter, quicker outside off, skids through. Charith Asalanka goes on the back foot and punches it towards cover-point for a single.

Full and outside off, gripping and turning away. Avishka Fernando rocks back, makes room and cuts it towards point for a single.

Slower, full and around leg, angling in, from over the stumps, Avishka Fernando chips it in the air towards the vacant mid on region for a single to end the over.

Halt! The physio is out for the concussion check. Charith Asalanka is fine to continue.

Leg bye! A bouncer at the batter, Charith Asalanka walks down the track to smack it to deep mid-wicket. Instead, he gets hit on the helmet and they take a leg bye as the ball rolls wide of cover.

A low full toss, wide outside off, from around the stumps, Charith Asalanka has to reach out to keep it to cover for no run.

DROPPED! Fuller and outside off, off-cutter. Charith Asalanka is beaten in the air as he goes for the big shot and the ball stands up tall in the night sky. Glenn Phillips runs to his right from deep mid-wicket. The long on fielder also converges but Phillips is the one who gets underneath it but fails to hold on. He does well to recover as the ball trickles towards the fence and quickly reacts to prevent the boundary. Two runs taken.

Goes full again, on the stumps. Avishka Fernando clips it off his legs towards deep square leg for a single.

Avishka Fernando is the new man in.

OUT! The first ball of his new spell and Jacob Duffy strikes immediately. This one is bowled from wide outside of the crease, angled in. A yorker directed right on middle stump. Kusal Perera makes room and tries to slog it over the long off fence but is beaten as the ball sneaks underneath the bat and thuds onto the middle stump. Perera goes for 48 (35). Sri Lanka are now 127/4, needing 60 runs in 29 balls.

On a back of a length, at the batter, Kusal Perera nudges it past backward square leg for a single. Sri Lanka need 60 runs in 30 balls.

Wide! Slower bumper, near the tramline on off, Kusal Perera reaches out to slap it away but then withdraws his bat. Wide given by the umpire.

Low full toss, on the pads, whipped to deep square leg for a single by Asalanka.

Attacking the stumps, on a length, Kusal Perera has a swipe across the line. Gets it off the inner half of the bat towards deep backward square leg for one.

From around the wicket, fuller and on off and middle, knocked down in front of long off for a single.

FOUR! Shot and a half! Back of a length, on off, Charith Asalanka stands tall and hits it aerially with the breeze. Manages to evade the diving Michael Bracewell at deep point to his left. The ball bounces just in front of the boundary cushions.

Swing and a miss! Going across, on a length, around off, Charith Asalanka stays deep in the crease to launch it over bowler's head but misses.

Keeps it short but slows the pace down, outside off, slapped along the ground to deep cover for one. A good end to the over for New Zealand. Sri Lanka need 69 runs in 36 balls.

Flatter and shorter, at the stumps, Charith Asalanka can only punch it back to the bowler.

Nicely bowled! Loopy delivery and the length is pulled back, on off, Charith Asalanka tries to drag the sweep away but misses as the ball rips past the bat.

Leg bye! With a deep third in place, this is on a nagging length, around off, Kusal Perera reaches out in front for the sweep but the ball comes off his body and rolls away on the off side for a leg bye.

FOUR! Clever stuff! Even slower, fuller and wider on off, Kusal Perera gets into the position quickly for the reverse sweep and hits it over backward point for a boundary.

Floated up, full and on off, Kusal Perera goes for the reverse again but does not get quite get hold of it. Manages to clear the man at short third and collects a couple of runs. Two fielders give it a chase and cut it off.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the Sri Lankan skipper! On a length, angling across, on off, Charith Asalanka gets his weight into the shot and lofts it in front of square on the off side. Hits it well away from the man at deep point to his left for four more runs. 12 runs off the over. Sri Lanka need 77 runs in 42 balls.

FOUR! Smart batting! A bumper from Henry, over off, Charith Asalanka gets on his toes and uses the pace and bounce to ramp it over the keeper for a boundary.

Slower and on a back of a length, on middle, Kusal Perera drops it down on the leg side for a single.

DROPPED! Daryl Mitchell does all the hard work but puts it down in the end! Banged into the deck, on off, on a shortish length, Kusal Perera is hurried into the pull as the ball skids off the deck. Gets a top edge that goes straight up towards the vacant mid-wicket region. Daryl Mitchell from mid on runs across to his left and gets there. Dives ahead but the ball hits his palm and goes down. Two runs taken.

Swing and a miss! Pace off again, on a nagging length, outside off, Kusal Perera swings to go across the line but misses.

Henry returns to the attack and starts with an off-pace delivery, going across, Charith Asalanka waits on it and glides it down to deep third for a single.

Slows it down and this holds in the surface, on a nagging length, on off, Kusal Perera hangs back to defend. Sri Lanka need 89 runs in 48 balls.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, Charith Asalanka works it wide of backward square leg for a single.

