NZ beat SL by 4 wickets | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd T20I Match - Commentary
New Zealand in Sri Lanka, 3 T20I Series, 2019
Date: Sep 03, 2019 Start Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd Match - T20I Commentary
The Kiwi bowling was decent! Their captain was the star. Seth Rance too had a decent outing. Santner and Sodhi were on the expensive side but the pacers who kept taking wickets covered up for it. The total is a challenging one but New Zealand scored a few more in the last game so they would back themselves. However, Sri Lanka know the opposition is missing Ross Taylor so they too would feel they can defend this. Will the series be levelled or will New Zealand win it? Stay tuned to find out in a while.
The innings started really well for the Lankans. They got off to a brisk start but then were pulled back as the two openers were dismissed in quick succession. Fernando and Dickwella then steadied the ship with a very good stand but just as the two started to take the game away from New Zealand, the visitors once again got back-to-back wickets of Fernando and Shanaka. However, the Lankan batters did not let the momentum slip away. They kept scoring quickly but also lost wickets at regular intervals which saw them get to a decent total.
Not sure which team will be the happier of the two at the moment heading into the break! New Zealand though walk back with smiles on their faces so one would say they will be happy with where they stand at the moment. However, the wicket does not seem the same as the last one, it is a touch slow so Sri Lanka will also not be disappointed with their effort.
Seth Rance to Akila Dananjaya. OUT! RUN OUT! A dot to end! A full ball outside off, Dananjaya swings but misses. They try to steal a bye but AD is late in taking off. The keeper lobs it to the bowler who takes the bails off at his end. So two dots to end but still 10 from the over and a couple of wickets too. SRI LANKA END WITH 161!
Lasith Malinga comes out to bat for just a single delivery.
Seth Rance to Isuru Udana. OUT! Udana holes out! He will be disappointed here as this one was a full toss. He does not get any timing on it and it goes high up in the air towards long off. Mitchell takes another one.
Seth Rance to Isuru Udana. MISFIELD AND FOUR! This is so unlike New Zealand. They have been poor in the field today. Another full toss outside off, Udana mistimes it towards cover. Southee runs to his left and looks to stop it with a slide but fails to do so. It goes to the fence behind.
Seth Rance to Isuru Udana. In the air... safe! Run out chance but the throw is not a good one. Two taken. Another slower one outside off, Udana swings hard but gets an outside edge towards third man. Colin de Grandhomme from point runs towards the ball and dives but does not get to it. Udana goes for the second but Akila responds late. The throw to the keeper is high. He leaps and takes it and then fires it to the bowler but by then, Dananjaya is in.
Seth Rance to Isuru Udana. Another two! This is a length ball and it is a slower one on off, Udana hits it back past the bowler and takes two.
Seth Rance to Isuru Udana. A couple to start the last! A full toss outside off, it is sliced past the point fielder. Munro in the deep runs to his left and fumbles. He loses sight of where the ball is but luckily for him, it stops before the ropes. Two taken.
Seth Rance to bowl the last over. He took a beating in the last over of the last game and would want to bowl a better last over.
Tim Southee to Akila Dananjaya. Does so! Just a single to end! Slower ball outside off, Dananjaya hits it to mid off for one. End of a brilliant spell by Southee. His figures, 4-0-18-2.
Tim Southee to Isuru Udana. Just a single! A full toss outside off, it is hit through covers for one. This is a top penultimate over. Needs to end it well.
Tim Southee to Isuru Udana. One more dot! A slower one outside off, Udana fails to put bat on ball as he tries to drive.
Akila Dananjaya comes out to bat.
Tim Southee to Shehan Jayasuriya. OUT! Taken! Southee's impressive night continues! This is a short ball outside off, Jayasuriya looks to heave it over the leg side but ends up slicing it high up in the air towards point. Daryl Mitchell there takes a simple catch. A good cameo from SJ comes to an end.
Tim Southee to Shehan Jayasuriya. In the gap and a couple! One more slower one on middle, SJ pulls it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to two. 150 up for Sri Lanka.
Tim Southee to Shehan Jayasuriya. Lovely delivery! It is a slower ball outside off, Jayasuriya makes a leave thinking it was a wide but it was well in. A dot to begin.
Tim Southee to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. Impressive figures from him so far, 3-0-15-1.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Isuru Udana. He is off the mark straightaway! Two taken in the end! Sloppy from the Kiwis. Udana pushes this through covers and takes one. The throw is a wild one from the fielder in the deep and an overthrow is taken. 13 runs and a wicket from this over.
Isuru Udana is the new man in. A quick fire innings is what is expected from him.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Wanindu Hasaranga. OUT! TIMBER! A lucky wicket? Well, you could say so as this would have been a Free Hit had the previous ball been called a no ball. Nevertheless, New Zealand will be happy. It is fast and on a length and on off. It skids through. Hasaranga looks to guide it down to third man but that shot is never on. He misses and the ball hits the off pole. So Kuggeleijn is making a good comeback here. Needs to end it well though.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Wanindu Hasaranga. A dot! That was touch and go! Could have been given a no ball for height. A high full toss outside off. The batter slashes but misses. Replays show that was above the waist height.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. A yorker now outside off, it is jammed down to third man for one. 11 from the first three balls now. This could end up being a huge over.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. SIX! That is nailed! Wow! A short one and it is a slower ball. Shehan is ready for it. He smashes it over the square leg fence and bags a biggie.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. FOUR! Brilliant shot! Innovation at its best! He brings out the reverse paddle scoop. Nails it and gets it over the short third man fielder for a boundary. Ideal start to the over, pressure on the bowler now.
Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl his last now! 3-0-25-1 his figures so far.
Ish Sodhi to Shehan Jayasuriya. A single to end! This is shorter and down the leg side, it is pulled to deep backward square leg for one. An expensive end to Sodhi's spell, 11 from it. His figures today 4-0-34-1. Been expensive the leggie.
Ish Sodhi to Wanindu Hasaranga. A half-stop and a run! This is floated up on off, it is hit hard back to the bowler. Sodhi dives to his left and only gets a hand to it. Can't stop a run.
Ish Sodhi to Wanindu Hasaranga. Shorter again and outside off, Hasaranga once again manages to get it behind point and collects two.
Ish Sodhi to Wanindu Hasaranga. FOUR! That is a poor, poor ball and it is put away! Short and wide outside off. Hasaranga reaches out for it. Gets it past point and bags a boundary.
Ish Sodhi to Wanindu Hasaranga. Nicely played! This is short and outside off, WH guides it through point for two.
Ish Sodhi to Shehan Jayasuriya. Brings the sweep shot out but hits it to deep square leg for only a single.
Ish Sodhi to bowl out! 3-0-23-1 figures for him.
Seth Rance to Wanindu Hasaranga. Good running! A slower one on middle, Hasaranga plays it with soft hands towards mid on and takes two. A good over by Rance, 8 runs and a wicket from it.
Wanindu Hasaranga comes out to bat next.
Seth Rance to Niroshan Dickwella. OUT! Another one bites the dust! Seth Rance gets another. Big wicket as Dickwella was well-set. Sri Lanka losing their way here. Dickwella moves right across and Seth Rance bowls it fast and full on middle. Dickwella misses the flick shot and gets hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. No reviews but it would not have mattered. A good innings by Dickwella comes to an end but he needed to stay longer. New Zealand can now keep Sri Lanka under 155.
Seth Rance to Niroshan Dickwella. A yorker on middle, Dickwella jams it out towards deep mid-wicket and a couple is taken.
Seth Rance to Shehan Jayasuriya. Comes down the track and absolutely smashes it down to mid off but only for one.
Seth Rance to Niroshan Dickwella. Slower one and on middle, Dickwella mistimes his pull through mid-wicket for one.
Seth Rance to Niroshan Dickwella. That is some shot! Not sure if it was intended! Dickwella initially looks to reverse paddle scoop it but it goes off the inner half through backward square leg for two.
Seth Rance is back!
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. A dot to end! Shorter and outside off, SJ looks to cut but is beaten. He looks at the umpire for a wide but not given.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. FOUR! Smashed! This is full and outside off, Jayasuriya clears his front leg and smashes it through covers for a boundary.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Niroshan Dickwella. Dickwella continues to take risks. He plays the paddle scoop down to fine leg for one.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. Leg bye! This is on the pads, Jayasuriya looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It goes down to fine leg for one.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Shehan Jayasuriya. Very full and on off, this is hit to covers.
Shehan Jayasuriya is the new man in.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Dasun Shanaka. OUT! No inside edge and Shanaka is a goner! That is as plumb as it gets. Not sure why he reviewed. Sri Lanka lose their only one. This is very full and on middle, Shanaka walks across and looks to flick but misses. It is too quick for him. He is hit flush on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. Dasun starts walking back but then reviews. Replays roll in and they show the on-field call is the right one. New Zealand are back in the game with two quick wickets. A first-baller for Shanaka.
Shanaka is a goner! He reviews. If no inside edge, it is plumb.
Scott Kuggeleijn is back on! 2-0-20-0 so far from him.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. A dot to end a successful over for New Zealand. Shorter and outside off, Dickwella looks to cut again but misses.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. A couple! Shorter and outside off, Dickwella hits it wide of the fielder at deep point for two.
Dasun Shanaka is the new man in.
Tim Southee to Avishka Fernando. OUT! In the air... taken! That is a superb catch from Santner. Something special was needed to break this stand and Santner delivers. Outstanding! Southee gets the breakthrough. A much-needed one. The ploy to get himself back into the attack pays off. Southee cleverly bowls this wide outside off and it is the slower one. Fernando reaches out for it but is a touch early in the shot. It goes off the toe end and to the left of the wicket. It seems like it would fall safe but Santner runs in from covers, dives forward and takes it. Once again pin-drop silence here in the stadium. However, this was a top stand as it has laid the foundation for the batters coming in.
Tim Southee to Avishka Fernando. FOUR! Picked his spot nicely there! Fernando comes down the track and Southee bangs it short. Fernando manages to flat-bat it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. Raining boundaries at the moment.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Direct hit and the batter was a goner! Shorter and outside off, the batter mistimes it towards cover and takes off. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Swing and a miss! Slower one and outside off, Dickwella looks to swing but misses.
Tim Southee is back on! 2-0-8-0 so far from him.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Two to end! 14 from the over. A huge one. Sri Lanka on top now. This is shorter and outside off, Mendis cuts it past point for two.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. SIX! That is the shorter side and he clears it. This is flatter and angled into the pads. Fernando brings the slog sweep out and connects it really well. Clears the square leg fence. 100 up for Sri Lanka with this maximum.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Slower through the air outside off, Fernando hits it wide of long on and takes two.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. Well played again! Fires it outside off, Dickwella hits it down to long on for one.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. A couple now! Dickwella dances down the track again, it is bowled shorter. ND pulls it through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and two is taken.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. 50-run stand up! A vital one as Sri Lanka were in trouble when the two came together. Fernando comes down the track and eases it down to long on for one.
