Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, NZ in SL, 2 T20Is, 2024 Full score card

SIX! BANG! Clean strike from Wellalage to finish things off! Duffy bowls the slower one and bashes it into the wicket, on off and middle. This sits up nicely for Wellalage who waits for the ball to arrive and smokes it over deep mid-wicket. Clears the fence with ease for a biggie. Sri Lanka win by 4 wickets with an over to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the series!

Back to banging into the deck and at pace, on off, Dunith Wellalage backs away to slap it away on the off side but gets beaten due to the lift off the deck.

FOUR! Gets it through and that should do it for Sri Lanka! Duffy slants it in but offers pace this time and this is a bit too full as well. Dunith Wellalage gets underneath it and drills it in the gap between cover and mid off for a boundary. Just 2 runs needed now.

Two dots in a row! Duffy rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it a bit fuller, on off, Dunith Wellalage is done in by the slowness of the delivery as he looks to play at it. Gets beaten all ends up and the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Dunith Wellalage backs away and tries to carve it away on the off side but gets beaten for pace.

Angled in, on a length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets close to the line of the ball as he shuffles across and swings for the hills. Gets an outside edge that goes down to deep third. Ish Sodhi gets around to his right and cuts it off. They cross.

Foulkes goes short, at the helmet of the batter, Dunith Wellalage ducks and lets it go.

On a fullish length, on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Dug in short but it is the slower one, on off and middle, Charith Asalanka gets on top of the bounce and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Another off-pace delivery, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Dunith Wellalage nudges it in front of mid-wicket and takes the single. Wellalage opens his account with the bat in T20I cricket.

Dunith Wellalage is in next.

OUT! CAUGHT! The slower ball does the trick for Foulkes! Takes all the pace off as he serves it at 105 kph and the length is pulled back as well, on a nagging length, Wanindu Hasaranga creates a base for himself to muscle it across the line but gets deceived by the lack of pace on the delivery. Spoons it in the air towards mid-wicket where Mitchell Santner turns around and takes it over his left shoulder. Sri Lanka lose their 6th wicket, needing 11 runs in 16 balls. Is there still life in it for New Zealand?

FOUR! A gift and Wanindu Hasaranga accepts it gleefully! Foulkes tries to get the yorker in but ends up serving a low full toss, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga stays leg side of the ball and opens the bat face to slice it wide of backward point for a boundary.

Beaten! From wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, on a hard length, outside off, Charith Asalanka sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery. The extra bounce results in the ball going over the bat. Sri Lanka need 15 runs in 18 balls.

Angled into the right-hander, very full, on middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga crouches and knocks it down to long off for one more. Both batters are happy to do it in ones and twos.

Pace taken off by Duffy and it is on a length, on off, Charith Asalanka waits for the ball to arrive and just dabs it wide of point for another single.

At 135 kph, banged into the deck by Duffy, on off and middle, Wanindu Hasaranga does not quite get hold of it as he looks to slap it down the ground. Hits it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Gets a good lift off the deck on the bumper does Duffy, around the right shoulder of the batter, Wanindu Hasaranga sways out of the line of the ball and lets it go.

Quick single taken! Duffy steams in from around the wicket and digs it in short, on off, Charith Asalanka rises with the bounce and drops it with soft hands in front of cover and sets off for the run. Mitchell Santner swoops in and tries to release an underarm throw while diving ahead but fails to pick the ball cleanly, allowing Hasaranga to make his ground at the batting end.

Floated up, fuller and slower, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga gets on the front foot and eases it back to the bowler. 9 runs off the over without taking any risk. Sri Lanka need 19 runs in 24 balls.

Dropped short again by Santner from around the wicket, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga leans back and slaps it past the diving cover fielder. Calls for two immediately and makes it as the throw from the wide long off fielder comes in. Good running.

A bit too straight from Santner, on the pads, on a nagging length, Charith Asalanka gets inside the line of the ball and nurdles it through square leg for one.

Turning away a touch, short and on off, Hasaranga makes room and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

Edged away! This does not turn and goes straight on, short and on off, Asalanka plays for the turn as he gets on his toes. Gets his bat out in front to work it with the turn but there is no turn on offer. The outside edge is found and it races past short third. Duffy gives it a chase and puts a slide in. He does well to flick the ball back in before he makes contact with the boundary cushions. Saves a run for his side.

Pushed through, short and on middle, Charith Asalanka hurriedly gets on the back foot for the pull. Gets it off the inner half of the bat and beats the diving Ish Sodhi at short fine leg for a couple of runs.

It seems that the ball has gone out of shape and a few of the threads are coming off it as well. The umpires take a look and opt to change the ball. This gives the players an opportunity for some refreshments as well. The fourth umpire is out with a box of used balls and one is picked to be used. Let's continue...

That is poor cricket all around! Michael Bracewell tosses the ball up around off, Charith Asalanka pushes it out wide of point looking for one but both batters hesitate in the middle. Glenn Phillips moves to his weaker left side and opts to throw it at the keeper's end but his throw is well wide and they make it through for a single.

Fractionally short and outside off, Hasaranga backs away and pats the ball away in front of square on the off side for a single.

Pushed through this one, on length, drifting in, turns in just that slight bit into the batter. Hasaranga rocks back and tucks it towards mid wicket.

Darted in on off, Hasaranga rocks back and pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Easy pickings that for Hasaranga! Well short and outside off, Hasaranga waits back and opens the face of the blade, gliding it well past short third for a boundary.