Charith Asalanka comes out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! Kamindu Mendis tries the reverse but holes out! A tighter line, on middle and leg, on a nagging length, Kamindu Mendis shapes up for the reverse and fails to get the placement right. Hits it a bit too square towards deep point where the fielder had just moved a few steps to his right before this ball. Mark Chapman settles under it and takes a safe catch.

Fuller and quicker, at the stumps, Kusal Perera flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Slower through the air, on a nagging length, around off, Kusal Perera switches his stance and reverse sweeps it uppishly but gets it between backward point and short third for a boundary.

SIX! Innovative and Perera gets the maximum result! Flat and short, on off, Kusal Perera brings out the reverse and gets hold of it. Clears the deep third fence for a six.

Slower, fuller, on middle, Kusal Perera wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single. A good over for Sri Lanka. 14 runs off it.

Fired in on the pads, on a length, Kamindu Mendis clips it past mid-wicket and takes a single.

FOUR! Fractionally short, on off, Kamindu Mendis stays on the back foot and cracks it up and over point for a boundary.

Darted in, short and on middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Width offered and Kusal cashes in! Short and wide on off, trying to keep it away from the batter's arc. Kusal Perera is made to reach out but he still manages to hold his shape and slap it over cover for a six.

Starts off on a nagging length, on off, Kamindu Mendis pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slower one again, outside off. Kusal Perera makes room and pushes it towards cover.

Slower one, bowled into the wicket. Kusal Perera guides it away towards point.

On a back of a length, punched off the back foot to deep point for a single by Kamindu Mendis to get off the mark.

On a good length, outside off, zips through. Kamindu Mendis gets behind the line of the ball to defend.

Beaten! Full and outside off, inviting the drive. Kamindu Mendis leans on to drive but the ball goes inches away past the outside edge.

Drinks break! Just like in the New Zealand innings, a wicket has fallen right at the stroke of the break, and it's a big one - Pathum Nissanka is back in the hut. Kusal Perera, on the other hand, has yet to find his rhythm, and New Zealand will look to capitalize on this moment to apply the squeeze and increase the required run rate. With the required rate close to 11, Perera has to take it upon himself and get going sooner rather than later. Kamindu Mendis joins Perera out in the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy strikes gold for New Zealand on his return to the attack. This one is bowled slower through the air and on the stumps, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka shuffles across to scoop it over short fine leg but is not able to give enough power to it. Matt Henry moves smartly towards his right to complete a diving catch at short fine leg.

Comes around the wicket, goes fuller outside off, quicker, Pathum Nissanka sweeps it out to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

Comes over the wicket, on a nagging length, around middle and leg, Kusal Perera keeps it to square leg from the back foot for a single.

Comes around the wicket on this one, short, outside off, turning away from the batter, Pathum Nissanka goes for a pull shot from the back foot. Instead, he mistimes it to the vacant mid on region for a single.

Comes over the wicket now, short around off, turning in, Kusal Perera pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single to get off the strike.

On a nagging length, slow in pace, turns away, Pathum Nissanka goes deep in the crease and cuts it to backward point for a single.

WIDE! Floated up outside off, turns further away beyond the tramline. WIDED!

Drops it short, from over the wicket, around off, angling in, Kusal Perera tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single to start the over.

Full and outside off, turns away. Kusal Perera flat bats it towards point for a single.

Quicker, flatter outside off. Pathum Nissanka pulls it away towards long on. Mistimes his shot a bit in the end. A single taken.

FOUR! Short and punished! Dropped short by Bracewell, on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets down on one knee and powers it away to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

Floated up on middle. Pathum Nissanka rocks on the front foot and looks to slog sweep it over mid-wicket but inside edges it onto the pads.

Short one outside off, skids on. Kusal Perera clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Floated up on middle stump, goes straight on. Kusal Perera sweeps it over the short fine leg fielder and falls over in the process. It goes towards the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

SIX! UP AND OVER! Short, wide outside off, from over the wicket, turning away. Pathum Nissanka moves across and pulls it over deep backward square leg for a six.

Fullish ball outside off. Pathum Nissanka taps it towards point.

Short again, around off and middle, angling in, Kusal Perera tucks it to square leg from the back foot for a single.

OUCH! On a nagging length, around middle and leg, turning in, from over the wicket. Kusal Perera attempts a reverse scoop but misses it as extra bounce results in him getting a hit on the helmet.

Comes around the wicket, short, outside off, turning away, Pathum Nissanka pulls it from the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the strike.

Comes from over the wicket, drops it short, outside off, turning in, Kusal Perera tries to pull it but gets a top edge to deep backward square leg. The ball falls ahead of the running fielder and they cross.

Full and slower one on the stumps. Kusal Perera nudges it through backward square leg for a single.

