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Duffy provides spark for Blackcaps to snatch T20 victory against Sri Lanka
AAP • December 29th, 2024 6:00 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell have made half centuries in a 105-run sixth wicket partnership to help lead New Zealand to an eight-run win over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20 internationals.
Outstanding bowling at the death also turned the match in the Blackcaps' favour on Saturday night as Sri Lanka slumped from 121 without loss, to 164/8 in reply to the hosts' 172/8.
Mitchell made 62 and Bracewell 59 in a partnership lasting only 60 balls, after coming together with New Zealand in trouble at 65/5 when Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Hay with consecutive deliveries in the 10th over.
Mitchell and Bracewell fire for NZ's 6th wicket | Sport Nation
New Zealand's total looked inadequate as Pathum Nissanka made 90 in 60 balls and shared a 121-run opening stand with Kusal Mendis which seemed to have set up Sri Lanka for a comfortable win.
Mendis contributed 46 to Sri Lanka's first century opening partnership in T20s in 122 innings over eight years.
He was out in the 14th over, an over where Jacob Duffy took three wickets for one run, marking the point at which Sri Lanka's run chase began to unravel. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Perera were also out in the same over.
"They're class batters, particularly those two at the top," Duffy said post-match.
"We know these conditions well with a bit of bounce and swing up top."
Nissanka was dismissed with the total 5-153 in the 19th over and only 20 runs needed for victory.
But Sri Lanka went into the match with a long tail and it wasn't able to finish what Nissanka and Kusal Mendis had started.
"We're really disappointed about the result and we really should have done better," Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said.
"I think Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis batted really well and the rest of us, myself included, should take responsibility for this loss."
Jacob Duffy takes three wickets in an over to help steal a win for NZ | Sport Nation
New Zealand were under pressure for most of the match, stumbling to 32/2 at the end of the power play as Binura Fernando (2 for 22) bowled superbly at the top of the innings.
Hasaranga then stepped up and took his two important middle-order wickets as the Black Caps reached 65/5 by the midpoint of their innings.
Mitchell and Bracewell lifted New Zealand to a solid total which was still made to look reachable under the early onslaught from Nissanka and Mendis.
But after Duffy's three-wicket burst, Sri Lanka lost their way and the next best score after the opening pair was eight.
Sport Nation has live commentary of the Blackcaps' white-ball series against Sri Lanka - available on all NZ frequencies and the Sport Nation app - available now on the App Store and Google Play.
Smithy recaps Blackcaps' dramatic turnaround in 1st T20 v Sri Lanka | Sport Nation
