Sri Lanka ends their New Zealand tour winless after conceding a 35-run win to New Zealand in the lone T20I at Eden Park in Auckland.
Chasing 180 for a win on Friday (January 11), they were bowled out for 144 in 16.5 overs, despite a blazing start, faltering once again in the middle, as has been the trend of their tour. Doug Bracewell and debutant Scott Kuggeleijn’s all-around shows hand New Zealand their third trophy of the tour in what eventually turned out to be a dominant display from the hosts.
Sri Lanka, who failed to register a win across two Tests and three One-Day Internationals, made a beautiful start after opting to field. It was their best chance to beat New Zealand, who had lost nine of their last 10 games in T20Is coming into the clash. Lasith Malinga’s length-variations in the opening over saw the back of dangerman Martin Guptill, whose short-arm pull resulted in a thick top-edge to mid on. Tim Siefert, who was promoted up the order missed out on the chance of proving his prowess, done in by some extra bounce from Kasun Rajitha.
The bowling pair struck again in their successive overs causing a bit of panic as New Zealand were reduced to 27 for 4, in desperate need of a partnership, if they had to get anywhere close to a target that was defendable on a wicket that had rewards for the bowlers, but was going to assist the batsmen majorly. Enter Ross Taylor’s wealth of experience. The veteran batsman scored a sedate 33, but kept Sri Lanka at bay. He shared stands with Mitchell Santner, who came in at No.6, of 28, with Doug Bracewell that fetched New Zealand 47 runs before departing. What that did was take New Zealand over the 100-run mark, leaving the lower order with little to lose in the attempt of slogging their way until the 20th over.
VICTORY! Just like that the BLACKCAPS wrap up the Sri Lanka tail. Ish Sodhi impressive with a couple late ones and finishing with 3-30!
🇳🇿 win by 35 runs.#NZvSL @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/BCptQWAffB
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2019
GRANDSTAND FINISH! Five overs to go here at @edenparknz and wickets to Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi have brought the CAPS right in contention.
🇱🇰 | 130/7 | 15 overs#NZvSL @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/wR0cQgw4cl
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2019