On a back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka slaps it down to mid off for a single.

NO BALL! Fullish and on the off stump. Kusal Perera clips it towards backward square leg for a single. The replays show that Zakary Foulkes has gone a touch over the line.

Full and onto the middle stump, goes straight on. Kusal Perera flicks it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Straying down leg. Bowled full and on the leg stump, from around the wicket. Kusal Perera just has to get his bat to it to beat the man inside the ring at short fine leg as the ball races towards the deep fine leg fence for a boundary

A yorker on middle, Pathum Nissanka digs it out towards mid off for a single.

NO BALL! Back of a length, on middle, nips in. Pathum Nissanka looks to tuck it away but inside edges it onto the thigh guard. The batters come through for a single. Foulkes has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

Banged in short, directed towards the batter. Pathum Nissanka goes for the pull but the ball flies over him. He looks at the umpire for a wide but the umpire just signals one bouncer for the over.

Short and into the pads, nudged off the back foot to backward square leg by Perera.

Short and on off, Kusal Perera defends it from the crease.

It's all happening! Pushed through by Santner, on off, on a nagging length, Kusal Perera closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that balloons in front of Jacob Duffy at backward point. He dives but the ball drops short of him. The ball rolls in front off his body and Pathum Nissanka wants to sneak in a single. Perera is caught ball-watching as Nissanka is halfway through the run. Duffy lobs the throw towards the batting end and the keeper Mitchell Hay has to run across to his left to collect the throw. Hay picks the ball up, turns around and fires in a throw at the bowling end but Nissanka is in by then. A decent throw at either end would have done the job for New Zealand.

Slower through the air, on a length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka reaches out in front and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Speared in, at the pads, short in length, Kusal nudges it wide of square leg and gets off the mark.

Kusal Perera is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Expertly held by Daryl Mitchell! Mitchell Santner strikes with his first delivery.  Darted in from around the wicket, on a nagging length, on off, Mendis makes room to go over the in-field on the off side. Fails to get the connection right and it goes only as far as the edge of the ring. Daryl Mitchell from cover and Mark Chapman from extra cover converge. Chapman would have been in his eyesight but Mitchell does well to take it over his right shoulder while sliding.

Quick single taken! Very full, on middle and leg, Mendis firms the drive in front of mid on and sets off for the single. Daryl Mitchell swoops in and has a shy at the bowling end but misses. It would have been interesting had the throw hit.

On a good length, on the off stump, Mendis is cramped up for room and he only manages to knock it towards cover.

Wide! Banged in short but this goes over the batter's head. Mendis ducks under it.

Slower and fuller, around off, Mendis drills it along the ground to mid off.

Into the wicket, pace taken off, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka pulls it on the bounce to the man at deep backward square leg. They cross.

Slower one, on a back of a length, on middle, Mendis makes room and knocks it wide of mid off for one.

FOUR! Streaky but they all count! On a shortish length, not that wide for the cut. Mendis throws his hands at the delivery and gets an outside edge that flies past short third for a boundary.

Zakary Foulkes comes into the attack as the first change.

FOUR! Attacking the stumps, on a length, Pathum Nissanka stays put and smears it up and over mid-wicket for a boundary. 16 runs off the over.

On a short of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka chops it down in front of point.

In the air..but it lands safely! Length delivery, around off, Pathum Nissanka looks to get underneath this one as he tries a big shot. It gets skied but lands safely in the vacant deep sqaure leg region for a couple of runs.

Closer to the batter, on a nagging length, stabbed down on the off side.

FOUR! Up and over! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Pathum Nissanka slaps it over backward point for a boundary.

SIX! Effortless! Full and slanting into the pads, Pathum Nissanka plants his front foot across and just whips it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Slower and into the wicket, going past the leg stump, Mendis walks across for the scoop but misses. Wide not given and Mendis is unhappy about it.

Honing in on the off stump, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka hops and steers it wide of backward point for one.

In the channel on off, on a good length, Kusal Mendis glides it down to deep backward point for one more.

Wide! Another one that is sprayed down leg, on a nagging length, Mendis fails to glance it away.

Wide! Sliding down leg, full in length, Mendis misses the tickle.

Gets a late away shape on this one, on a back of a length, Kusal Mendis swivels to get it over square leg but adjusts to the movement and stabs it down with an angled bat.

How has that missed the stumps? On a short of a good length, over off and middle, Kusal Mendis moves across to the off side to play the scoop and misses as the ball goes over the stumps.

Short and wide on off, Kusal Mendis hangs back and cuts it down to deep backward point where Zakary Foulkes sprints and dives to his right to prevent the boundary. Two runs taken.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Jacob Duffy.

Bangs in a sharp and quick bumper, at the right shoulder of the batter, Pathum Nissanka hurriedly ducks and lets it go. A probing first over from Henry.

