Cricket: Sri Lanka claim opening T20I against New Zealand

Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in Dambulla on Saturday, claiming the opening match of their two-T20I series by four wickets.

The visitors travelled to Sri Lanka fresh off the high of an historic whitewash against Indian in red-ball cricket, but significant changes to their playing XI meant they were unable to transfer this form to the shorter version of the game.

Wickets fell regularly over the Kiwi innings, with Tim Robinson (3), Mark Chapman (1), Mitchell Hay (0) and Josh Clarkson (3) all getting out cheaply.

Recent player-of-the-series Will Young (19) contributed at the top of the innings, while Michael Bracewell (27) added in the middle order and Zakary Foulkes (27) helped New Zealand end strong.

The bowling of Dunith Wellalage (3/20) and Nuwan Thushara (2/14) was too strong, however, with the Black Caps all out from 135 with three balls remaining.

In response, Sri Lanka lost opener Kusal Mendis (0) early, then built healthy partnerships through Pathum Nissanka (19), Kusal Perera (23), Kamindu Mendis (23) and Charitsh Asalanka (35), who all scored well over a run-a-ball.

The pace of Foulkes (3/20) did threaten the home side at times, but they were ultimately in control across the match as they cruised to victory with an over to spare and four batsmen still in the shed.

“Credit to the Sri Lankan bowlers, they made it pretty tough,” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said after the match.

“I thought we did pretty well to get to 130, it looked like we wouldn’t get there halfway through.

“It was a spinning wicket to be fair, but we felt that could defend.

“But a couple of good knocks take it away from you.

“We’ve got a lot of white-ball cricket coming up, so it’s a start of a campaign for us.

“We take our learnings for tomorrow.”

The two sides will meet again on Sunday night in Dambulla, where Sri Lanka are $1.36 at cricket betting sites to claim the series 2-0.

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