SL vs NZ 1st T20I: Asalanka and Sri Lanka’s Spinners Take Control to Beat New Zealand by Four Wickets in 1st T20I
Sri Lanka’s spinners and captain Charith Asalanka combined to give their side a comfortable four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I at Dambulla, taking a 1-0 series lead.
New Zealand, who were put into bat on a turning pitch, could only muster 135 all out. Sri Lanka’s spinners were the standout performers, with Dunith Wellalage (3-20) and Nuwan Thushara (2-14) wreaking havoc. Wellalage was particularly impressive, claiming the key wickets of Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman. Maheesh Theekshana also played a pivotal role, getting Will Young for 19 as the visitors slumped to 31 for 3 in the powerplay.
Despite a late cameo from Zakary Foulkes (27* off 16), who helped lift New Zealand’s total from a dismal position, the hosts were always in control, keeping the scoring rate in check throughout.
In response, Sri Lanka lost early wickets in the powerplay, with Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka among the dismissals. However, Kamindu Mendis (23 off 16) and Asalanka (35* off 28) steadied the chase. Asalanka’s composed knock, which included two sixes off his first 11 balls, guided Sri Lanka home with six balls to spare, despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Foulkes impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 20, including the wickets of Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Wanindu Hasaranga. However, Asalanka’s cool head at the crease ensured Sri Lanka sealed the win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st T20I, Dambulla, November 9, 2024
New Zealand: 135 (19.3 overs)
– Zakary Foulkes – 27* (16 balls)
– Michael Bracewell – 27 (24 balls)
– Will Young – 19 (19 balls)
Bowlers:
– Dunith Wellalage – 3/20 (4 overs)
– Nuwan Thushara – 2/14 (3 overs)
– Wanindu Hasranga – 2/20 (4 overs)
Sri Lanka: 140/6 (19 overs)
– Charith Asalanka – 35* (28 balls)
– Kamindu Mendis – 23 (16 balls)
– Kusal Perera – 22 (17 balls)
Bowlers:
– Zakary Foulkes – 3/20 (3 overs)
– Glenn Philips – 1/12 (2 overs)
– Mitchell Santner – 1/0 (4 overs)
Match Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
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