Gets the yorker in now, on off, Pathum Nissanka jams it out with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Oh, that's a beauty! Angling in and then nipping away off the deck, on a good length, on the off stump line, Pathum Nissanka gets squared up in defence as the ball sneaks past the outside edge and goes over the off pole.

Pace on, on the fuller side, on off, Pathum Nissanka mistimes the drive to mid off.

Pace taken off, on a nagging length, in the channel on off, Kusal Mendis runs it down to deep third and gets off the mark with a single.

A misfield and Sri Lanka's chase is underway! On a good length, on off, Pathum Nissanka leans forward and taps it towards backward point where Glenn Phillips charges in a bit too hard and slides to make the stop. Ends up parrying it away off his body and concedes a single.

In the air...but safe. A couple of runs to end the innings. Slower and fuller, on off, Hay looks to go back over the bowler's head but goes through his shot early. Gets skied but falls well in front of the rushing long on fielder. 16 runs off the over. New Zealand finish with 186!

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Full and wide on off, Mitchell Hay walks across his stumps nice and early. Succeeds in scooping it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Low full toss, on middle and leg, Mitchell Hay gets behind the line and lofts it to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Wide! Another good yorker, just beyond the tramline on off, Hay walks across to make contact but misses. Wide given by the umpire and Fernando is not happy about it, understandably so as Hay had walked across.

Gets the yorker in, wide on off, Hay reaches out but misses.

FOUR! Powered away! On a back of a length, angling across, Hay hangs back and slaps it up and over extra cover for a boundary.

Sloppy stuff from Sri Lanka! Banged in short, on off, Michael Bracewell tries to slap it on the off side. Gets it off the toe end of the bat and gets it past the bowler towards long off. The throw comes in from the deep and it hits the stumps at the bowling end. It rolls beside the pitch on the leg side and the batters sneak in an overthrow. Fernando is caught watching the two batters run and does not get to the ball himself, allowing the two batters to take another run. What should have been just a single has ended up going for three.

SIX! An ideal end to the over for the Kiwis! Theekshana misses his mark as he serves it right in the slot, on middle, Hay clears his front leg and clobbers it back over the bowler's head for six more runs.

On a fullish length, at the stumps, Hay jams it out back to the bowler.

SIX! High and long enough! Theekshana goes for the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, on middle and leg, Hay does not miss out as he launches it over long on for a six.

Leg bye! Fired into the pads, on a length, Michael Bracewell goes for the swipe across the line but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls over to the off side.

Full and wide on off, knocked down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Up and over! On a length, angling across, around off, Hay gets underneath it nicely and goes over cover for a boundary.

Banged into the deck, slower one, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

A good yorker, wide on off, Hay jams it out wide of point for a single.

FOUR! Streaky! Slower and fuller, going across, Hay swings through the line but gets an outside edge that flies past short third for a boundary.

Michael Bracewell comes in now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work from Fernando! Binura nails the yorker, pace on, on off, Daryl Mitchell jams it out beside the pitch on the off side and sets off for the single. Fernando gets across to his right quickly and picks the ball up with his right hand. Turns around and scores a direct hit at the bowling end, catching Mitchell short of his crease. A big wicket for Sri Lanka.

Had the throw hit, Hay was gone! Another one that is pushed across the batter, Hay walks way far across his stumps to scoop it over short fine leg. The ball rolls down the deck off the toe end of the bat. Fernando gets to the ball quickly and turns around to have a shy at the stumps but misses. They cross for one.

Slower one, going across the batter, on a length from over the wicket, Daryl Mitchell is early into his lofted stroke and slices it off the outer half of the bat in front of deep cover for one.

Very full, outside off, Daryl Mitchell glides it down to deep backward point for a single.

This is outside the wide tramline on off, on the fuller side, Daryl Mitchell walks across to play the reverse scoop but misses. No wide given as Mitchell had walked across his off stump.

Wide! This is sprayed beyond the tramline on off, left alone by Mitchell.

FOUR! Thumped! Thushara fails to get it wide enough from the batter's arc, on a length, Daryl Mitchell frees his arms and just smacks it past the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary.

The line stays well wide on off, pace on, on a length, Mitchell Hay drills it to deep cover and crosses over.

Slower one, wide on off, on a nagging length, Mitchell Hay has a swipe across the line. The ball goes off the toe end of the bat, wide of short third for a couple of runs.

On a length, wide on off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out and slaps it to extra cover for one.

Good placement and even better running! This is short, around off, Mitchell Hay hangs back and drops it with soft hands in the vacant square leg region and comes charging back for the second run.

Another one that goes straight, on a nagging length, outside off, Mitchell Hay tries to drag the sweep away but misses.