Michael Bracewell (3-0-25-1) has been brought back into the attack with Sri Lanka needing 34 runs from 36 balls.

This is pushed through quite quick and at the stumps, Hasaranga plays it late and jams the bat down to make the block.

Slower and just outside off, turning away, this one jumps up a bit at Hasaranga but he still manages to judge the length, rock back and punch it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Lobbed up, a bit fuller and around off, Charith Asalanka leans on and gets across before just easing it through mid on for one more.

Massive change in pace there on this one. Slowed down way too much through the air, fuller and just outside off, turns away sharply. Hasaranga makes room and manages to flay his hands through the line of the ball and pushes it towards cover and picks up a single.

FOUR! Bludgeoned away by Hasaranga! Fuller one, angled into middle and leg, Hasaranga sits down and clears the front leg before swatting it just one bounce and over the cow corner fence for a boundary.

Quicker and slightly pulled back a bit on this one does Santner. Sharp turn away, Hasaranga judges the length immediately, rocks back and plays it softly towards cover.

Angled in from well high up and this one turns away with additional bounce, Hasaranga manages to back away and keep it down on the off side.

Mitchell Santner brings himself back into the attack. 2-0-14-1 so far for the Kiwi skipper.

Ends the over with a quicker one on middle. Fuller and drifting into the batter, Asalanka manages to bring his bat down in time and plays it towards cover and is busy looking for a run but there isn't any.

A tad too full, searching for the blockhole, Hasaranga just pushes it down to long on and collects a single.

Quicker and flatter this time, slightly pulled back the length, goes straight on, Asalanka goes back and punches it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Darts this one in full and around off, Wanindu Hasaranga heaves it off the inner half of the bat towards backward square leg and turns the strike over.

Floated up, just outside off, turning away, Asalanka leans on and pushes it to cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Sweetly struck! Just too short and angled into the batter, Charith Asalanka gets his hands out well in front and pulls it firmly in between square leg and mid-wicket for a timely boundary.

Banged in short and Hasaranga ducks underneath it and lets it through to the keeper.

Hits the deck hard and angles it into middle, Wanindu Hasaranga hops back and defends it back onto the deck.

Back of a length to the new batter. Trying to push him onto the back foot. Hasaranga is up to the task, waits back and taps the ball on its head towards point for no run.

Wanindu Hasaranga comes in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The bowling change has worked again for Mitchell Santner and New Zealand. A surprise bumper from Zakary Foulkes, dug in over leg and this one just zips off the deck. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is not expecting it and gets in an awkward position, playing a nothing pull shot. The ball goes off the gloves and straight into the clutches of Mitchell Hay behind the stumps. Sri Lanka have now lost half their side and things could get nervy here.

FOUR! Oh, that's gone through and sloppy work in the end as well from the Kiwis. Good length on off just nibbling away, Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to tuck it away but gets a leading edge just behind the diving fielder at point and then the fielder in the deep dives to save the boundary but deflects it onto the ropes.

The off cutter, bowled into the surface and over off, Charith Asalanka leans back and pulls it through square leg for a single.

Quicker through the air, drifting in, looking to turn it away from middle, goes straight on and Rajapaksa defends it off the front foot.

Held back a bit and on a fullish length around off, Bhanuka Rajapaksa leans on and makes the block.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Glenn Phillips does get rid of the dangerman and that could be a big wicket as well in the context of the game. Phillips digs this one into the deck and bowls it outside off, Kamindu Mendis throws his hands at it and ends up getting a top edge that lobs up well in front of short third. Ish Sodhi does well to get forward and dives in to complete the catch. Mendis departs for 23 off 16 deliveries and New Zealand get their fourth wicket.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow from Kamindu Mendis! Dropped short and angled into the body, Mendis backs away and lifts it straight back over the bowler's head. This one goes on the half-volley into the boundary cushion and it will be a boundary.

Quicker and flatter on leg stump, Mendis tries to work it away towards square leg instead wears it on the pads.

Beauty to start with from Glenn Phillips! Comes from around the wicket and shortens the length on off, gets turn and bounce, Kamindu Mendis is taken aback and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Fuller but wayward down leg from Sodhi this time. Mendis flicks it towards short fine leg and is immediately off for a quick single. 13 runs coming off that Ish Sodhi over. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka are 78/3, needing 58 runs from 60 balls.

Flatter and shorter, going across, on off, Aslalanka waits back and steers it wide of backward point for a single.

SIX! In the arc and it is put away with disdain! Sodhi errs as he serves it right in the slot, on off, Asalanka needs no second invitation as he clears his front leg and deposits it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Turning into the pads, on the fuller side, Asalanka wrists it to the man at mid-wicket.

Quicker and flatter, on off, Mendis waits back to punch it off the back foot towards sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Sodhi slips in the googly, full and on off. It is picked by Mendis who brings out the reverse and rolls his wrists on the ball. Hits it all along the ground, well wide of short third and picks up a boundary.

Beaten for the second time in the over! Pushed through by Bracewell, on a nagging length, on off, Asalanka lunges to defend. The ball straightens a touch to go past the outside edge. It rolls off the keeper's pads towards backward point.

Very full, on off, Charith Asalanka jams it out back to the bowler.

An absolute seed from Bracewell. Pitched just on off, this one turns away just that bit and goes past the outside edge and the off stump by a matter of inches.

Floated up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it to cover.

