New Zealand’s decisive 45-run victory against Sri Lanka on Monday gave them an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. The Bay Oval encounter showcased Sri Lanka’s difficulties at crucial points and New Zealand’s supremacy.
New Zealand batted first and scored a difficult 186-5 on a difficult track, giving bowlers both grip and skid. Mark Chapman added 42 off 29 balls after Tim Robinson set the tone with 41 off 34 balls. The hosts had a great finish thanks to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who hammered an undefeated 41 from only 19 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Throughout the game, the bowlers were favored by the windy conditions throughout the Bay Oval, which presented an additional difficulty for hitters.
Sri Lanka began their chase with promise but faltered under pressure yet again, being bowled out for 141 in 19.1 overs. Pathum Nissanka (37) and Kusal Perera (48) looked poised to lead the visitors to victory, but Jacob Duffy’s superb bowling turned the game. Duffy claimed 4-15, removing both key batters and devastating the Sri Lankan lower order. His yorker to dismiss Perera in the 16th over, when Sri Lanka was 127-4, was a pivotal moment. He struck again in the 18th, dismissing Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in three balls, sealing the visitors’ fate.
Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes cleaned up the tail, ensuring Sri Lanka’s innings ended with five balls to spare. This followed their heartbreak in the first match, where they lost by eight runs chasing 172-8. “It’s really important to finish the game, no matter how it started,” lamented Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. “In the first game, we were almost there, and again we’re disappointed.”
New Zealand’s win was a testament to their collective effort, with key contributions in both batting and bowling. For the visitors, the inability to capitalize on promising starts continued to haunt them. Fans now look ahead to the final match with high hopes for another thrilling encounter.