Loopy delivery, fuller and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track to go back over the bowler's head. Does not quite get hold of it and it rolls along the ground to long on for one.

Flatter and shorter, this goes straight on, Daryl Mitchell punches it back to the bowler.

Dropped short, on middle, Daryl Mitchell rocks on the back foot and pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Mitchell sweeps and sweeps well! Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in front and rolls his wrists to control the shot. Hits it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Oh, that was not much far away from the off pole! Rolls his fingers over the ball and keeps it full, around off, Mitchell Hay looks to turn it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but misses as the ball goes past the inside edge and sneaks past the off stump.

Nails the yorker, right at the toes, Daryl Mitchell digs it out in front of long on. Avishka Fernando swoops in and keeps it down to a single.

Full and straight, at the stumps, driven back past the bowler for a single by Hay to get off the mark.

Mitchell Hay comes in now.

OUT! TAKEN! Pathirana strikes on his return to the attack! Stays over the wicket and angles it back into the right-hander, on a length, on the pads, Glenn Phillips stays deep in his crease and gets his front pad out of the way quickly to swipe it away. The ball catches the inner half of the bat and the bat turns in his hand. It goes flat towards deep mid-wicket where Pathum Nissanka does well to lean to his right and complete the catch. Both set batters back in the hut for New Zealand. A good phase for Sri Lanka.

Goes for the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, at the pads, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Pathirana comes back into the attack and starts from over the wicket, full and slanting into the pads, Glenn Phillips swings to get it away with the angle but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls away wide of backward point for a single.

Good running! Loopy delivery, fuller and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell nudges it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region and calls for two immediately. Wanindu Hasaranga gets to the ball quickly but fails to pick the ball cleanly as he slides and turns around to release the throw.

This stays a bit low, short and around off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and dabs it down on the off side.

Turning away, short and on off, Glenn Phillips camps back and flat bats it to the left of long on for one more.

Leg bye! This is the slider, on middle and leg, on a length, Daryl Mitchell leans forward to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball rolls off the pads and goes towards short fine leg for a leg  bye.

Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.

OUT! STUMPED! Hasaranga comes and Hasaranga strikes! Dishes out the googly from over the wicket, fuller and slower, going across the batter, Mark Chapman gives the bowler the charge and looks to go over long off. Gets done in the flight and he fails to get to the pitch of the ball. The ball spins past the bat and the keeper Kusal Mendis does the rest with Chapman well out of his crease. Chapman goes for 42 (29). New Zealand are now 116/3 after 13.2 overs.

Dropped short, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips pulls it firmly to the left of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fired on the pads, on the fuller side, Mark Chapman swings to get it away behind square on the leg side but misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg. Missed out there did Chapman. Still 15 runs off the over.

SIX! Hit with real authority! From around the wicket to the left-hander, this is short and on off, Mark Chapman shimmies down the track and with a horizontal bat, launches it over long on for a biggie.

Shorter and quicker, on off, Glenn Phillips pats it through covers and crosses over.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Floated up, right in the slot, on off, Glenn Phillips stays leg side of the ball and clears his front leg. Pumps it back over the sight screen for a biggie.

Sees the batter stepping out and Maheesh Theekshana drags the length back, down leg, Chapman adjusts and nudges it towards deep backward square leg for one.

Flat and short, on off, Glenn Phillips punches it past the diving cover fielder to his left for a single.

Width offered again, on the fuller side, Glenn Phillips frees his arms as he goes for the drive. Gets it off the inner half of the bat to the right of the bowler for a single. 100 comes up for New Zealand.

An optimistic shout for LBW! Very full, slanting in, on leg, Glenn Phillips is beaten on the flick as the ball sneaks past the inside edge and hits him on the back pad. Clearly going down leg.

FOUR! Flayed away! Short and wide on off, Glenn Phillips sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery. It flies off a thickish outside edge over short third for four more runs.

FOUR! Lovely timing! This is on a hard length, over off, Glenn Phillips gets on his toes to ride the bounce and just punches it down onto the turf on the off side. The ball goes over backward point and races into the fence.

On a good length, on off, Glenn Phillips is rushed again and ends up chopping it down the deck.

Ouch, that must have hurt! This skids off the deck, on a short of a length, on off and middle, Glenn Phillips is rushed into the pull shot and wears it on the midriff. Grimaces in pain as he walks away from the stumps.

Slower one and it is fuller as well, on middle, Glenn Phillips eases it down to long on for just a single. A tidy over from Nuwan. Just the 5 runs off it.

Continues to bowl it on a back of a length, on off, Mark Chapman punches it past cover and crosses over.

Takes pace off and goes into the wicket, on a back of a length, outside off, Mark Chapman walks across and crouches to access the area behind square on the leg side. Goes through his shot early and it rolls off his left shoulder towards short third.

Bangs it into the deck, at the batter, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips pulls it down to deep fine leg and gets to the other end.

Nails the wide yorker this time, on off, Mark Chapman reaches out and knocks it along the ground to deep cover for a single.

Wide! Goes for the wide yorker but this is spilt just beyond the wide tramline, Mark Chapman tries to slice it away but misses.

Going across the batter, on a good length, Mark Chapman reaches out but mistimes the drive to cover.

Fired in, shorter and quicker, on off, Mark Chapman pushes it wide of cover for one more.

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Mark Chapman rocks on the back foot and pulls it to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Fuller and on the middle stump, skids through. Mark Chapman lunges forward to defend it towards mid on.

Full and on the stumps, goes the other way. Glenn Phillips rocks back and taps it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Drinks break! A much-needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka but New Zealand will be pleased with this start. Mark Chapman and Tim Robinson have done well to build a platform and more importantly, they have wickets in hand to accelerate. The tourists will look to build on this scalp and squeeze in quiet overs in a bid to swing the momentum in their favour. Glenn Phillips is the new batter.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! The googly does the trick for Wanindu! Slips in the googly, fuller and slower, at the stumps, Tim Robinson lunges to push it down the ground with a straight bat but fails to pick the googly. Expects the ball to turn away but it spins back in to go past the inside edge. The ball goes through the gap between the bat and the pad to crash into the stumps.

SIX! Clean strike! Floated up, full and on middle, Tim Robinson gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

SIX! Deposited with some authority that! Bowled full and on middle. Mark Chapman rocks on the front foot, on one knee and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Nice piece of fielding there at the boundary. Banged in short, on the middle stump. Mark Chapman looks to heave it away towards the leg side, instead takes the top edge and flies over the keeper towards the fine leg fence. Binura Fernando puts in the dive at the last minute and pulls it in. Saves two.

Full and straight on the middle stump. Mark Chapman rocks on the front foot to defend it back to the bowler.

Called a wide but hold on, there is a confident appeal from the keeper. This one is banged in short, outside leg stump. Mark Chapman looks to pull it away but the ball sneaks under the glove. The umpire signals a wide. Sri Lanka opt for a review. UltraEdge goes in favour of the batter. There is no spike whatsoever when the ball is right next to the bat and the glove. Sri Lanka lose their last review.

On a good length, outside off, skids on. Mark Chapman lofts it over the covers as the ball goes on the bounce towards sweeper cover The batters run through for a brace.

Fuller on middle stump, zips through. Tim Robinson gets his bat down in time and straight and pushes it back past the bowler for a single.

Back of a length, on middle stump, skids through. Mark Chapman opens up his body to flick it towards backward square leg for a single.

Tossed up around leg, Tim Robinson goes for a sweep but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. Hasaranga appeals for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. They think about it but do not take the review.

FOUR! Short and punished! Flatter and shorter, on middle, Tim Robinson goes on the back foot in a flash and pulls it to the right of long on for a boundary.

Goes slightly full this time, around middle and leg, Tim Robinson goes to flick from the back foot but misses it and gets hits on the pads.

Drags his length, around off, Mark Chapman pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single to rotate the strike.

Leg bye! Darts full, down the leg, Tim Robinson goes for a sweep but misses it. The ball goes to short fine leg after touching the pads and they get a single as leg bye.

Drops it short, down the leg, angling in, from over the wicket, Tim Robinson walks down the track to heave it after making room. He misses it and wears it on the pads.

Darted in, full and on middle, knocked down to long on for a single.

Slightly full than previous one, around leg, angling in, Maheesh Theekshana goes for a pull shot from the back foot. Instead, he gets through the inner half of the bat wide of long on for a single to end the over.

WIDE! Mirror line and length of the previous ball, short again, down the leg with the angle. Mark Chapman tries to flick it but misses it. The umpire has called it a wide again.

WIDE! Short down the leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Mark Chapman tries to help it to deep fine leg but misses it. The keeper Kusal Mendis moves to his right but fails to collect it cleanly as the ball pops out of his glove. Well, well, well, the UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is next to the glove. An opportunity missed by Mendis!

Short down the leg, angling in, from over the wicket, Tim Robinson makes room and steers it wide of cover for a single from the back foot.

Flighted, full around middle, Mark Chapman pushes it to long on for a single to rotate the strike.

Short again but changes the line to middle and leg, turning in, Tim Robinson tucks it to long on for a single.

Short, quicker, around off, from over the wicket, Tim Robinson goes deep in the crease and punches it to deep cover from the back foot. They get a couple of runs.

Back of a length, on middle stump, nips in. Tim Robinson tucks it off his hips towards mid-wicket for a single.

Leg bye! On a length, on the pads, Mark Chapman misses the tickle and wears it on the pads. The ball rolls in front of short fine leg for a leg bye.

FOUR! Brilliant shot that. Bowled full and outside off, skids through. Mark Chapman steps outside his crease and smacks it past extra cover as the ball races towards the boundary cushions.

WIDE! Banged in way too short but the ball goes way over the batter to make him play.

Pushed across the batter, on the fuller side, Mark Chapman opens the bat face and glides it down to the left of deep third for a couple of runs.

On a back of a length, around off, Tim Robinson dabs it down in front of deep backward point for a single.

Short of a length, outside off, skids through. Mark Chapman looks to flat bat it towards point but mistimes it and chops it towards the point region.

WIDE! Fired full and wide outside off as the batter tries to reach out but misses.

Bowled from wide of the crease, very full, at the toes, Mark Chapman uses his feet but ends up yorking himself. Squeezes it out in front of mid on for a single.

Drags the length back and this is quicker, on middle and leg, Tim Robinson hangs back and nudges it wide of long on for a run.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Fired in, on a nagging length, on middle, Tim Robinson skips down the track and with a straight bat, he lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Pushed through, flat and short, on the pads, Tim Robinson misses the tickle and wears it on the pads.

Massive appeal for LBW there but nothing from the the umpire. This one is bowled full and outside off, and swerves in through the air. Mark Chapman goes on one knee to sweep it fine but the ball sneaks past the inside edge and thuds into the front pad. Sri Lanka opt for a review. UltraEdge shows that it brushed a little bit of glove on its way towards the pads. Sri Lanka lose their review.

Is that out? Sri Lanka are convinced that they have managed to trap Mark Chapman LBW and they have taken the review. The UltraEdge shows a small spike, indicating that the ball has brushed the glove.

FOUR! Fired in quicker but wayward down leg. Bowled full and outside leg stump, goes straight on. Mark Chapman just has to get his bat to it as it beats the short fine fielder and races towards the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

First look at spin as Maheesh Theekshana comes on to bowl.

Goes fuller, around middle and leg, straightens off the deck, Tim Robinson clips it wide of deep square leg and takes a couple of runs to end the over.

FOUR! Helped away! Slower length ball, down the leg, from over the wicket. Tim Robinson goes on one knee and helps it to deep fine leg for a boundary in an awkward position as one hand comes off the bat.

Back of a length, outside off, shaping away, Mark Chapman guides it to point and takes a single to get off the strike.

A dipping slower yorker, just outside off, Tim Robinson digs it out to cover and runs off for a quick single.

Back of a length, around off, angling away, Mark Chapman nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Leg bye! Slower, full, around leg, from over the wicket, dipping in, Tim Robinson shuffles across and tries to work it to the leg side. Instead, he misses it and wears it on the pads. They get a leg bye as the ball rolls wide of point.

Good length, on leg, angling in, Tim Robinson tucks it wide of mid-wicket from the front foot and takes a single to end the over.

Halt! The physio is out to perform the concussion assessment. Tim Robinson looks fine as he undergoes the check. The physio calls for a change of helmet for Tim. Robinson puts on the new helmet and he is ready to resume.

OUCH! A bouncer with pace off, around middle, as the ball climbs onto the batter. Tim Robinson is early into his pull shot from the front foot as he misses it and gets hit on the helmet. The physio is out to check on him.

Goes fuller around middle, seaming in, Mark Chapman goes for a flick but only manages to get an inside edge onto the boots. The ball rolls over to point and they cross.

Mark Chapman is in at number 3.

OUT! GONE! CAUGHT AT MID ON! Rachin Ravindra has skied the shot and has paid the price! Short of a length, from over the wicket, around middle, the ball climbs onto the batter. Rachin Ravindra makes room and tries to flat bat it from the back foot. The ball hits high on the bat and goes straight up behind the bowler where Matheesha Pathirana from mid on comes in and takes a simple catch to his right with both hands. NZ are 13/1.

Short of a length, around off, angling in, Tim Robinson keeps it wide of mid-wicket for a single to get off strike.

Leg bye! Hard length, from over the wicket, around middle and leg, seaming in. Rachin Ravindra goes for a flick shot but misses it and wears it on the pads. They get a leg bye as the ball rolls wide of cover.

Goes slower this time, fuller on the leg stump. Tim Robinson tucks it off his legs towards mid-wicket. By the time the ball is picked up and thrown towards the bowling end, the batters run through for a brace.

Back of a length, on off stump, zips off the wicket. Tim Robinson flays across the line as the ball sneaks just over the stumps.

Sneaked a single there. Full and angled towards the batter. Rachin Ravindra steps down and takes an inside edge onto the pads as he looks to work it away towards the leg side. The batters manage to come through for a single as the ball rolls near his feet.

Beaten! Back of a length, just around that probing channel, holds its line. Rachin Ravindra makes room and prods at it as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Goes fuller and on the leg stump, skids on. Tim Robinson swings his bat across the line as the ball sneaks past the inside edge and thuds onto the pads. The ball ricochets towards backward square leg for the batters to come through for a leg bye.