SIX! A shot of real class! Bracewell offers flight and serves it full, turning away, around off, Charith Asalanka gets half a stride in and gets to the pitch of the ball. Lifts it with the turn over the man at wide long off for a six.

Loopy delivery, on a fullish length, on off, Charith Asalanka takes it on the full and firms the drive to cover.

Flatter, quicker, on off, goes straight on, Mendis rocks back and punches it hard towards deep mid wicket and the fumble allows them to pick up another single which looked like just one.

This is flat and short, on off, Mendis gets on top of the bounce as he rocks back and dabs it down but can't get it past backward point.

Looped up, way slower through the air, on leg stump, Asalanka leans on and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

At 84 kph, a bit of extra bounce on this one, on a nagging length, Charith Asalanka looks to clip it away on the leg side but closes the bat face early. The ball catches the shoulder of the bat and lobs in front of the bowler.

Fuller and on middle, turning into the batter. Asalanka tucks it away off the front foot, towards square leg for no run.

Starts off with a googly, full and on off, Mendis picks it a bit late but adjusts to knock it to long off for a single.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka walks out to bat.

OUT! LBW! Dead straight and Kusal Perera starts walking back as soon as the finger is raised. Nagging length from Michael Bracewell, more on the fuller side and on middle. This one doesn't turn and just slides on. Perera gets pegged onto the back foot and plays all around a straight ball and gets thumped on the pads right in front of the stumps. The finger is raised and New Zealand get another timely wicket.

On the shorter side and on the pads, worked away onto the leg side for a single.

FOUR! Another delightful shot from Mendis and the 50 is up for Sri Lanka! Tossed up around off, Mendis makes a bit of room and goes inside out over covers and picks up another easy boundary.

Fractionally short around off, Kamindu Mendis makes room to cut but slices it away on the bounce to the fielder at short third.

Quicker and onto middle, turning away sharply, Mendis stays back and punches it towards cover for no run.

Tossed up quite full on off, Perera pushes the ball out and down to wide long off for a single.

Bowls this from wide of the crease, on a length, angles it into the batter. Kusal Perera shuffles across to flick but misses and wears it on the pads as it rolls down towards square leg for a leg bye.

Hard length around the top of off, Mendis lets the ball come on and jabs it away wide of point for a single.

FOUR! That is some timing from Kamindu Mendis. Too full and on the pads, Mendis picks it up and flicks it away well wide of the man in the deep on the leg side and picks up a boundary to get off the mark.

Kamindu Mendis walks in at number 4.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Zakary Foulkes steams in and bowls it a touch fuller on the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka comes down the pitch and looks to give himself room to open up the off side. However, the ball is a tad too full and Nissanka is beaten all ends up. The ball crashes into the top of off and Foulkes is delighted as New Zealand now have their second wicket.

On a length and onto middle, goes straight on, cramps up Kusal Perera for room. He still manages to bring his bat down in time and tucks it towards long leg for a single.

That is a sharp bumper! Zakary Foulkes clocks in at just 131 clicks and angles it in from around middle, Kusal Perera is beaten for pace and bounce while looking to pull.

WIDE! Slower one from around the wicket, spilled well down leg for a wide.

Zakary Foulkes has been introduced into the attack.

SIX! BANG! Too short around off, turning back in as well, Pathum Nissanka hangs deep and then backs away before swatting it wide of long on for a biggie.

A prolonged appeal from the bowler but no reaction from the umpire. Mitchell Santner has a word with the bowler but decides against the review. Quicker one, on a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka looks to reverse sweep but the ball seems to have lobbed up off the body and towards silly point. The keeper, Mitchell Hay scampers towards it and dives in to take a fine grab but it won't count.

Pushed through flatter on the pads, worked away around the corner for a single.

This one is floated up again but pushed wide of the off stump, Perera reaches out and lifts it over the cover region for a couple of more runs.

FOUR! Perera playing his shots here. Floated up full and angling into the legs, Perera plays it late and sweeps it well behind square leg for another boundary.

Starts from around the wicket to the left-hander and attacks the stumps, Perera watchfully blocks it off.

Big turn there! On a dragged length, angled in from outside off, this one pitches and turns away square with some extra bounce, leaving Nissanka perplexed.

Short again on middle and leg, pulled away from the crease and well in front of square for just a single.

FOUR! That's poor bowling from Santner! Quicker one, angled down the leg side, Kusal Perera has enough time to rock back and pull it away into the fine leg fence for another boundary. Sri Lanka really starting to fire now.

Drags this one down and angles it into the bodyline, Kusal Perera swivels and pulls it away past square leg for a couple of runs. And with that, he becomes the leading run scorer for Sri Lanka in T20Is, surpassing Tilakaratne Dilshan.

SIX! Kusal Perera gets a big chunk of that one alright! Tossed up on the stumps, Perera steps out a bit and slogs it high and just over the fielder stationed at deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Nagging length on middle, drifting back in, Kusal Perera plays all over it and gets hit high on the pads.

FOUR! Nicely played! Back of a length and around off, this one shoots off the deck but Nissanka controls it really well and just pinches it over backward point for a boundary. 12 off the over!

Just back of a length around middle and leg, nudged away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Half a shout for caught behind but there's nothing on it. Slower bumper over leg, Kusal Perera looks to get inside the line and pull but is well beaten.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it around middle, Nissanka swings it away through mid-wicket for a single now.

FOUR! Real aggression coming in from Pathum Nissanka now and he gets away with it. Full and outside off, Nissanka steps out and backs away before throwing his hands at it. The ball gets sliced up and over the fielder at short third and trickles away into the fence.

Gets enough on that one! Pitched up around middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka clears the front leg and uses the bottom hand to force it over wide mid on and picks up a couple of runs.

Slightly slower and fuller, on off, Kusal Perera gets his bat out in front and knocks it to mid-wicket.

Kusal Perera is the next batter in.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Mitchell Santner strikes and gives New Zealand a much-needed early breakthrough! Santner stays around the wicket and drags the length back a bit but keeps the stumps into play, Kusal Mendis gets down for the sweep but fails to make any contact with the ball. The ball goes on to hit him on the back thigh and the umpire has no hesitation in raising the finger. Mendis has a quiet word with his partner and decides to keep walking. Sri Lanka are now 3/1 after 1.5 overs, needing 133 runs from 109 balls.

Speared in from around the wicket, on the fuller side, on middle and leg, Mendis lunges to defend it with a straight bat. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad. Half a shout for LBW but that was going down leg.

Not in control but Mendis gets away with it! Fired in by Santner, on a nagging length, outside off, Kusal Mendis sees the width on offer and tries to cash in. Throws his hands at the delivery but a bit of extra bounce results in the ball catching the outer half of the bat and it goes on the bounce to backward point.

Floated up and the length is pulled back a bit, on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets down and drags the sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Darts it in from around the wicket, very full, at the toes, Pathum Nissanka makes room and squeezes it out back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner brings himself on from the other end.

Duffy pitches it up, on off, Kusal Mendis presents the full face of the bat and eases the drive to mid off. A tidy start from Duffy!

Duffy takes pace off and bowls it at 123 kph, on the fuller side, on off, Mendis looks to play it down the ground but fails to pick the change of pace. Goes through the shot early and gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

WIDE! Tries to angle the ball back into the right-hander but gets the line wrong. Sprays it way down leg. Kusal Mendis lets it go.

Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka are underway! On a back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and punches it square of the wicket to deep point for a single.

Uppish but it falls just short! In the channel on off, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka extends his hands and drives it on the up. Ends up hitting it much straighter and it goes on the bounce to Mitchell Santner at mid off.

Honing in at the stumps with an upright seam, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka opts to play it off the back foot and gets his bat down to keep it out.

Duffy charges in from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and punches it confidently to cover-point.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Dunith Wellalage with the double whammy to close out the innings. Loops this one up and just drags the length back a touch. This is bowled around off and turns away quite a fair bit as well. Jacob Duffy looks to step out and get to the pitch of the ball but is beaten for turn and the keeper, Kusal Mendis goes up in appeal for the catch. He is confident and the review is taken. UltraEdge shows a nick off the bat and it will be OUT. New Zealand are bundled out for 135 runs in 19.3 overs.

Edged and gone! Or is it? Sri Lanka are pretty confident and they have taken the review. The UltraEdge does show a spike when the ball is next to the bat and that will be the end of New Zealand's innings.

Jacob Duffy is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Top catch from the Lankan skipper! Dunith Wellalage tosses this one up full and on off, Ish Sodhi opts to step out and lifts it towards wide long off without much timing. Charith Asalanka runs to his left and dives across to take it with both hands and finally, the stand between Sodhi and Foulkes is broken but they have done the damage.

Bowls it flat and into the deck around off, Ish Sodhi backs away and lifts the ball over the infield on the off side and picks up a couple of runs.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Dunith Wellalage (3-0-18-1).

Dug in short and well wide, Ish Sodhi reaches out and taps it well behind point for another run.

This is bowled full and on off, Foulkes sets up for the heave but ends up just hitting it down to long on for a single.

Good running! Shorter again, sliding onto middle, Foulkes presses back and flicks it away through the gap in front of square leg for two runs more.

Flatter one around off, Ish Sodhi hangs back and opens the bat face before dabbing it through backward point for a run.

Keeps the length short and bowls it at the batter, Foulkes tucks it away past square leg for a single.

Jammed into the deck around middle, Foulkes hops back and nudges it away nicely into the gap at mid-wicket and races back for two as the bolwer himself has to hunt that one down. Maheesh Theekshana almost had an awkward fall while getting to the ball there.

Flatter one around off, pushed away through covers for an easy single.

FOUR! Fired in now, on a shortish length and around off, Foulkes is a bit late on the cut and slices it away wide of short third as the ball rolls away into the fence. This is turning out to be a fine cameo from the tailender.

Slows it up and floats it full around off, Foulkes slogs across the line but is beaten all ends up.

Nagging length around off and this one turns away, Foulkes has a poke at it but misses.

On the shorter side again, Foulkes rocks back and cuts this one in front of the fielder at point for a couple of runs.

A tad short on off, punched away off the back foot through point for a single.

Dunith Wellalage (2-0-10-1) returns to the attack.

SIX! Wow, what a shot and 20 runs come off that Matheesha Pathirana over. New Zealand inching closer to a defendable total now. Short ball on middle, just sitting up, Zakary Foulkes gets inside the line and crouches a bit before swatting it up and over fine leg for a biggie.

Slows it up and drags the length back outside off, this is lifted over the cover region for a couple of runs.

NO BALL! Matheesha Pathirana misses his line again and gives away more free runs. Full and just angling down leg, Zakary Foulkes gets inside the line and exposes all three stumps but the ball beats the leg pole and the keeper to run away into the fine leg fence. Also, Pathirana has overstepped and it will be a NO BALL. Free Hit to follow...

BEATEN! Another slower one, full and outside off, this one comes back in, Zakary Foulkes looks to drive but misses.

Beaten by the slower one but Zakary Foulkes manages to clear mid off. Pathirana floats it up on a dragged length around off, Foulkes goes through with the lofted drive and gets it over mid off for a couple of runs.

Spears in a yorker now at the legs, this is bowled at 143 clicks and Sodhi fails to clip it away. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls on the leg side.

FOUR! A real gift from Matheesha Pathirana and the 100 does come up for New Zealand. Too full and angling down leg, Sodhi just uses the pace and flicks it well wide of fine leg for a boundary.

Tossed up around off, Sodhi gets inside the line of the ball and slogs it behind square leg for a single.

On a dragged length at the stumps, another googly, Ish Sodhi doesn't pick it up and just about manages to fend it away.

Ish Sodhi walks in at number 10.

OUT! STUMPED! Smart bowling from Wanindu Hasaranga and he gets his man. Slows this one up at just 82 clicks and bowls the wrong'un, a tad fuller and wider of the off stump. Mitchell Santner is itching to step out again but ends up just running past the ball and Kusal Mendis whips off the bails in a flash. Handy knock from Santner but New Zealand still in a lot of trouble at 96/8.

Darted in quick and at the pads, Santner fails to get it away.

Sloppy fielding there from Maheesh Theekshana. Short and outside off, cut away firmly towards point and the fielder deflects it into the deep and the batters get two runs.

FOUR! Handy boundary from the skipper! Tossed up outside off, Mitchell Santner steps down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball before drilling it straight back and to the left of long off for four runs.

Slower and fuller, on the pads, Zakary Foulkes clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Full and at pace, on off, Zakary nudges it wide of long on and comes back for the second run.

Zakary Foulkes is in next.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Fourth slower ball in a row from Thushara but this is banged into the deck, on off, Michael Bracewell premeditates as he gives the bowler the charge. Tries to get on top of the bounce but the lack of pace on the ball, results in him dragging it away on the leg side. Fails to get the elevation behind the shot. Hits it flat towards deep mid-wicket where Kamindu Mendis stays low in the deep and almost overruns to his right, but he adjusts well to take a reverse-cup catch to his left.

Goes full this time but does not offer any pace again, on off, Santner drags the shot along the ground to long on for another single.

Another off-pace delivery, going across, on a length, Bracewell firms the drive to deep cover for one.

Thushara comes back into the attack and starts with an off-cutter, on a length, on off and middle, Mitchell Santner gets squared up in defence. Gets an outside edge towards short third for a single.

Sloppy! On a nagging length, around off, Santner stays on the back foot and steers it to backward point where a wayward throw towards the keeper results in an overthrow. The ball rolls to deep mid-wicket, allowing a single.

This is slower and shorter, turning away, on off, Santner tries to work it away on the off side with the turn. Stays on the back foot to play the shot but gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

Dishes out the carrom ball, on off, Michael Bracewell reverse sweeps it to deep backward point and takes the single.

Fuller and quicker, on off, Santner spanks it wide of cover for a single.

Oh, that's a beauty! Angled in from around the wicket and then it straightens. Santner presses forward to defend but the ball drops in front of him and goes away to beat the bat and the off stump.

Fired in from around the wicket, full and on middle and leg, Santner fails to flick it away and wears it on the pads.

Sees the batter stepping out does Asalanka and he pulls the length back and slows it down, on off, Santner adjusts by working it wide of cover for one. A productive over for New Zealand. 12 runs off it.

FOUR! Quality shot! Asalanka drops it short, on off, Mitchell Santner gets on top of the bounce and uses the depth of the crease. Punches it all along the ground and beats the diving cover fielder to his right for four more runs.

Turning away again, on the shorter side, on off, Bracewell goes on the back foot and pats it wide of the bowler for a single.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Santner dabs it wide of backward point and gets to the other end.

Drags the length back and gets the ball to turn away, on off, Michael Bracewell checks his shot and pushes it wide of cover for one.

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Tossed up, full and on off, Michael Bracewell shimmies down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Drills it back past the bowler and beats long off to his left for a boundary. A boundary after 15 balls for New Zealand.

Absolutely clueless there, is Santner. On length, Pathirana rolls his fingers over the ball as an off cutter. it grips, turns and bounces off Santner and takes him by surprise and just misses the outside edge and rolls down couple of bounces towards the keeper.

WIDE! Banged into the deck but Pathirana gets the line wrong. Slips it beyond the tramline on off. Santner tries to reach out to get some bat on it but fails to do so.

Dishes out the slower one and it is fuller as well, angling across the batter, Mitchell Santner is done in by the slowness of the delivery as he looks to keep it out. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Skipper, Mitchell Santner is the next batter in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Wickets off successive overs for Matheesha Pathirana! Pathirana bends his back and digs it in short, on off, Josh Clarkson hangs on the back foot and looks to take on the short ball. Tries to drag the pull away but fails to get on top of the bounce. The ball catches the top edge and it goes very high in the air towards Kamindu Mendis at fine leg. Mendis keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through to settle under it. Dives ahead to complete a safe catch. New Zealand are now 67/6 after 11.4 overs.

Pace on, on a fuller length, at 147 kph, on off, Clarkson goes for the drive but gets it off the outer half of the bat. Tries to sneak in a single but Wanindu Hasaranga at backward point, moves quickly to his left and keeps it to a dot.

