After winning the second game by 45 runs, New Zealand took a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. In order to thwart Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 186 runs, the hosts matched potent batting performances with an outstanding bowling effort spearheaded by bowler Jacob Duffy, who took four wickets.
Establishing the Groundwork for New Zealand with Effective Batting
Compared to the first game, New Zealand’s batting performance was more balanced after being sent in to bat. Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman maintained the pace with a forceful 69-run partnership off 47 balls, despite losing opener Rachin Ravindra early in the third over.
The Powerplay Approach
During the powerplay, Robinson and Chapman took advantage of Maheesh Theekshana’s inconsistent lengths to score early boundaries. Despite being downed once and escaping a tight LBW review, Chapman had lucky moments and kept up his rapid scoring pace.
Robinson fell to a googly in the same over after adding a six against Wanindu Hasaranga’s bowling. New Zealand’s growth was momentarily halted by this discovery until Glenn Phillips became leadership.
Contribution from the Middle Order
Theekshana was assaulted by Phillips and Chapman, who struck sixes quickly after one another. But Hasaranga struck again, removing Phillips and Chapman with consecutive googlys, left New Zealand struggling at 122-4.
Mitchell Hay and Daryl Mitchell’s strong finish
Mitchell Hay launched a late assault, while Daryl Mitchell led the innings. Hay scored 34 runs in the final three overs, including two sixes from Theekshana and two boundaries in the penultimate – bowled by Binura Fernando. Together, they helped New Zealand to a respectable 185, which placed pressure on Sri Lanka.
After a promising start, Sri Lanka’s pursuit falters.
With the openers averaging a respectable eight runs per over in the first four overs, Sri Lanka got off to a great start in their chase. To halt their momentum, New Zealand’s bowlers—especially Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy—ensured frequent breakthroughs.
Santner’s Early Breakthroughs
After Kusal Mendis was caught off a mistimed drive, Mitchell Santner dismissed him, giving New Zealand their first breakthrough.
Fightback in the Middle Overs
The innings was momentarily stabilized by Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka, but Duffy’s slower delivery tricked Nissanka and ended the partnership. In an attempt to counterattack, Kusal Perera went after spinners Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell. But Bracewell retaliated by firing Kamindu Mendis.
Breakdown in the Last Overs
During the last five overs, the game shifted firmly in New Zealand’s advantage. The best hope for Sri Lanka, Kusal Perera, was dismissed by Jacob Duffy, who came back to the attack and produced a brilliant yorker. Soon after, Charith Asalanka was defeated by Santner, which made the chase even less strong.
Duffy finished with remarkable figures of 4-15, taking two more wickets in his penultimate over, which confirmed Sri Lanka’s doom. Sri Lanka fell 45 runs short of the mark as their bottom order collapsed.
Important Performances
- The game’s standout player, Jacob Duffy, took four wickets and performed well under duress in both of his periods.
- Mitchell Hay: New Zealand gained the lead because to his late-innings assault, which provided vital runs.
- Mitchell Santner: Made significant contributions throughout Sri Lanka’s chase, both with the bat and the ball.
New Zealand’s depth is highlighted by its series win.
The triumph demonstrated New Zealand’s depth and capacity to perform well under duress. With one game remaining, the team’s well-rounded performance—which included contributions from both bowlers and batters—sealed the series.
New Zealand will try for a clean sweep, demonstrating their superiority at home, while Sri Lanka attempts to recover pride in the last match.