Mitchell Santner is back! 3-0-20-0 so far.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. Safe again! Fernando uses his feet and looks to go against the turn to this tossed up ball. He ends up mistiming it but the ball falls safe in the long on region for one.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. Dickwella steps out and hits it down to long off for one.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. Shorter and it skids through on the pads, Fernando lofts it over the mid-wicket fielder. It goes on the bounce to the deep mid-wicket fielder for one.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. Loopy ball on middle, this is eased down to long off.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! Over the bowler's head and runs are flowing here now. Dickwella uses his feet and Sodhi bowls it wide outside off. Dickwella drags it towards long on. The fielder there is wide and hence, it is a boundary.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. Almost done in flight there. Plays it well in the end. Fernando steps out and Sodhi floats it up. Fernando realizes he is beaten in flight so gently pushes it down to long off for one.
Ish Sodhi is back on! His figures so far 2-0-14-1
Scott Kuggeleijn to Avishka Fernando. Back of a length ball on off, Fernando punches it to cover and keeps the strike. Another expensive over from Kuggeleijn. 11 off this one. 20 off his 2.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Avishka Fernando. FOUR! Smashed! Dickwella loves to play pacers and this shot shows why. Overpitched ball on off and middle, Dickwella clears his front leg and smashes it straight down the ground for a boundary. The fielder at long off had no chance stopping that.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Niroshan Dickwella. On the pads, Dickwella looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pad towards fine leg for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! Terrible effort in the field from Rance. Slower bouncer around the body. Dickwella pulls it through backward square leg. Rance comes running in from fine leg and looks to stop it with a slide but the ball goes through him for a boundary.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Niroshan Dickwella. Length ball outside leg, Dickwella makes room but hits it straight to cover.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Avishka Fernando. Good length ball on middle, Avishka looks to drive it on the off side but it goes to the on side off the inside edge for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn is back on now!
The physio is out in the middle for Niroshan Dickwella. Seems like he has some issue on his right thigh. However, he is back up and looks fine to continue.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. A dot to end another good over for Sri Lanka. This is flatter and outside off, Dickwella looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. SIX! Going, going and gone! That is a top shot from Dickwella! He comes down the track and hits it with the turn. It is right off the middle so despite it being the longer part of the ground, he clears the mid-wicket fence.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Beautiful bowling! Fernando comes down the track but Santner slows it up and lands it on off. Fernando pushes it to covers and takes one.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Angles it on middle and then gets it to straighten. Fernando blocks it out.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. Flatter and shorter on off, Dickwella slaps it down to long off for one more.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. NOT OUT! Dickwella is well in! Not sure why the umpire went upstairs. Dickwella once again plays the reverse sweep and hits it through point. They take one and go for the second. Guptill picks the ball up and fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show that Dickwella is well in.
An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs. New Zealand do not seem confident.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. A single to end a good over for Lanka! Once again, Dickwella plays a risky shot. He comes down the track and hits it uppishly but wide of the bowler and down to long on for one.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. DROPPED AGAIN AND FOUR! This one was a straightforward chance! The reverse sweep comes out. Dickwella had to drag it from the leg pole. Hence, it goes towards cover. Bruce there tries to catch it but the ball bursts through his hands and goes to the cover fence. Bruce was the culprit. Not a good start for the man who just came into the team. Another life for Dickwella. Is it his day today? Night I should ask.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. A single after the boundary! Good batting. This is full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. FOUR! 50 up for Sri Lanka! A much-needed boundary for them. Fernando once again uses his feet and stays leg side of the ball. He smashes it through covers and it races away.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. Dickwella misses out there! It is short and on the pads, Dickwella looks to pull but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg for one. The bowler appeals but the umpire would never give that out. Leg bye signaled!
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. Dropped! A very tough chance though. Dickwella comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He still swings but it goes off the inner half to the left of Santner. He stretches his left hand out but the ball hits the finger tips and goes down to long on for one.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Well bowled! An in-drifter! It starts from outside off and comes back in. Fernando pushes it through covers for one.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Just short and then a misfield! This is floated up on off, Fernando stays leg side of the delivery and hits it towards cover. It lands just short, goes through the hands of that fielder for two.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. Slower through the air outside off, Dickwella sweeps it nicely through square leg for one.
Mitchell Santner to Niroshan Dickwella. Dickwella comes down the track but gets too close to the pitch of the ball. He hits it back to the bowler.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Fired on middle, the batter pushes it down to long off for one.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. Slower through the air on middle, Dickwella works it to mid-wicket. A very nice start by Sodhi.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. Shorter and outside off, it is guided through point for one.
Ish Sodhi to Avishka Fernando. Flatter and on off, this is pushed to the man at covers.
Ish Sodhi to Niroshan Dickwella. A single now as Dickwella works it through square leg and takes one. He gets off the mark.
Niroshan Dickwella makes his way out to the middle.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera. OUT! Chops it on! Sodhi strikes in his first over. Pin-drop silence here in the stadium. All of a sudden, Sri Lanka are in trouble here. Sodhi bowls it outside off, Perera looks to play the sweep shot but the ball stays slightly slow. The batter gets an inside edge onto the off pole. Another low score for Perera.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera. Gentle loosener on the pads, Perera works it to mid-wicket for a couple.
Ish Sodhi comes on now!
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Yes, he can! This is flatter and on off, once again it straightens. AF looks to push it but it goes off the outside edge to short third man. Just the 4 runs off the 6th. New Zealand have managed to pull things back brilliantly. Sri Lanka are 38 for 1 after 6.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Turn and pace! Unplayable! This is flatter and on off, it pitches and spins away. Fernando looks to defend but gets beaten. This is a top class sixth over till now, can he end it well?