Slightly fuller in length, Clarkson pushes forward and tries to guide it towards deep third but only manages into the hands of the point fielder.

On a back of a length, on off, Michael Bracewell gets on top of the bounce and cuts it to deep point for a single.

WIDE! From around the wicket, Pathirana sprays it well beyond the tramline on off, Michael Bracewell throws his hands at the delivery but fails to get any bat on it.

Floated up, full and on off, Michael Bracewell knocks it down to long off for a single.

Tossed up, on the pads, Clarkson pushes it to long on and crosses over.

Dishes out the googly, full and on off, Clarkson drags it in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Very full, on middle and leg, swept away off the pads towards backward square leg for one by Bracewell.

A loud shout for LBW and this time, Sri Lanka take the review! Turning into the left-hander, on the fuller side, on middle and leg, Bracewell looks to flick it away off his pads but plays all around it. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad. No bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have clipped the leg stump. The on-field decision will stand but Sri Lanka keep the review.

Oh, what happened there? Did Bracewell get some bat on it? There was a noise as the ball passed the bat but no interest from the men behind the stumps. Pushed across the batter, on a length, Bracewell goes for the reverse but misses and it is taken well by the keeper staying low.

Swing and a miss! On a length, way outside off, Pathirana rolls his fingers over the ball, Clarkson just throws his hands at the ball standing right at his spot and misses by a long way. The ball dies down and bounces twice on its way into the keeper's hands.

WIDE! Too much heat on that one, not the right line though. Banged in quick and short over leg but this one angles down leg.

Josh Clarkson is the new man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Would you believe it? The on-air commentators were just chatting about Matheesha Pathirana and his amazing strike rate at the death and just on cue, he picks up a wicket. Pathirana steams in and bowls another slingy delivery, this one at 141 clicks and on a good length outside off. The ball naturally moves away a bit but its that steep bounce that catches the debutant Mitchell Hay off guard and he ends up edging it through to the keeper. Kusal Mendis makes no mistake and New Zealand have now lost half their side.

On a length, angling across, Bracewell makes room and swats it towards cover to pick up a quick single.

FOUR! That has been crunched by Bracewell! Full and wide at 145 clicks, Bracewell pounces on the width and extends his arms before hammering it in front of square on the off side for a much-needed boundary.

At 143 kph, full and wide, going across. Bracewell tries to reach with his outstretched hands but does not move his feet and he fails to get any bat on it.

WIDE! Attempted slower ball, bowled a bit full but well wide outside the off stump line, left alone by Bracewell.

Begins from over the wicket and starts off with a quick bumper, almost cleaning up Michael Bracewell as well. Clocks in at 143 KPH and nails the short-pitched delivery over middle, Bracewell tries to back away but falls over.

Time for some pace as Matheesha Pathirana comes into the attack.

Full and outside off, looking for turn but it goes straight on. Mitchell Hay plants his front foot and confidently defends it back to the bowler to end that successful over for Sri Lanka.

The debutant, Mitchell Hay walks out to bat.

OUT! LBW! That is plumb! Wanindu Hasaranga brings out that signature googly and sends Glenn Phillips packing. Flatter trajectory again from Hasaranga, pushed through on a nagging length around off. Phillips opts to play it off the back foot but the ball pitches and skids whilst spinning into the batter and Phillips plays all around it. He is pinged on the pads right in front of the stumps and slowly but surely, the umpire's finger goes up. New Zealand slip further now.

FOUR! Nicely bowled but Wanindu Hasaranga is unlucky here. Fractionally short around off, angled in but this one turns and bounces away from the right-hander. Glenn Phillips pushes at it with hard hands and gets an outside edge wide of first slip for a boundary.

Floated up full and on the leg pole, Bracewell brings out the reverse sweep and shovels the ball wide of short third for a single.

Slightly overpitched, middle, Phillips leans on and works it away towards cow corner and picks up a single.

BEATEN! Good pace through the air, a tad full and on off, this is the leg break and Glenn Phillips looks to swing across the line but gets beaten past the outside edge.

SIX! Thumped! A real drag-down from Asalanka, pushed outside off and this one just sits up for the batter. Bracewell hangs back and picks it up before heaving it flat and over wide deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Two more! Tossed up wide of off, Bracewell makes a bit of room and lofts it cleanly over the cover region for another brace in the deep.

Slightly quicker, fuller, goes straight on, Bracewell rocks back and defends it back down onto the ground with a straight bat.

This one is floated up on off stump, Michael Bracewell goes inside out a bit and drives it wide of covers for a couple of runs more.

Coming from around the wicket, on length, goes straight on, Phillips stands tall and drives it down to long on for a single.

Starts from around the stumps and bowls it on a length, darting it in at the pads, Glenn Phillips whips it away through the mid-wicket region and picks up a couple of runs.

Charith Asalanka brings himself into the attack now.

Wrong'un on the leg stump, Bracewell looks to defend it firmly back onto the ground but is well beaten on the outside edge and gets struck on the back pad. Half a shout for LBW but that looked to have pitched outside leg. Top delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga.

The wrong'un now, bowled quicker and fuller around off, Phillips goes deep in his crease and jams it out towards the leg side for a single. A fraction of a second more late and Phillips would have been castled.

On leg, slightly fuller, turning into the batter, Bracewell tries to tuck it towards square leg but wears it on the pads. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls on the leg side.