Short and wide, outside off, angling across. Tim Robinson gets on top of the bounce and flat bats it towards cover.

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

Back of a length, on middle, skids on. Tim Robinson tries to defend and the ball takes a decent outside edge and goes towards backward point for a single.

SIX! Thumped! Bowled full and outside off, in the slot. Tim Robinson swings hard, through the line and deposits this one over the long off fence for a biggie.

Attacking the stumps, on a nagging length, Tim Robinson punches it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Full and just outside off, nips away. Tim Robinson pokes at it and goes off the outside edge towards backward point.

Comes closer to the stumps, on a back of a length, skids through. Tim Robinson defends it softly right underneath his eyes.

Starts off with a full and wide one, swinging away. Keeps a tad bit low after pitching. Tim Robinson flays at it with outstretched hands as the ball sneaks past the bottom edge.

We are all set for the action to start. Charith Asalanka leads his troops out to the centre. It will be Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra to open the innings for New Zealand. Nuwan Thushara has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. A slip in place. Off we go...

PITCH REPORT - Frankie Mackay is near the deck. She informs that it’s not quite as warm as the first game. There’s a strong breeze blowing across the ground, and the wind will definitely be a big factor, with both batters and bowlers needing to factor it in. Craig McMillan joins her and says that the pitch has a slight tinge of green but carries a brownish look, with a consistent grass covering. He adds that it’s the kind of surface that keeps everyone involved throughout the game.

Zakary Foulkes is in for a chat. He mentions that his main weapon is the in-swinger and that he could hopefully get a few to swing tonight. Tells that he is enjoying the pressure and bowling alongside Matt Henry and he is guiding him through it.

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner says that this looks like a pretty good wicket but feels that it might hold up a touch. Mentions that the second half of both innings went well for them. Appreciates Foulkes for the way he fought back after a tough first couple of overs. Informs that they are unchanged for this game.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka says that the pitch looks good and will look to execute similar things from the last game here as well. Mentions that they had a lot of positives from the last game but no balls are something they want to cut down. Further mentions that he hopes the middle order including himself, can step up. Informs that they have made one change with Avishka Fernando coming in for Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

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

New Zealand (Unchanged 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.

On the other hand, New Zealand can draw confidence from the heroics of Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, who rescued the team in a dire situation. However, their struggles against spin were apparent, and their Powerplay bowling left much to be desired. Sri Lanka have never won a T20I series on New Zealand soil, and tonight presents a golden opportunity to keep their hopes alive of breaking that long-standing hoodoo. Can they rise to the occasion and level the series, or will New Zealand seal the series? Stick around for the toss and team news.

Sri Lanka will be eager for a quick rebound after letting the first game slip away from a commanding position. The short turnaround between matches could work in their favour, allowing them less time to brood over the loss. Their death bowling, which faltered at a critical juncture, will need improvement, and their batting lineup, aside from the openers, must show greater composure under pressure.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! It's time for Round 2 in Mount Maunganui as the T20I series rolls on. The opening game set the stage with high drama, as New Zealand snatched a thrilling victory from the jaws of defeat. Sri Lanka, remarkably, found themselves collapsing despite needing just 53 runs from the final 7 overs with all 10 wickets in hand.

... MATCH DAY ...

What a nail-biter it was to kick off the T20I series, with New Zealand just edging past Sri Lanka in a dramatic clash! The Kiwis showcased grit and determination, both with the bat and ball, to secure a thrilling win. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell were the saviors with brilliant fifties, rescuing their team from a precarious situation. However, the top-order collapse remains a concern, and the likes of Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra will need to step up and deliver those explosive starts. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips, known for their firepower, must also find their rhythm soon to strengthen the middle order. The bowlers had their moments too. While the Sri Lankan openers initially ran riot, Jacob Duffy produced a game-changing spell that turned the tide in New Zealand's favor. Supported brilliantly by Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes, the trio ensured the Kiwis closed out the game. Skipper Mitchell Santner and Bracewell, with their all-round capabilities, add invaluable depth and experience to this side. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be kicking themselves for letting this one slip away. Chasing 173, their openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on a masterclass, smashing 121 runs for the first wicket. But what followed was a disappointing collapse, with the middle order failing to capitalize. Players like Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Charith Asalanka will need to rise to the occasion, as they possess the talent to turn games around. On the bowling front, Sri Lanka looks strong with their pace trio of Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana ​​​​​​, and Nuwan Thushara, who bring diverse skill sets. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have already troubled the Kiwi batters and could have more tricks up their sleeves. Can the Lankans bounce back and level the series? Or will the Blackcaps seal the deal with a game to spare? The next encounter promises to be a cracker!