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Perera. In the air... but safe! Perera mistiming that one saves him there. This is very full and on middle, he looks to swat it but ends up mistiming it towards long on for one.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. On off, Fernando pushes it down to long off again and gets to the other end.
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Perera. Flatter and on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket and a single is taken.
Mitchell Santner to Avishka Fernando. Fernando is off the mark! This is eased down to long off for one.
Mitchell Santner is on now! He will bowl the last over of the Powerplay.
Avishka Fernando comes out next to bat. Can he play a good knock here for his team?
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. OUT! In the air... taken! Rance draws first blood. A big wicket this as Mendis once again looked on song. It has been a tremendous comeback after going for a boundary on the first ball. Just the two runs after that and a wicket. This is a lovely slower one on off, Mendis is completely deceived. He is way too early in the shot. Ends up hitting it straight up in the air towards mid off. Southee takes it nicely. The good looking opening stand is put to a stop.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. Extremely full and on off, Mendis looks to drive but it goes off the bottom to cover.
Seth Rance to Kusal Perera. Nice slower one on middle, Perera works it towards mid on for one.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. A leg bye! This is on the pads, Mendis looks to flick but misses. It hits him on the pads and lobs on the leg side. A quick run is taken.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. Good length and on off, Mendis strokes it to covers.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! Deft! That is very nicely played! Smart batting! Just used the pace of the bowler. It is on a length and around off, Mendis plays it very late, he guides it past short third man and bags a boundary. He looks in fine, fine touch once again.
Change of ends for Seth Rance.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Perera. In the air but on the bounce! Shorter and around off, Perera looks to smash it but ends up slicing it short of mid off. 10 from the over, expensive start from SK too.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Once again a full toss but not taken full toll of. Mendis mistimes his drive to mid on for one.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. SIX! Do not bowl short to Mendis, he will put away! Second six off a pull shot. This is on the body, Mendis helps it on its way and clears the backward square leg fence with ease.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. This is fuller and on middle, Mendis strokes it to mid on.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Mendis looks to innovate as he tries to paddle it. Misses. The keeper appeals but nothing from the umpire.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Perera. A misfield and three! This is a yorker outside off, the batter jams it towards point. The point fielder and the backward point fielder both go for it but none of them stop it and the batters take three.
Scott Kuggeleijn is on now!
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Another single! One more full toss on middle, it tails back in. It is worked through square leg for one. Just the 4 singles from the over.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. One more slower one on middle, Mendis waits for it and pulls it through square leg for one.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Shortish and on off, Mendis initially looks to pull but the ball skids through. Mendis ends up defending it onto the ground.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. A slower one on the pads, Perera works it wide of short fine leg and gets to the other end.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Southee gets away with one now! This is shorter and on the body, should be easy pickings with fine leg up. Mendis though mistimes his pull through square leg for one.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Outside off and it is on a length. Mendis looks to guide it late down to third man but misses.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. Good running between the wickets by both the Sri Lankan openers. Length delivery and outside off, Mendis defends it towards point and calls for a quick single. The duo is quick to get to their respective ends.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. Rance errs in line and bowls one on the pads, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket for a couple.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. Corrects his line and bowls on a length, Mendis looks to run it down to third man but gets it off the outer half of his bat to backward point.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. SIX! What a hit! This is the sign of a man in form. Rance goes short and Mendis takes full toll of it as he gets on his back foot and hits it over the cow corner fence for a maximum. First Six of the game.
Seth Rance to Kusal Mendis. On a length and outside off, Mendis plays it straight to mid off.
Seth Rance to Kusal Perera. Rance starts with a poor delivery. He starts with a full toss on the body and Perera fails to get under it. He can only get it to mid-wicket for a single.
Seth Rance to bowl from the other end. He did not have a very good first game but has a chance to make amends here.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. A lovely deceptive slower one to end! It is full and outside off, Mendis is a touch early as he tries to hit it downtown. Beaten. A good first over by Southee comes to an end.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Good bowling! Gets this one to jag back in after landing it behind a length on off. Mendis looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. A slash and a miss! This is shorter and outside off, Mendis looks to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Shortens his length this time and lands it on off, Mendis defends it onto the ground.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! That is some shot to get off the mark! It is full and on middle, it is shaping away. Mendis works it against the movement and flicks it through mid-wicket. The ball races away to the fence. It was a risky shot but he hit it to perfection.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Swing first up for Southee! This is on off and then it moves away. Mendis watches it carefully and shoulders arms to it.
We are all set for the action to begin! The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by the Sri Lankan openers, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis. Tim Southee to start proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...
New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee, says it is a new start tonight on a different surface and a chance for the players to deliver again. States Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme were brilliant and the youngsters finished it off well in the last game. Informs Ross Taylor is injured and he sits out, Tom Bruce comes in for him.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga, says it is a young team and they don't want to bat with pressure and they back themselves to defend what they put up. States being the first one to get to 100 T20I wickets is a big thing and he is happy about it and he wants to continue his good performance for his side. Informs there is one change for them, Rajitha sits out and Sandakan comes in.
PITCH REPORT - Kyle Mills says it is the replica of the wicket they saw a couple of days ago and it is very hard but there are a lot of cracks. Ends by saying there will be swing with the new ball but not a lot of carry, just like the first game.
NEW ZEALAND (PLAYING XI) - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (WK), Tom Bruce (IN FOR ROSS TAYLOR), Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee (C), Seth Rance, Ish Sodhi.
SRI LANKA (PLAYING XI) - Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (WK), Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga (C), Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan (IN FOR KASUN RAJITHA).
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Sri Lanka. THEY WILL BAT FIRST AGAIN!
Hello and welcome to the second match of the three match T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The Kiwis are leading the series by 1-0 and would look to seal the series today. Sri Lanka on the other hand would look to level the series and spice up the contest further. We had a cracker of a game in the first T20I, hope we get a similar one today too. So do join us in a while for the toss.
So that is it from this game! The Kiwis have won the series with a game to go but Sri Lanka still have pride to play for in the third T20I. It is to be played on 6th September at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
TIM SOUTHEE, THE KIWI SKIPPER, IS THE MAN OF THE MATCH! On being asked about the games so far, he says there have been a couple of great games. Further adds that it was a little bit tight in the end and he was worried about the two guys that went down during the fielding effort on the second last ball of the match. He is pleased that Tom Bruce stood up in the absence of Ross Taylor that too after a huge gap. On Tom Bruce's injury, informs that the medical team will perform a check on Tom Bruce and see if he is fit for the next match. Ends by saying that they will have a good night's sleep after the series win and maybe enjoy a bit now.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga says that they tried their best and got to a decent score but they had a few mistakes here and there and hence they came out on the losing side. Though Malinga says he is happy with the fight they have shown and wants the side to go down fighting. Thanks the crowd for coming out and supporting them. Informs they have one more match to be played to show case their talent and skills. On the performance of the youngsters, Malinga says they have been good and have played with freedom and expressed themselves. On being asked if the bench strength will be checked in the last game, Malinga says they are looking to give chance to the youngsters. On the two injured players, Lasith informs that they are doing well now.
Colin de Grandhomme says that he was looking to do his job for his side and continue his good form from Tests. On whether he was disappointed not bowl today, Colin smiles and says that the margin of error for a bowler in T20s is tough and hence he is not unhappy not to bowl. Credits the Indian T20 League for helping him play spin better. Tells that they were nervous in the final moments but knew they were just a hit away.
The Lankan bowlers, except for Akila Dananjaya did not start off nicely. He did take a beating but also took three wickets. The rest failed to pick wickets in the middle. Lakshan Sandakan was tackled cleverly by the Kiwi batters. A lot was expected by Hasaranga but he was not at his best. It seemed like the Kiwis would get home easily but Sri Lanka fought back well to take it till the last over. They might have also got a few Kiwi players nervous but could not level the series. For now, Colin de Grandhomme is seen giving an interview.
One partnership is what you need in a T20 game and New Zealand got it as Colin de Grandhomme and Tom Bruce smashed a 100-plus stand. Before that, the Kiwi openers came out all guns blazing. They knew they had to make full use of the Powerplay and did exactly that. They did lose their top three but almost went at 10 per over. Then, Colin and Bruce stroked it around the corner and steadied the ship. Once the two got their eye in they accelerated. Hasaranga's over was the game changing one where he went for 16 in the 12th over and then the run-flow did not stop. However, it did seem like New Zealand would throw the good work away, it could have happened had Santner's catch been taken but that was not the case and the Kiwis are deserved winners in the end.
Drama, too much drama in the end but it is New Zealand who come out on top and take the series. An excellent effort from them once again. Beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is a tough task but then doing it with no Williamson, Taylor and Guptill who did not bat tonight is a big achievement. Pin-drop silence at the moment here in the stadium and understandably as it is their team's 7th consecutive loss in T20Is and Southee's unbeaten record as New Zealand's T20I captain stays in-tact.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mitchell Santner. FOUR! Santner finishes this off in style. Floated around off, Santner drags it towards cow corner in no man's land for a boundary. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 4 WICKETS AND WIN THE SERIES 2-0 WITH A GAME TO GO!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mitchell Santner. SIX! Brilliant piece of work but a collision has seen the fielder touch the rope. This is nail-biting stuff. Flighted outside off, Santner gets down on one knee and goes for a big slog sweep. He gets to the left of long on and right of mid-wicket. Both the fielders come steaming in. The man at long on, Shehan Jayasuriya takes the catch but the fielder from mid-wicket is too fast and he cannot stop himself. In a rugby style tackle the man from mid-wicket, Kusal Mendis takes down his own partner. Both the fielders are down in pain. Jayasuriya tries to throw the ball away but replays find him to be late. Jayasuriya hobbles to the pavillion but Mendis is not moving worrying sign this. The umpires initially signalls a boundary but after a few moment he signals it as six. So just one needed now.
Is that a biggie? More worrying for Sri Lanka at the moment is there was a massive collision between the two players and one of them is down in pain. It is a boundary as the long on player did touch the ropes when he had the ball in his hand but he is still not up on his feet and looks in a lot of pain. Most of the Lankan players have surrounded that player and now he is seen being carried off towards the dug out. The one who was carried out was Shehan Jayasuriya. Mendis the deep mid-wicket fielder is also down.
Tim Southee comes out to bat.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell. OUT! Stay where you are because Wanindu is pulling off a stunner here. Floated on off and middle, Mitchell looks to clear the man at long on against the spin. He does not time it well and it goes to the right of the man at long on. Substitute, Lahiru Madhushanka swiftly moves across to his right and makes no mistake. He takes a very good catch.
Mitchell Santner is the new man in.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell. OUT! WHAT A START! Wanindu has not just started with a dot, he has got rid of the well set Bruce with some smart, athletic efforts. Shorter around off, Mitchell looks to hit it straight but it comes off the inner half of his bat and goes to the left of Wanindu. He gathers the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end where Bruce was way out of his crease. Hasaranga scores a direct hit. The umpire takes it upstairs and replay shows that Tom's dive is not enough to save him.
Bruce is already walking back! Has Hasaranga found him short. They have taken it upstairs. This could be a vital moment in the game.
Who will bowl the last over? It is going to be the leg spin of Wanindu Hasaranga. If he pulls this off then he will become the hero here.
Isuru Udana to Daryl Mitchell. Full outside off, Mitchell slams it hard but to the man at long off for a single. 7 needed off last over.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Good length ball around off, Bruce flat bats it towards long off on a bounce for a single.
The physio is out in the middle to have a look at Tom Bruce. Looks like he has twisted his right knee. That is a painful blow. He is getting his right knee heavily taped here. He is back up on his feet and getting padded up like a warrior.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Excellent running but also poor fielding. Fuller outside off, Bruce squeezes it towards long off. The fielder is too deep in the ropes and they call for two. The fielder fumbles allowing them to get the second with ease. Udana is not happy. Bruce seems to have hurt himself as he slipped while turning for the second. 9 needed off 8 now.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. FOUR! BOOM! Bruce gets to his fifty in style. Back of a hand slower ball around off. Tom gets across and paddles it over backward square leg. The fielder could not even move and the ball races away to the fence. Subdued celebrations from Bruce as he knows the job is not complete yet.
Daryl Mitchell comes on to bat.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. OUT! De Grandhomme holes out! Is this the game-changing wicket? Fuller outside off, Udana takes the pace off this one. De Grandhomme goes for the big one over covers. He does not time it well as the ball comes slower to him. Colin then ends up chipping it straight to the man at deep extra cover. Avishka Fernando in the deep makes no mistake and the crowd is back on its feet, having found their voice back. End of a fantastic knock, he though will be gutted not to see his side home. 15 needed off 10 balls.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. Very full outside off, de Grandhomme plays it really well. Does not power it but just guides it wide of deep backward point for a couple. This has been a fantastic knock from the big man.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. A couple to end! Very full and outside off, Bruce swings but it goes off the inner half through square leg for two. 9 from the over. 17 needed in 2. This is going down to the wire.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Just the single again! On the pads, Colin looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. One more single! A low full toss on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Very full again and on middle, this is hit down to long off for one. Singles won't harm Lanka at the moment.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses. Wided. 100-run stand up. De Grandhomme and Tom Bruce have taken New Zealand to the brink of victory but need to win it for them.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. A yorker outside off, Bruce fails to jam it out towards the left of the bowler for one.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. A couple to begin! Full and on the pads, it is worked in the gap through the mid-wicket region for two.
Lasith malinga to bowl his last and also searching his 100th T20I wicket. His figures read 3-0-31-0.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. A dot to end! Another top, top over and Sri Lanka are managing to crawl back here. 26 needed in the last 3. A yorker outside off, Colin looks to jam it out but misses.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. A single now! Sri Lanka won't mind. Fuller and on off, it is pushed down to long off for one.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. One more dot! Gold dust at this stage! Slower one outside off, the batter looks to work it on the leg side but is early in the shot. Misses.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. Bowled to his field there! Full and wide outside off, it is hit to sweeper cover for one.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Slower one on off, Bruce looks to swing but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for a single.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. A dot to begin this one! A slower one outside off, Bruce looks to paddle scoop it but misses to get hit on the pads.
Isuru Udana comes back on! His figures read 1-0-5-0.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. A single to end! Lovely over, given Sri Lanka some hope. 29 needed in 24. This is on the pads, it is sweeped towards short fine leg for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. One more dot! This is flatter and on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. Three googlies in a row! Bruce looks to defend but once again it goes off the outer half to point.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Slower through the air again and it is another googly, Colin looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. The googly on the leg stump, Colin does not pick it. He looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge on the off side.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. Loopy ball on off, Bruce opens the face of the bat and guides it towards covers for one.
Lakshan Sandakan comes back on! His figures so far 3-0-13-0.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! Crunched away! Overpitched on off, Malinga misses his yorker by just few inches but that is enough for de Grandhomme. He creams his drive through extra cover for a boundary.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. FIFTY FOR COLIN DE GRANDHOMME! This has been a brilliant knock from the Kiwi all-rounder. He missed out on a well deserved fifty in the first game but this time he has got to the milestone. Full around off, de Gradhomme drives it through point and gets a couple to get to his 2nd T20I fifty. He raises his bat as his teammates applause his knock. Colin came in at a time when New Zealand were losing their way but he has shown them the path like a true leader.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Brilliant ball! A crisp yorker on middle and off. Colin does well to get his bat down and tuck it towards mid-wicket. The ball is wide of deep mid-wicket and they call for two. Akila Dananjaya gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end. He misses but replay later on shows Bruce was quick as he was in.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. Full on the pads, Bruce flicks it to the on side and gets to the other end. Smart batting this as they are not taking any risks against Malinga and just seeing him out.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Very full on middle. Colin does well to milk it towards mid-wicket for one. This is now the highest 4th wicket stand for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in T20Is.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. Bends his back and bowls it short. The ball does not rise as it is just above the waist. Bruce turns it behind square on the leg side for a single.
The Sri Lankan players are having a look at Wanindu here. Seems like he has cramped up his right leg in an attempt to stop the ball from going for a maximum on the last delivery.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. SIX! That is some hit! A powerful shot. Wow! A clear indication of the power of this guy. It is on middle and shorter in length. Colin de Grandhomme goes back and lofts it off the back foot over the long on fence. The fielder there does leap and try to take it but falls awkwardly. The last ball spoils the over. An expensive end to Dananjaya's spell but still a good one. 4-0-36-3.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. Another single as this is eased down to long on.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. In the air... but the fielder slips! Nothing going right for the Lankans. The move to get back Dananjaya almost works. It is on middle, Colin brings the slog sweep out but only a top edge is induced. It goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Madushanka, the sub, runs in and just as he looks to settle under the ball, he slips. It falls behind him and two is taken.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. Short and on middle, it is slapped through covers for one.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. A wild throw or there was another opportunity! This is on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket with soft hands. The batters take two. The striker is struggling to get to his end but the fielder makes a wild throw.
Akila Dananjaya comes on once again to bowl. His figures so far 3-0-23-3.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. One more yorker on middle, it is jammed out towards mid-wicket for one.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Very full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. One more chance but another fumble! A slower one on off, it is pushed towards cover and the batter takes off. The fielder at covers takes his eyes off the ball at the very end and misfields.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. Misfield and the run becomes easy. This is full and on off, Colin de Grandhomme pushes it to mid off and takes off. The fielder gets to the ball does not collect it cleanly.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. A dot! Fuller and on off, Colin hits it hard but to covers.
Lasith Malinga to Colin de Grandhomme. WIDE! This is down the leg side. Colin looks to flick but misses. Perera does well to dive and stop it.
Lasith Malinga to Tom Bruce. A slower full ball outside off, it is creamed through covers for one.
Lasith Malinga comes on now. Sri Lankan skipper needs to produce a magical spell here.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! This indeed has to be the momentum changing over. 16 from it and only 62 needed now in 48. This is a powerful stroke. It is full and on middle, Colin powers it down the ground and into the long on fence.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. SIX! This is probably the over which shifts the momentum. A biggie this. It is floated up on off, out comes the slog sweep and it clears the mid-wicket fence with ease.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Tom Bruce. Floats it up on off, it turns away. Bruce looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards short third man for one. Also, the 50-run stand is up. Vital one but needs to continue.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Tom Bruce. FOUR! Bruce releases a little pressure! He brings the slog sweep out and hits it nicely in the gap in the mid-wicket region. Boundary!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. Colin de Grandhomme looks to break the shackles as he tries to go downtown. Fails to time it well and it goes towards long off for one.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. Gives it a lot of air on off, Colin smashes it but straight to covers.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Floated on the pads, Colin nudges it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Flighted on off, de Grandhomme pushes it to cover.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. Shorter on off, TB cuts it towards point for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. On the pads, de Grandhomme flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. Short outside off, Bruce looks to cut but gets a thick inside edge which goes towards short fine leg for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Short outside off, de Grandhomme punches it towards cover for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Tom Bruce. A dot to end! Flatter and outside off, Bruce guides it to point. 83 needed in the last 10.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter and on the pads, it is flicked through square leg for one.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. In the gap! It is the googly, Colin works it through mid-wicket for two.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Tom Bruce. Nudged around the corner for one more single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Colin de Grandhomme. This is hit hard through covers but only for one.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Tom Bruce. NOT OUT! Well in again! This is on the pads, it is worked towards short fine leg. The batters go for one. The fielder fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that Colin is well in.
A run out appeal is taken upstairs. The batter does not look worried.
Wanindu Hasaranga comes on now to bowl. He had a good start to his T20I career and would hope to contribute in a winning cause for his team.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. This is a googly, it is outside leg and then turns back in. Bruce looks to sweep but once again it goes off the inside edge towards short fine leg for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. A bottom edge! It is down the leg side, the batter looks to sweep but gets a bottom edge towards short fine leg for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. One more single as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Shorter and on off, it is pushed through covers for one. New Zealand are dealing in singles at the moment.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. WIDE! A googly but wide outside off, Colin looks to cut but misses.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. On middle, it is kept out.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. On middle, it is worked through square leg for one.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. That is top class from Perera! Saves four for his team and ensures it is another good over for his side. Shorter and outside off, Colin looks to pull but gets an inside edge to the left of Perera. He dives and stops it with one hand.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. A dot! Very full and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Good length and on off, this is pushed to the man at covers for one.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Well played! This is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket and two is taken.
Isuru Udana to Colin de Grandhomme. Good length and on off, it is pushed through covers for one.
Isuru Udana to Tom Bruce. Shorter and outside off, Bruce slaps it through covers and a single is taken.
Isuru Udana is on now!
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. A single to end a top first over by Sandakan. This is shorter and on middle, it is pushed down to long on for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. One more dot! This is tossed up outside off, it is the leg spinner. Bruce looks to drive but the ball turns back in and it goes off the inner half to fine leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. BEAUTY! This is floated up outside off, nice flight given there. It is the googly. Colin looks to drive it through the off side but is beaten.
Lakshan Sandakan to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter and fuller on off, Colin goes back to a ball he should play ahead and guides it to short third man.
Lakshan Sandakan to Tom Bruce. Starts off with a short ball outside off, it is slapped through covers for one. Gets away with a poor ball there.
Lakshan Sandakan comes on now.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. BEATEN! A dot to end the Powerplay! This is shorter and outside off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to play it late but is beaten. A shared Powerplay one can say. New Zealand have scored freely but have lost 3 wickets. They are 59 for 3 after it. 103 more needed in 84.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. One more single as this is eased down to long on. Good sensible batting.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. FOUR! Easy-peasy! Shorter and on off, Bruce goes back and punches it through covers for a boundary.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. Loopy ball on off, it is eased down to long on. Some good running sees the batters take two.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. Flatter and on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter and on middle, it is worked towards square leg for one.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Colin de Grandhomme. On the pads, De Grandhomme flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single. 11 runs off the over. New Zealand continue to churn out big runs.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Tom Bruce. One more single as this is worked through mid-wicket.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Colin de Grandhomme. On middle, it is worked down through mid-wicket.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Colin de Grandhomme. SIX! Poor ball and put away! Short and on middle, it sits up to be hit. Colin de Grandhomme goes back and pulls it with power over the square leg fence.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Tom Bruce. The batsman has driven it through mid on. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. On the pads, CdG turns it to the on side and gets a single to keep the strike. 10 runs and 2 wickets off the over.
Akila Dananjaya to Tom Bruce. Almost a disaster. Shorter on middle and leg, Bruce comes down the track and glances it towards backward square leg. Colin de Grandhomme comes out for a single. Bruce says yes but then has second thoughts, de Grandhomme though does not turn his bike the other way. Tom goes through with it and luckily the throw at the bowler's end is a poor one.
Tom Bruce walks out in the middle. New Zealand want something big from him here.
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Seifert. OUT! LBW! New Zealand losing the ploy here. Tossed up googly on middle and off. Seifert gets across on his front foot and looks to defend. He misses and the ball hits him on the front foot. A huge appeal follows and the umpire slowly raises the dreaded finger. Tim has a word with Colin de Grandhomme and they opt against the review. Second wicket in the over and Sri Lanka slowly getting on top here.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin de Grandhomme. Down the leg side, wided.
Colin de Grandhomme walks out in the middle. New Zealand would want a matured innings from him here.
Akila Dananjaya to Scott Kuggeleijn. OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Akila gets another! The ploy to push the pacer up the order fails. Akila gets his revenge. This is flatter and on middle. It is the leg spinner. Stays low. The batter goes back and looks to flick but misses due to the low bounce. It hits him on the pads. An appeal goes up and so does the finger. So the runs are flowing but the wickets too are falling. It is an action-packed start to the second half.
Akila Dananjaya to Scott Kuggeleijn. SIX! That is huge! Some shot by Scott. He comes down the track, gets to the pitch of it and then whips it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 14 from the last three balls.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Tim Seifert. FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Spoils the over completely. Shorter and outside off, Seifert goes back and slaps it hard through covers. It races away to the fence. New Zealand are off to a flier.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Tim Seifert. FOUR! Smashed! Seifert clears his front leg and hammers it past the mid on fielder for a boundary.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Scott Kuggeleijn. NOT OUT! The batter has grounded his bat! EASILY! This is worked towards square leg and the batters take off. The fielder scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end and an appeal goes up. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that the batter is safe.
Run out appeal taken upstairs. The batter looks safe but the umpire has taken it upstairs just to be doubly sure.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Tim Seifert. An appeal but not given! This is fired full and on off, the batter looks to reverse sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. It goes towards short third man and the batters take one. The bowler in the meantime is appealing but the umpire shakes his head. No signal from him as well so there might be some bat. Replays confirm it is off the glove.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Scott Kuggeleijn. On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Scott Kuggeleijn. Flatter and on middle, it is hit to the right of the bowler.
Shehan Jayasuriya comes on now.
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Seifert. Hit hard but a dot! This is floated up outside off, Tim smashes it but straight to covers. A top over by Akila.
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Seifert. Slower through the air outside off, it is pushed to covers.
Surprise, surprise. It is going to be Scott Kuggeleijn who will walk out at number 3. He can hit the ball hard but this is some serious promotion.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin Munro. OUT! In the air... taken! One shot too many there by Munro and that brings about his downfall. He comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He still goes ahead with the shot but only manages to get height on it. It goes down the throat of long off where Hasaranga takes it. A much-needed wicket for Lanka as Munro was going great guns. 143 more needed in 110 balls.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin Munro. FOUR! Up and over! This is a lovely shot. Munro makes room and Dananjaya tosses it up on off. Munro lofts it over the cover fielder and bags a boundary. He has started off really well here.
Akila Dananjaya to Colin Munro. A good half-stop! This is floated up on off, the batter hits it hard towards cover. The fielder there dives to his right and gets a hand to it. Saves a boundary.
Akila Dananjaya to Tim Seifert. Slower through the air on off, this is eased down to long on for one.
Akila Dananjaya to bowl from the other end.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. FOUR! Glorious! Overpitched on off, Munro gets on his front foot and drives it with power and aggression through covers for a boundary. Expensive start for Malinga and co. 14 runs off the first.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. FOUR! Effortless. Munro expects a yorker so he comes down the track walking and takes it on the full. Munro does not play hard at it but just squeezes it through cover-point for a boundary.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. Another flick but this time it is fielded so just a single.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Seifert. FOUR! Horror fielding. It is a bad ball but the fielding has to be better than this. Low full toss down the leg side, Seifert flicks it hard straight to fine leg. Dickwella there takes it too casually and the ball goes between his legs to the fence for a boundary. Maybe Niroshan could have done well with his keeping gloves.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Very full on the pads. Almost another yorker. Munro flicks it to fine leg for one. New Zealand and Munro are off the mark.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Typical Malinga start! He bowls a yorker first up on off. Munro unlike the first match is quick to get his bat down in time.
We are back for the chase! Out come the Kiwi openers, Colin Munro and Tim Seifert. Lasith Malinga to start the proceedings. He is one wicket away from 100 T20I wickets. Here we go...