Floats this one up on the off stump line, turning it in, Michael Bracewell leans on and plays it back to the bowler.

Full on middle, this spins into the batter. Bracewell tries to tuck it towards backward square leg but wears it on the pads.

Starts with a flatter delivery, on a shortish length around off. Glenn Phillips rocks back and punches it firmly towards wide long off for a single.

Michael Bracewell walks out to bat with New Zealand in a spot of bother. Wanindu Hasaranga is introduced into the attack.

OUT! LBW! A huge appeal, and given! Will Young has reviewed it quite quickly though but it's that sweep again that is causing problems for him. Theekshana fires this one full and spears it in at the off stump line. Young gets a big stride across, looking to sweep it fine but misses and is hit on the front pad. The third umpire is called in and there's nothing on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows its umpire's call on impact and wickets are hitting which means that the onfield call stands and Young walks back for 19. New Zealand 32/3 at the end of the Powerplay and in a spot of bother.

Flat and quick, attacking the off stump, Glenn Phillips hops onto the back foot and tucks it away through mid-wicket for a single.

BEATEN! Comprehensively. Full and just outside off, this one goes the other way, Phillips rocks back to push it to cover but the ball straightens to go past the outside edge by an inch!

Fired in quicker through the air and on a length around off, this one nips back in as well, Phillips rocks back and blocks it to the off side.

On a length, looped up, Will Young rocks back to punch it towards mid-wicket for a single.

That could have easily been the third wicket! Theekshana comes back in and slides one around the off stump, Will Young gets across to sweep but gets a top edge off the pads and is lucky that the ball falls well in front of the scampering fielder at square leg.

Angled in, on a length, on middle, Young gets on the front foot and drives it to long off for a single.

More turn! Angled into the right-hander, on a nagging length and then it spins away, on a nagging length, on off, Young presses forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated up, full and around off, Young lunges for the sweep but gets beaten by the drop and the away turn.

Pushed through, fuller and on off, Young defends it out on the off side.

SIX! Excellent use of the feet! A boundary after 21 balls for New Zealand. Wellalage comes in from around the wicket and tosses it up, full and on middle, Young gets down the track in a flash and just effortlessly lofts it over wide long on for a six.

Wellalage delivers it short and around off, Glenn Phillips pats it wide of cover and gets to the other end.

Another loopy slower yorker, on off, Glenn Phillips gets his bat down and digs it out wide of cover for a single to get off the mark.

Glenn Phillips is the net batter in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Nuwan Thushara gets his reward for keeping things tight! The slower ball does the trick for Thushara. Rolls his fingers over the ball and lands it on a length, on middle, Chapman shapes up to heave it across the line but gets done in by the slowness of the delivery. Fails to get any sort of power behind that shot. Spoons it in the air towards deep square leg where Wanindu Hasaranga settles under it and does the rest.

Dishes out the slower yorker and the ball drops in front of the batter, on middle, Chapman is equal to the task as he jams it out on the leg side.

On a hard length, on off, Chapman frees his arms to force it through the off side but mistimes the shot in front of cover.

Angled across the left-hander, at 134 kph, on a length, Chapman reaches out and drives it to mid off.

A tighter line, on a back of a length, on middle, Young hops and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Sprays it down leg, on a fullish length, left alone by Young.

Darted in, full and on middle, Young clips it wide of mid on and takes the single. End of a successful over for Wellalage and Sri Lanka.

Missed out! Loopy delivery, low full toss, on the pads, Young skips down the track to work it away on the pads but misses out and wears it on the pads.

Slower and shorter, on middle, Chapman sets himself on the back foot to nudge it away on the leg side. The ball comes onto him slower than he expected and chips it in the vacant square leg region. They cross.

Tossed up, full and on off, Chapman pushes it off the front foot to cover.

Mark Chapman walks in at number 3.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Dunith Wellalage strikes with his second ball! Wellalage stays around the wicket and serves this one on the fuller side. Spears it in with the arm and the new ball skids off the deck. Tim Robinson goes on the back foot to a delivery he could have played off the front foot. The ball keeps coming into him, beats him on the inside edge and clatters into the leg stump.

Turn straight away for Wellalage! This keeps a bit low and spins away from the right-hander, on a nagging length, Tim makes room for the cut but the ball catches the toe-end of the bat and goes on the bounce to first slip.

Nuwan spots the batter backing away and he follows him, on a short of a length, Young makes room but can only pat it back to the bowler. A tidy first over from Thushara. 4 runs off it.

Fuller and in the channel on off, Tim stays away from the line of the ball and dabs it wide of backward point for one more.

Beaten! On a back of a length, just outside off, Tim Robinson stays leg side of the ball and looks to chop it down on the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Quick single taken! Pitched up by Nuwan, on off, Young firms the drive and sets off for the single. Matheesha Pathirana at mid on is caught on his heels slightly, allowing Young to sneak in a tight single.

Full and straight, at the stumps, Tim knocks it in front of mid on and gets to the other end.

Nuwan steams in from over the wicket and gets a bit of away shape, on a length, around off, Young makes room and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to operate from the other end.

Fuller and quicker, at the stumps, Young wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single. A good first over for New Zealand. 12 runs off it!

Good running! The length is pulled back now, on middle and leg, Young tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region and comes charging back for the second run. Tim makes his ground at the bowling end by the time, Wanindu Hasaranga can get to the ball from wide long on and release the throw.

FOUR! Up and over! Floated up by Maheesh Theekshana, around off, Will Young gets his weight on the front foot and presents the full face of the bat to loft it over mid off for a boundary.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Young stays on the back and stabs it down on the off side.

Will Young survives an early LBW shout! Fuller and slanting in, on the off-stump line, too full for the sweep, Young gets down for the sweep but fails to get any bat on it. The ball brushes his front pad and races down to the fine leg fence. The ball passes close to the glove and the bat. The UltraEdge confirms that no bat or glove is involved. The Ball Tracking shows that the impact is in line but the ball is clipping the leg stump. It is umpire's call on Ball Tracking. It will stay NOT OUT!

Wow, an early review here from Sri Lanka regarding a LBW call. The umpire deemed it Not Out onfield but the keeper and the bowler seem rather convinced and the third umpire is called in. There's nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows wickets as 'umpire's call' which means the onfield decision stands but Sri Lanka keep the review as well.

Tim Robinson and New Zealand are underway! Curving into the right-hander, on a nagging length, on off, Tim Robinson hangs back and punches it to the left of long on. Tim wants to come back for the second but Wanindu Hasaranga gets around quickly and keeps it down to one.

Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings! The umpires have taken their places on the field and the Lankan players can be seen in a huddle, getting a few last words of wisdom from the skipper before making their way onto the field as well. It will be the pair of Will Young and Tim Robinson to open the innings for the Kiwis. Maheesh Theekshana has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Just a few minutes left for the game to begin now and the players are out in the middle, lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of New Zealand first, followed by that of Sri Lanka.

PITCH REPORT - Farvez Maharoof is inspecting the deck. He starts by saying that this was the same pitch where Sri Lanka chased down a good target with ease against West Indies not too long ago. Reckons the best time to bat is in the Powerplay and the top order need to go hard at the start and mentions that 165 is a minimum score that is required.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka says that they would have batted first as well but you can't control the toss. Mentions that their focus has been on doing the basics right. Informs that they are going with 3 frontline spinners, 2 seamers and 2 all-rounders.

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand says that they will bat first. Adds that it looks like a good surface, a touch on the slower side and there's no rain on the horizon either. Mentions that he hasn't played here and they do have a young side and will look to buildup for the upcoming white-ball season. Adds that it was great to be a part of that Test series win against India and reckons Sri Lanka will be a big challenge as they are familiar with the home conditions. Informs that Lockie Ferguson has a tight calf and adds that the likes of Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft are also sitting this game out.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Robinson, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (WK) (On debut), Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy.

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

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and they will BAT first.

As both sides take the field with unique strengths, fans can expect a captivating contest. Sri Lanka’s spin depth and recent home dominance give them a potential edge, but New Zealand’s knack for rising to the occasion promises a closely fought series. Stick around as the toss and the team news are a few minutes away!

New Zealand head into this series with fresh confidence, following a resilient Test performance in India where they adapted well to similar subcontinental conditions. The Black Caps will bank on Glenn Phillips for his power-hitting, while experienced spinners like Ish Sodhi and skipper Mitchell Santner are expected to thrive here. Although New Zealand has shown marked improvement against spin, this T20 series presents a unique challenge for their relatively fresh lineup as they transition from the longer format.

The hosts come in with a solid record in home conditions, especially after recent successful campaigns in both T20I and ODI formats against the West Indies. Sri Lanka’s spin attack, led by the ever-impressive Maheesh Theekshana, will be central to their strategy. Alongside Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga’s skill with the ball will be crucial on Dambulla’s spin-friendly track. In batting, players like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka will aim to lay the foundation for substantial scores, building on their recent form to counter New Zealand’s varied attack.

Hello and welcome to what promises to be an electrifying T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. We are here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium for the opening game of the two-match T20I series. First things first, Dambulla has seen some rain over the past few days but thankfully, the forecast for today is promising.

... MATCH DAY ...

After making history on Indian soil, the Kiwis are now back in Sri Lanka for a thrilling 2-match T20I series. Although their last visit here ended in a disappointing Test series loss, they now arrive with renewed energy and confidence. Mitchell Santner takes charge of a dynamic squad that blends experience with fresh talent. With some senior players opting out of central contracts, New Zealand sees an opportunity to test new faces. Tim Robinson, an exciting young opener, will aim to make an impression, while Will Young brings recent strong form. Their middle order is bolstered by the likes of Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, who adds a spin-bowling option. Leading the attack is Lockie Ferguson, with his trademark pace, supported by Jacob Duffy, and Ish Sodhi’s spin could be a major asset on these subcontinent tracks. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, come into this series with momentum across formats under Sanath Jayasuriya’s guidance. Pathum Nissanka has been their standout batter in 2024 and will be vital at the top, pairing with Kusal Mendis. With firepower from Avishka Fernando, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan lineup looks ready to take on any challenge. Having Kusal Perera back adds flexibility, while Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis can stabilize the innings if needed. Skipper Charith Asalanka and star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are set to provide the finishing touch, with Hasaranga also dominating as their top wicket-taker this year. Alongside Maheesh Theekshana’s spin, the hosts’ attack is formidable. And with pacers like Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana, who evoke memories of Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka is equipped to deliver on home turf. Historically, New Zealand holds the edge with 13 wins to Sri Lanka’s 9 in T20Is. But this time, with home advantage and a more seasoned squad, Sri Lanka might have the upper hand. It's all set for an electrifying series as both teams look to make a statement. Let’s see who emerges victorious!