Sri Lanka made short work off the first T20 match of the series against New Zealand in Dambulla on Saturday, winning by four wickets and with six balls to spare.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. However, none of the Black Caps could get going with the bat with Michael Bracewell and Zacary Foulkes top-scoring with 27 runs each. Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana shared six wickets as they bowled out New Zealand for 135 in 19.3 overs.

Sri Lanka stumbled early in the run chase when Santner had Kusal Mendis lbw in his first over. But Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis stuck it out in the middle to lay the foundation for captain Charith Asalanka, who top-scored at 35 not out in 28 balls. 

A captain's knock from Charith Asalanka ??

Sri Lanka seal a tense run-chase to go 1-0 up against New Zealand in the T20I series ??#SLvNZ ??: https://t.co/jrFz1pB3a4 pic.twitter.com/DcmW58oyi3

— ICC (@ICC) November 9, 2024

New Zealand fast bowler Zakary Foulkes picked up three wickets in three overs but Sri Lanka emerged victorious at 140-6 with an over to spare.

After the match, Asalanka – also the Player of the Match – told reporters he wanted to bat until the end. “Bit of nerves, but I planned to bat till the end,” Asalanka said. “We could have bowled them out 15-20 runs before, but credit should go to their lower-order batters.”

‘A couple of good knocks take it away from you’

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said the spinning wicket was their downfall. “I thought we did pretty well to get to 130, it looked like we wouldn’t get there halfway through,” he said. “It was a spinning wicket to be fair. We felt we could defend it, but a couple of good knocks take it away from you.”

The second and final game will be played at the same venue on Sunday. Both teams then play three ODIs to prepare for next year’s Champions Trophy.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg