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NZ beat SL by 35 runs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score One-off T20I Match - Commentary
Sri Lanka in New Zealand, Only T20 International, 2019
Date: Jan 11, 2019 Start Time: 11:30 IST | 06:00 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: Eden Park, Auckland
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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights And Cricket Score One-off Match - T20I Commentary
Sri Lanka started off well in the Powerplay, with Malinga and Rajitha reducing the hosts to 33/4. But, they let their foot off the gas at the halfway mark and ended up conceding 124 runs in the last 10 overs. Sandakan, Thisara Perera and Kasun Rajitha who all started so well ended up with conceding more than 10 runs per over. Sri Lanka will have to bat well if they are to chase this one. They will look for a good start, whereas New Zealand will look for early breakthroughs. Join us on the other side of the break.
What a fightback by the Kiwis. Sri Lanka will be very disappointed that they are chasing 180. They were right on top at the halfway mark of the innings. New Zealand were 55/5 with half the side back in the hut. It looked like they would struggle to get anywhere close to 140 but Ross Taylor's slow but steady 33, Doug Bracewell's 26-ball 44 and debutant Scott Kuggeleijn's quickfire 35 helped New Zealand post 179 on the board.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. SIX! Second six of the over. Full on middle, Kuggeleijn lofts it over wide long on for a biggie. Big over for New Zealand. 17 runs off it. New Zealand end with 179/7. Sri Lanka need 180 to win this match.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Southee. Full on off, Southee drives it towards mid off for a single.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Southee. SIX! Good batting from New Zealand. Length delivery on off, Southee lofts it over long off for a biggie. Sri Lanka are leaking runs here.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Southee. Short outside off, Southee cuts it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. Full on off, Kuggeleijn drives it towards mid off for a single.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Southee. Outside off, Southee looks to pull but misses it. The keeper fires a direct hit at the strikers end but the batsman was well in. The batsmen get a single. Umpire gives it as a bye.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Southee. Another slower ball on middle, worked away to deep fine leg for a single. Good over from the SL skipper. Ends with figures of 4-0-24-2.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Southee. Length ball on middle, flicked away to deep square leg for a couple. That's brilliant running on this small ground. Dickwella collects and takes the bails off but the square leg umpire says the batsman is well in.
Lasith Malinga to Scott Kuggeleijn. How did that one miss the stumps! A perfectly executed slower one once more, Scott is early into his shot and misses the ball. The ball goes inches away from leg stump and Dickwella behind fails to collect cleanly. The batsmen run a bye.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Southee. Another slower one outside off, this time it is flicked away to fine leg for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Tim Southee. Foxed! Such a perfect slower ball on length and above middle stump. Southee is too early into his pull and beaten.
Lasith Malinga to Scott Kuggeleijn. Yorker length ball on middle, taken on the full and flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Lasith Malinga comes back to bowl now.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. Full on middle, Kuggeleijn drives it towards mid on for a single. Big over for New Zealand. 18 runs off it.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. SIX! 150 up for New Zealand. Consecutive sixes from Scott Kuggeleijn. Short of a length delivery, Kuggeleijn pulls it over backward square leg for a biggie. Sri Lanka losing their way here.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. SIX! Good shot from Scott Kuggeleijn. Length delivery on middle, Scott lofts it over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Tim Southee out next.
Kasun Rajitha to Doug Bracewell. OUT! Bracewell departs! Much needed wicket for Sri Lanka. Slower delivery outside off, Bracewell looks to go over long off but does not get enough on it. Dhananjaya de Silva runs from his right and takes a good catch at long off. New Zealand have lost their seventh wicket.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. Full on off, Kuggeleijn drives it towards covers for a single.
Kasun Rajitha to Scott Kuggeleijn. FOUR! Poor delivery from Rajitha. Full toss outside leg, Kuggeleijn flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. FOUR! Length ball once more and Bracewell takes full toll! Pulls this away through square leg and finds the fence once more. 23 off the over! Really expensive! Thisara Perera ends with 1-42 off his quota of overs.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. SIX! Bracewell is turning on the heat here. Short of a length on middle and leg, Doug comes inside the line and pulls it over deep fine leg for another maximum, the third off this over.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. Length ball outside off this time, Doug misses his slash and the ball flies through to the keeper.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. SIX! Two in two! Length ball outside off, Bracewell clears his front leg and smashes it over wide long on. The ball goes way into the fence.
Kasun Rajitha back on to bowl.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. SIX! That's smashed back over the bowler's head and right into the sightscreen! Full toss and Bracewell lifts it right back down the ground. Goes all the way for a biggie!
Thisara Perera to Scott Kuggeleijn. Length ball on middle, Scott tries to pull this one away but the ball climbs on him and gets hit on the shoulder. Leg bye taken towards point.
Lakshan Sandakan to Scott Kuggeleijn. Floated on off, Bracewell drives it towards covers for a single. 13 runs off the over. Big over for New Zealand.
Lakshan Sandakan to Scott Kuggeleijn. SIX! Bracewell is looking good here. Tossed up on middle, Doug Bracewell comes down the track and lofts it over long on for a biggie.
Lakshan Sandakan to Scott Kuggeleijn. Floated on middle, Scott comes down the track and plays it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Short delivery, Bracewell pulls it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. WIDE! Wide outside off, Bracewell lets it go.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. WIDE! Bowls down the leg side, Bracewell looks to go for the slog sweep but misses it.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Tossed up on middle, Bracewell sweeps it to short fine leg.
Lakshan Sandakan to Scott Kuggeleijn. Outside off, Kuggeleijn plays it towards covers for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Scott Kuggeleijn. WIDE! Wide outside off, Kuggeleijn offers no shot.
Thisara Perera to Scott Kuggeleijn. Shorter length ball outside off, Kuggeleijn runs it to third man for a single as he dabs it down. Off the mark! First runs for him in his career.
Debutant Scott Kuggeleijn to bat next.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. OUT! A huge wicket at a crucial point in the game! Slower ball, wide outside off and Taylor tries to pull it away over mid-wicket. Gets a thin feather as the ball crosses him and Dickwella makes no mistake behind. The umpire didn't seem to have heard it but Ross Taylor walks off as he knows he had nicked that one. Great sportsman spirit and there is no need for a review. Sri Lanka could not have chosen a better time for the wicket. Taylor could have hurt them but now, NZ will have a new batsman out in the middle with 5 overs to go.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. Yorker length outside off, taken on the full and hit to long off on the bounce. Another single taken.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Length ball outside off, Taylor plays it away to third man with an angled bat. Single taken.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Incredible shot! Pre-meditated. Fuller length ball, Taylor comes ahead and ramps it over the short fine leg fielder and the ball runs away for a boundary. Great batting from Ross. The hundred comes up for the hosts.
Thisara Perera to Doug Bracewell. Length ball on off, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Thisara Perera is back into the attack now.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Floated on middle, Bracewell comes down the track and hits it towards covers for a single. 10 runs off the over. Good over for New Zealand.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. WIDE! Outside off, Bracewell lets it go.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. WIDE! Bowls down the leg side, Bracewell looks to sweep but misses it.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Flighted delivery outside off, Bracewell comes down the track and misses it. The keeper missed a stumping chance.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Floated on off, Bracewell comes down the track and drives it to covers.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor nudges it towards the leg side for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Tossed up on middle, Taylor looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. SIX! What a way to start this over. Tossed up on leg, Taylor lofts it over wide long on for a biggie.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Length ball outside off, Taylor comes ahead and pushes this towards mid off. Goes for a quick single and mid off misfields as the run is completed really easily. 17 runs off this over! Maybe this is the push that NZ needed. Kumara ends with figures of 4-0-24-0.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Single as DB drives this length one through the covers.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. SIX! The free hit has been pulled away for six over the deep fine leg fence. Short length aimed at the body, Bracewell swivels and hoicks it over the fence at fine leg. This is turning out to be an expensive over. Bracewell's second maximum, maybe he is warming up here!
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. No ball! A no ball has been called for a second bouncer in the over. The bowler doesn't seem too impressed and replays show that it was a tough call. Free Hit to follow though! The field can't change either.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. On the hips off a length, worked to deep square leg. The batsmen come back for two, good running!
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Another short one to follow, Doug tries to smash it over mid-wicket by pulling it off the back foot but fails to connect.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. FIVE WIDES! That's flown off! On a short length and this one has absolutely taken off. Bounces over the head of the batsman as Bracewell tries to upper cut it. It is too high for the keeper as well and the ball runs to the fence in no time.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Pacy ball on length and coming in after landing on off and middle. Taylor is beaten by the pace and gets hit on the thigh pad. Runs through for a leg bye as the ball rolls towards point.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. SIX! New Zealand get a boundary after a long time. Flighted delivery on middle, Bracewell comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a biggie. The hosts need more of these. 11 runs of the over and a very expensive over for Sri Lanka and a much needed one for New Zealand. The hosts would like to have more such overs.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Full on middle, Taylor drives it towards mid on for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Floated on off, Bracewell drives it straight back towards the bowler. The batsmen go for a risky single and get it easily in the end. Sandakan got confused where the ball had gone. Non-striker could have been run out if the bowler would have collected it cleanly.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Flighted delivery on off, Taylor comes down the track and plays it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Doug Bracewell. Floated on middle, Bracewell comes down the track and hits it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Tossed up on off, Taylor rocks back and cuts it to third man for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Yes, he can. Good ball on length once more on the leg stump line. Doug just pats it back down. No run. Only 2 runs off this over, brilliant in T20s. Kumara's figures read 3-0-8-0 so far!
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Length ball on top of middle, Doug just pats it back to the bowler. Only 2 runs so far, can Lahiru end this well?
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Bouncer! Well-aimed at the batsman's head. Bracewell ducks under it and lets it go.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Another one that is slightly down the leg side, Taylor drops it on the leg side once more and gets a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Quick one, 142.4 kph again on the hips. Doug plays it away on the leg side with soft hands and gets off the mark with a quick single.
Lahiru Kumara to Doug Bracewell. Length ball on top of middle, Bracewell defends it back to the bowler from the crease.
Doug Bracewell walks into the middle next.
Lakshan Sandakan to Mitchell Santner. OUT! Santner departs! Timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka. Flighted delivery on middle, Santner dances down the track and looks to go over long off but does not get enough on it. There is some confusion between the two fielders in the deep but Thisara Perera at long off calls and takes a comfortable catch in the end. Would have been a nasty collision if not for the loud call from TP. At the end of 10 overs, NZ have 55 runs and half their side is back in the hut. Run Rate is 5.50. Sri Lanka well on top here.
Lakshan Sandakan to Mitchell Santner. Flighted delivery on middle, Santner gets an inside edge and it goes towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Short delivery, Taylor pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. Tossed up on off, Taylor looks to drive but gets hit on the pad.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ross Taylor. FOUR! Googly outside off, Taylor hits it straight past the bowler over mid off for a boundary. No chance of stopping that one, the ball went too straight and fast for any fielder to come around.
Lakshan Sandakan to Mitchell Santner. Tossed up on off, Santner hits it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to roll his arm over.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Pacy ball on length and middle stump line, Taylor makes room and tries to slash it over the off side but misses the ball completely as he is beaten by pace. Brilliant over from Kumara, just three singles off it in the end!
Lahiru Kumara to Mitchell Santner. Shorter length on middle, this time Mitchell stands tall and pulls it away hard to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Mitchell Santner. Short of a lenght ball on top of middle and leg, Santner comes inside the line and tries to play it fine on the leg side but misses. Looks for a wide to be signalled but it's not.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Length ball on middle and Taylor tries to make room but the bowler followed him and cramped him for room. He can just nudge it on the leg side for a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Another length outside off, Taylor tries to pull but the ball is too quick and he gets hit high on the bat. 146.8 kph that one! The ball goes to mid-wicket. No run.
Lahiru Kumara to Mitchell Santner. Fuller length, pacy 141.6 kph on off. Santner flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Length delivery on middle, the left-hander flicks it towards square leg for a single. 8 runs off the over. Good over for New Zealand.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. FOUR! Good shot from Santner. Length delivery on leg, Santner flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. A welcome back boundary and a much needed one for the hosts. The onus is on these two to guide New Zealand to a defendable total.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Length delivery on off, Santner keeps it out.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Short of a length delivery, Taylor pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Full on leg, Santner drives it through mid on for a single.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Short of a length ball on off, Taylor pulls this away to deep square leg for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Length delivery on middle, Taylor pushes it to mid on for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Mitchell Santner. Full on off, Santner drives it to mid off for a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Full toss on middle, Taylor drives it towards mid on for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. BEATEN! Outside off, Taylor looks again to cut but misses it and is beaten by pace.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Short outside off, Taylor looks to cut but misses it.
Lahiru Kumara to Ross Taylor. Full on off, Taylor drives it straight to mid off.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl now.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Length delivery on middle, Ross flicks it away on the leg side for a single. And that's the end of the Powerplay and a great one for the visitors. New Zealand are 33-4 after the end of the 6 overs.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Great effort! Length delivery on off, Ross tries to square cut it but gets an edge. The ball goes towards Kusal Perera at short third man but falls just short of him who was diving to his front. And fair play to him he straightaway said that he got it on a bounce. If that would have carried New Zealand would have been in a bigger trouble.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Fuller length delivery by Thisara and it finds the leading edge of Taylor's bat luckily for him, he played that with soft hand.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Length delivery on middle, Santner guides it towards the third man region and takes a quick single.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Perera misses his line completely and bowls down the leg side. Mitchell tries to flick but misses it and the umpire signals it as wide.
Thisara Perera to Mitchell Santner. Fuller delivery on off, Santner defends it off his front foot.
Thisara Perera to Ross Taylor. Starts off with a slower delivery on length, Taylor flicks it away on the leg side for a single.
Thisara Perera into the attack now.
Lasith Malinga to Mitchell Santner. Full on off, the left-hander drives it to mid off. Just one run off the over.
Lasith Malinga to Mitchell Santner. Full on off, Santner drives it straight back towards the bowler.
Lasith Malinga to Mitchell Santner. Bowls a yorker on middle, Santner does well to dig it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Good bowling from Malinga.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Length delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it towards the leg side for a run.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Good length delivery on off, Taylor taps it to point.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Good length delivery on off, Taylor defends off the back foot.
Kasun Rajitha to Ross Taylor. Slightly outside off this time, Ross pats it down with soft hands behind the wicket and runs through for a quick single. 6 runs off the over but the important fact is another wicket. Sri Lankans well on top here.
Kasun Rajitha to Ross Taylor. Another good delivery on middle, Taylor defends it watchfully back down the ground.
Kasun Rajitha to Ross Taylor. Almost had two in two! A great delivery on a length and seaming away after landing. Taylor closes the face of his bat too early and the ball flies in the air towards point off the leading edge. Dhananjaya comes ahead and dives to take that catch but the ball lands just short! Brilliant from Rajitha and SL though.
Mitchell Santner walks in at number 6, replacing Munro.
Kasun Rajitha to Colin Munro. OUT! Munro departs after getting a start here. And New Zealand are in big, big trouble. Rajitha pulls back the length on this one and Munro tries to pull it away but is early on his shot. The ball flies high in the air and once again, Sandakan takes an easy catch coming in from covers. Commentators' curse for Munro, he was looking very good out in the middle. Second wicket for the young Rajitha and he has got rid off the big fish.
Kasun Rajitha to Colin Munro. FOUR! Munro looking in a very good touch here. Length delivery on off, Munro opens the face off the bat and beautifully finds the gap to find the fence. He looks like he isn going to score big today.
Kasun Rajitha to Ross Taylor. Fuller on middle, Taylor flicks it away towards square leg for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Ross Taylor. Length delivery on middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket for a run. Ross Taylor is off the mark.
Ross Taylor in at number 5, a lot earlier than he would have liked.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. OUT! BOWLED! Nicholls departs! New Zealand are three down in no time. Length delivery on off, Henry drives away from his body but the ball swings in late. He gets an inside edge and the ball goes on to crash into his leg stump. New Zealand have lost three wickets inside three overs and Sri Lanka are chipping away at the hosts' batting line-up. The Kiwis are in big trouble.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. IN THE AIR BUT SAFE! Length delivery outside off, Nicholls looks to drive but it goes through point. He was foxed by the slower one there but luckily went in the gap. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Length delivery on middle, Munro nudges it towards the leg side for a run.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. FOUR! Poor delivery from Malinga. Bowls full on pads, Munro flicks it towards deep backward square leg for a boundary. Once it beat the man at 45 in the circle, there was no chance of stopping that, races across the turf to the fence.
Lasith Malinga to Henry Nicholls. Full toss on middle, Nicholls drives it towards mid on for a single. If Thisara Perera would have collected that properly and hit the stumps with a throw, there could have been a chance of a run out.
Kasun Rajitha to Henry Nicholls. A bit fuller on this occasion, Nicholls drives it to mid off and takes a quick single, the fielder has a go at the non-striker end but misses. If he would have hit it would have been close call. A very good start here for Rajitha, just 4 runs and a wicket of that over.
Kasun Rajitha to Henry Nicholls. Length delivery on middle, Nicholls gets right behind it and defends it.
Kasun Rajitha to Henry Nicholls. Wide! Rajitha misses his line and bowls it far away on the off, Henry tries to have a go at at but misses. The umpire signals it as wide.
Kasun Rajitha to Henry Nicholls. Fuller delivery on off, Nicholls starts off with a front foot defence.
Henry Nicholls walks to the crease at number 4.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Seifert. OUT! Sri Lanka strike another one and Tim Seifert is back in the pavilion. Rajitha bowls a length delivery on off, Seifert tries to flick it away on the leg side but he is way too early in his shot. The ball angles away from him after pitching which completely deceives Seifert. The ball goes off his leading edge and Sandakan takes an easy catch at cover.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Seifert. Fuller delivery outside off, Seifert watchful defends it.
Kasun Rajitha to Tim Seifert. Starts off with a fuller delivery on middle, Seifert flicks it away to the mid-wicket region for a couple.
Kasun Rajitha will bowl from the other end.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Outside off, it rises off the deck, Munro looks to drive but misses it. The keeper collects it over his head. 9 runs off the over but SL would not mind as they picked up an important wicket.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. SIX! Amazing shot from Colin Munro. Slower delivery on off, Munro lofts it over long on for a biggie. There are small boundaries on this ground. If it would have been a bigger boundary, he would have been caught at long on.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. WIDE! Bowls this well down the leg side, Munro lets it go.
Tim Seifert is the next batsman in.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. OUT! Martin Guptill departs! Big wicket for Sri Lanka. Malinga with the early strike yet again. Extra bounce on this one. Length delivery on middle, Guptill looks to pull but gets a top edge on this one. Kusal Mendis at mid-wicket goes a little behind and takes a good catch at mid on. New Zealand lose their first wicket. Just the start Sri Lanka would have wanted though.
Lasith Malinga to Colin Munro. Full on off, Munro drives it towards covers where the fielder makes a good stop but still the batsman get a run.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Length delivery on off, Guptill nudges it towards the leg side for a single.
Lasith Malinga to Martin Guptill. Starts off with a good length delivery on off, Guptill defends off the front foot.
The players and the umpires are out in the middle for the start of this one-off T20I. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will open the innings for New Zealand. Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga will bowl the first over.
Pitch Report - There is pace and bounce for the bowlers, so the batsmen will have to adjust. Hard soil has been put into the surface, hence it's a good ground to play cricket on. It's being said that if this was an ODI, then batting first would have been the way to go, but in a T20I bowling first is the right choice. The ball will come on to the bat as well despite it being bowler friendly, so it should make for an even contest.
New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee, says Jimmy Neesham and Seth Rance miss out. On Scott Kuggeleijn's debut, Southee is excited and mentions that he has some domestic pedigree to back it up. Continues saying that Doug Bracewell is back and it's good to have him in the side after his long injury. On their winning streak, he adds that it's been a great start this summer and wants to finish on a high. Ends by saying that Sri Lanka are a dangerous side as they showed in the ODIs and they are wary of that threat.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga, says it is a small ground but if the bowlers do well then the batsmen can benefit from that. Informs that there are plenty of changes made, as they want to see how the players can handle the pressure with the upcoming World Cup in mind. States that this type of game you have to prepare differently and they will try to do their best.
TOSS - Sri Lanka win the toss and elect to bowl first!
Hello and welcome to the one-off T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park, Auckland. The hosts have won the Test and ODI series and would like to end with a win in this one-off T20I. There are some injuries to some of their players, so expect changes. The likes of Mitchell Santner and Doug Bracewell should feature in the XI after long injury lay-offs. On the other hand, the visitors have nothing to lose and would like to do better in the T20I game at least. They need to improve their bowling and try to be consistent with their batting also. Sri Lanka would want their openers to fire again and set a platform for other batsmen. Plenty of changes expected in this camp too. What is in store for us? We'll find out soon. Stay tuned, as the toss and pitch report are about to come up.
Southee goes on to collect the trophy and is swarmed by his teammates. They pose and smile for the shutterbugs! So that's that, folks! 1-0 in the Tests, 3-0 in the ODIs, 1-0 in the only T20I! Sri Lanka have finished the tour without a win. They did play well in patches but patches aren't enough to win games or series'. Looking forward though, New Zealand welcome the mighty Indians for a limited overs tour and Sri Lanka travel to the island of Australia for another tough tour. It has been lovely bringing you the coverage of this tour. Join us for the upcoming games as well. As of now, lots of cricket is going on! Switch tabs to follow the final Test between South Africa and Pakistan, where the hosts are batting first at Jo'burg or if you want more exciting and faster T20 action, switch tabs to the BBL where the Melbourne Stars have been set a target of 179 by the Adelaide Strikers. Adios from here! Take care!
Tim Southee the winning skipper of New Zealand says that it is always nice to lead the country even if it was for a one-off game and finish off on the right side of the result. Says that is a great team performance to come back from the position they were in after the first half of their batting innings. Assigns special praise for Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner for coming back from injury and performing well. Applauds all the performers in this game as well, saying that the players are comfortable and whenever they are given an opportunity, they are ready to come out and perform their best. Thanks Sri Lanka for being a lovely touring side and feels they played good, competitive cricket even though they did not win a game on the tour. Signs off by saying there is lots of cricket coming up. Reckons it will be a tough series against the Indians. Looks forward to it.
Lasith Malinga the Sri Lankan skipper, feels that they did really well that with the ball early on in the innings and gave away too many towards the end. He still reckons that the score of 180 was still achieveable on this ground. Says that the batsmen did not frame the chase well and did not understand how to cross the line. Feels that going ahead, they must do better in that aspect. Signs off by saying that there are a busy couple of months of cricket coming up where they have to step up and learn to win games.
Doug Bracewell is the Man of the match. He says it is a good result and feels it was a nice way to come back in the side and help in the win after working on his technique in the time he spent outside. Applauds his mate Kuggeleijn for a great debut. Feels that he was doing well at the nets and just came and kept things simple as he came to middle and played his shots. Ends by saying he backs himself to do well whenever he plays.
With 180 to chase and a small ground, despite losing an early wicket, Dickwella and Kusal Perera blasted their side off to a fast start. Both departed shortly, but Thisara continued the fight like he did in the ODIs earlier. The task was too much for him to do alone, so he succumbed and post that, it was just a mere formality as the rest to come were cleaned up within no time. Everyone had a share in the wickets column, with Ferguson and Sodhi taking 3 apiece. A fine performance from the home side.
A clinical victory for the Black Caps in the end. They had some hiccups on the way, but eventually they stood tall and got the job done. First, they stumbled with the bat when they were reduced to 33/4 inside the Powerplay courtesy Malinga and Rajitha, but some calm sense from Taylor combined with fireworks from the returning Bracewell and debutant Kuggeleijn saw them end up with a massive total on the board.
Ish Sodhi to Kasun Rajitha. OUT! It's all over! Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 144 inside 17 overs. NEW ZEALAND WIN THE ONE-OFF T20I BY 35 RUNS. This one is flighted on middle and Rajitha goes for a huge one over mid-wicket but the ball takes the top edge and is straight up in the air. The keeper, Seifert makes a loud call for it, comes under the ball and takes it comfortably with his big gloves. Sodhi ends with three wickets and there is jubilation amongst all the Kiwi players.
Ish Sodhi to Kasun Rajitha. Well outside off, Rajitha goes after it but can't connect. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Ish Sodhi to Lakshan Sandakan. Another flighted one outside off, slogged away to mid-wicket on one bounce by Sandakan. A single is taken.
Ish Sodhi to Lakshan Sandakan. Flatter one on middle, defended back down the ground towards the bowler.
Lakshan Sandakan is the last man in for Sri Lanka.
Ish Sodhi to Lahiru Kumara. OUT! Gone off the second ball! Kuggeleijn takes a simple catch coming in from short third man. Nine down now! Looks like SL might not last the quota of 20 overs even. Slower one this time well outside off, Kumara looks to smash it down the ground but gets a thick outside edge that goes straight to Scott. What an evening for the debutant as well.
Ish Sodhi to Lahiru Kumara. FOUR! Kumara uses his feet and smashes this flatter one on leg right back over the bowler's head for a boundary off the first ball he faces. Lovely shot.
Mitchell Santner to Kasun Rajitha. Flighted delivery outside off, Rajitha fails to connect it with his defensive bat.
Lahiru Kumara is out next.
Mitchell Santner to Lasith Malinga. OUT! Lasith Malinga is back to the pavilion and New Zealand inching closer to the victory line. Santner bowls it wide outside off after seeing Malinga make room for himself for a slog. Malinga tries to go for it but all he manages is to find a top edge and Guptill takes a dolly at long on. The small hope that Sri Lanka had has just went down the drain here.
Mitchell Santner to Kasun Rajitha. Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Rajitha plays it to the fielder at long on for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Lasith Malinga. Tossed up on middle, the Sri Lanka skipper pushes it through mid on for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Lasith Malinga. FOUR! Lucky boundary for Malinga. Tossed up on middle, it finds the inside edge of the bat and moves to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Mitchell Santner to Lasith Malinga. Santner bowls it way outside off this time. Malinga has a go at it but misses. The umpire signals it as wide.
Mitchell Santner to Kasun Rajitha. Tossed up on off, Rajitha pushes it away through cover for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Kasun Rajitha. Fuller one on off, pushed back to long off for a single to end the over. Brilliant stuff from Sodhi, just two off it in the end and a wicket to boot!
Ish Sodhi to Kasun Rajitha. Beaten! A flighted one outside off, turns away late to beat the willow of Kasun as he was trying to defend it.
Ish Sodhi to Kasun Rajitha. Flatter ball on off, pushed back to the bowler by Rajitha.
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. Flighted one on middle and off, Malinga hits it in the air towards long on. Goes on one bounce to Bracewell. Single taken.
Ish Sodhi to Lasith Malinga. Flatter one outside off, pushed away to cover by Malinga.
Lasith Malinga walks out to the middle next.
Ish Sodhi to Dasun Shanaka. OUT! What a brilliant review! Three reds flash and the original decision will have to be overturned and it is curtains for Shanaka and for his team, most probably. A flatter one landing on leg and the ball turns a bit. Dasun who was looking to flick misses the ball and gets rapped on the pads. Loud appeal follows but it is turned down by the umpire. Southee goes upstairs almost immediately. The Snicko is clear, and Ball Tracking shows us that the ball was pitched on line, hit in line and would have gone on to hit the top of leg. The decision is overturned, Shanaka departs! Sri Lanka in troubled waters now. Seven down, need 52 off 35 balls now.
And immediately a review is taken. It is for an lbw decision against Dasun Shanaka. Looks close.
Ish Sodhi returns.
Mitchell Santner to Dasun Shanaka. On the pads this time and Shanaka flicks it away on the leg side for single.
Mitchell Santner to Kasun Rajitha. Flighted delivery on middle this time Rajitha pushes it towards long on for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Dasun Shanaka. Tossed up on middle, driven away through mid on for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Dasun Shanaka. FOUR! Loopy delivery by Mitchell, Shanaka opens the face of the bat and helps it towards the vacant third man region for a boundary. Important boundary here for Sri Lanka.
Mitchell Santner to Kasun Rajitha. A very slower and shorter ball on middle by Santner, Rajitha flicks it away on the leg side for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Dasun Shanaka. Tossed up on off by Santner, Shanaka comes down the track and hits it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Kasun Rajitha is out next. Also, Mitchell Santner is back into the attack.
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. OUT! Cleaned him up! A fiery 147.4 kph yorker and the stumps have been disturbed! Ferguson is on fire here! Runs in hard and bowls this on the base of off stump. It is too good for Dhananjaya as he fails to keep it out. Sri Lanka are losing their way here! 61 now needed off 42 balls and the main batsmen are all back in the dugout.
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. Well down the leg side, de Silva cannot connect his shot. Called a wide!
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. Would have been a gonner had Guptill hit the stumps there! Length ball outside off, guided to backward point. The batsmen go for a single but Shanaka sends de Silva back after he is halfway down. Guptill picks it up and has a shy but throws it too high. A good chance wasted. Had more time there to take aim one would feel!
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. On a length and defended back down the ground by Dhananjaya.
Dasun Shanaka is next to the crease.
Lockie Ferguson to Thisara Perera. OUT! Lockie Ferguson with the breakthrough and it's the huge wicket of Thisara Perera. He tries to clear long on but he cannot. All he does is find Bracewell who has had a brilliant game and he takes an easy catch. Thisara Perera was looking dangerous out in the middle and was Sri Lanka's biggest hope to ensure they won this one, but he is unable to make them see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. Fuller length delivery, de Silva flicks it away for a single through the mid-wicket.
Lockie Ferguson to Dhananjaya de Silva. Starts off with a length delivery on middle and leg, de Silva moves on the leg side. He tries to flick it but the ball hits him on his pad.
Lockie Ferguson is back for another burst.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. Play and a miss! Kuggeleijn angles it across on a good length, Thisara Perera looks to smash this through the covers but fails to make connection. 63 needed to win in 48.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Dhananjaya de Silva. In the channel outside off, on a length, run down to third man. Another run taken.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. Short of a good length on the stumps, pulled through square leg for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. Good running. Thisara works it through mid-wicket gently. Runs the first one hard and manages to come back for the second.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Shot. That's terrific placement from Thisara. It's too straight, so he just helps it off his hips and places it wide of backward square leg for a boundary.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Dhananjaya de Silva. Back of a length ball angling in on off, de Silva taps it wide of backward point for one.
Scott Kuggeleijn is back on.
Ish Sodhi to Dhananjaya de Silva. Loopy delivery on middle and leg, de Silva lofts it over the mid on region and reaches the long on fielder on a bounce. The batsmen take a single.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Follows the six with a single by flicking it to the leg side. Good batting here by Thisara.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. SIX! Perera smacks that one over long off for a maximum. It was tossed up by Ish and Perera picked the bones out of that one and heaves it over the long off boundary for a maximum.
Ish Sodhi to Dhananjaya de Silva. Ish bowling it short there and Dhananjaya pulls it away for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Dhananjaya de Silva. Short of a length by Sodhi and it is blocked by de Silva off the backfoot.
Ish Sodhi to Dhananjaya de Silva. FOUR! Lucky for de Silva! Ish bowls the googly, Dhananjaya is late onto his shot and manages to find the inside edge and luckily for him the ball misses the stumps and goes towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. Sodhi is unlucky there.
Tim Southee to Dhananjaya de Silva. Length ball outside off to start, Dhananjaya runs it down to third man for a single. Keeps strike for the next over.
Dhananjaya de Silva is the new batsman.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. OUT! Mendis has to go! A brilliant leg cutter from Southee from the back of his hand has done the trick. On a short length and the ball jumps off a length and gets big on Mendis as he is trying to pull this one over mid-wicket. The ball hits him high on the bat and goes in the air towards mid off where Kuggeleijn takes a very simple catch. The Lankans lose their fourth. Now need 86 in 61 balls.
Tim Southee to Thisara Perera. Yorker length ball, Perera takes it on the full and hits it to long on for another single.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Short length ball on middle, punched back down the ground to long on for a single.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Beaten! Outside off on a length and moving away slightly. Mendis tries to run it down to third man but misses.
Tim Southee to Kusal Mendis. Length ball outside off, Mendis hits it slightly in the air towards cover. Ferguson dives to his right and makes a good stop.
Tim Southee comes back on, just one over for Santner.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. No he cannot. Loops it up, Perera tries to cut it away but doesn't time it too well but fortunately for him the ball falls just short of the fielder at point.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Flighted delivery on off, Mendis rocks onto his backfoot and punches the ball through the point region for a single. Can he end it with a wicket here?
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Ish misses his line and bowls it way outside the off stump. The umpire signals it as wide.
Ish Sodhi to Kusal Mendis. Tossed up outside off, Kusal hits it straight to the fielder at point.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Pulls back his length Sodhi and Thisara cuts it away for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Wonderful shot by Thisara Perera. He rocks onto the backfoot and punches it through wide of long on for a boundary. He is looking dangerous out in the middle.
Ish Sodhi to Thisara Perera. Starts off with a google on middle and off stump, Perera cuts it away for a couple.
Ish Sodhi is now into the attack.
Mitchell Santner to Thisara Perera. Flatter ball on the leg stump, worked away to the deep, square on the leg side for a single to end the over. 10 off it in the end. A good one for Sri Lanka. They're still scoring at more than 10 RPO. Need 97 in 72 balls now.
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis. Slower through the air, wide outside off on a shorter length. Mendis pushes it towards short third man with soft hands and runs through for a single. NZ shouldn't be allowing those.
Mitchell Santner to Thisara Perera. Full toss on the pads, driven back to long on for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Thisara Perera. SIX! This is a huge one! Flighted on middle and Thisara finds the ball in his arc. Goes for a slog over deep mid-wicket. Even half a connection is enough for him on this ground. It is deep in the stands.
Mitchell Santner to Thisara Perera. Flatter and very full on middle and leg. Perera pushes it back down the ground, Santner moves to his left and stops the ball.
Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis. Flighted outside off, pushed away to deep point for a run by Mendis.
Mitchell Santner comes into the attack now.
Doug Bracewell to Kusal Mendis. Short of a length, pulled away by Kusal to deep square leg for a single.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. Fuller length on off, Perera tries to cover drive but gets an inside edge that runs fine on the leg side for a single.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. SIX! Top edged and it carries all the way, just over the rope! Short of a length on off, Thisara goes for a upper cut and the ball flies off the top edge. The third man fielder positions himself for a catch but the ball just keeps on going and travels across the rope for a maximum.
Doug Bracewell to Kusal Mendis. Another one banged in short on middle and leg, Kusal works it away to deep fine leg for a run.
Doug Bracewell to Kusal Mendis. Short of a length on middle, pulled away wide of deep fine leg by Mendis for a couple. Good running by the SL batsmen.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. Length ball outside off, cut away hard to deep cover for a single by Thisara.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Defended off the backfoot to finish off the 6th over and at the end of the Powerplay Sri Lanka are 61-3. The Kiwis were 33-4 at this stage.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. In the air but safe. Perera goes for the pull but mistimes it and fortunately for him the ball falls just short off the fielder at mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. Length delivery on off, Perera goes for the pull but misses it.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Thisara Perera. FIVE WIDE! Kuggeleijn bowls a bouncer but it is too short and it goes past everyone to the fence. Seifert jumped high but had no chance to save that one. The umpire signals it as a wide, a boundary and also the first bouncer for the over. Too many actions for the umpire.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Short of a length on the hips of Kusal, he flicks it away on the leg side for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Once again length delivery outside off, Mendis tries to go over mid on but gets a thick outside edge and the ball races towards the third man region. Sodhi does a good job there and saves 2 runs for side.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Length delivery on off, Kusal hits it straight to the fielder at cover.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. Length ball on off stump, TP makes room and hits it hard down the ground. Southee moves to his right and makes a clean diving stop. Throws it back immediately, preventing any runs. Brilliant fielding.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. Outside off this time, cut away wide of third man. Kuggeleijn comes around and dives to stop the ball. Throws it back but the batsmen are back for the second by that time. A direct hit would have been interesting though.
Doug Bracewell to Thisara Perera. In the air... but just beyond the reach of Ferguson who runs back from mid on in an attempt to catch it. Short of a length once more, Perera tries to flat bat it over mid on but doesn't get a good connection. It just manages to clear the fielder though.
Doug Bracewell to Kusal Mendis. Another shorter length ball on middle and Kusal pulls it away towards mid-wicket for a single this time.
Doug Bracewell to Kusal Mendis. Short of a length on middle, Mendis swivels and pulls it away above the infield on the leg side. Mid-wicket gives chase and keeps it down to two. That wasn't too well-timed.
Thisara Perera is in at number 5.
Doug Bracewell to Niroshan Dickwella. OUT! Brilliant catch from Seifert! These ones are not easy, I tell you. A skier under the lights. Length ball on off and Dickwella, trying to lift it over mid-wicket, just manages to hit it up in the air. Goes a long way and Tim has enough time to settle under it but the ball is swirling. Does really well to hold on with the big gloves. Sri Lanka lose their third! They now need 135 in 95 balls remaining.
Doug Bracewell is now into the attack.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Niroshan Dickwella. Fuller delivery on off, Dickwella pushes it through the cover region to take a single and keep the strike for the start of the next over.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Length delivery on leg, Mendis chips it over mid-wicket but the timing on that one is not good and the New Zealand openers team up and save a run for the team. The batsmen come back for the third.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Mendis. Length delivery on middle, Mendis starts off with a backfoot defense.
Kusal Mendis is the next batsman in.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Perera. OUT! The dangerous Kusal Perera is sent back to the pavilion. The debutant gets his first wicket in T20I cricket. Comes at a good time too, as these two were cutting loose. Fuller length on middle and leg, Perera tries to go over mid on but is unable to and ends up finding Bracewell who takes a simple catch. A much-needed wicket for the Kiwis.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Not a good follow up to the yorker. Bowls it full on middle and Perara lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Scott Kuggeleijn to Kusal Perera. Starts off with a wide yorker. Kusal gets his bat to it and hits it straight to the fielder at point.
Bowling change and it's the debutant in action. Scott Kuggeleijn to have a go with the ball.
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera. Short of a length ball on middle, KP turns it back to short fine leg. A single is taken. Ish Sodhi fields and makes a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the batsman was well inside.
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera. Tough, tough chance! Fuller length ball on middle and Kusal lifts it over the head of mid on but does not connect too well. Kuggeleijn runs back from mid on and almost gets a hand to it but fails to do so in the end. Does well to push it back inside the fence and save two runs for his team though. Perera living dangerously here!
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera. Short of a length outside off, Perera defends it with a horizontal bat down the ground.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. Edged in the air... but safe! Lands just short of Bracewell at third man. Well outside off on a fuller length, Dickwella goes after the ball, it takes the top edge and flies towards third man. Luckily for SL, it lands short of the fielder. Single taken.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. Goes for the scoop this time but the ball goes off the thick part of the blade and very fine on the leg side. Seifert goes to his right and makes a tumbling stop. No run.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! Slower ball, 122 kph! Read by Dickwella and he comes down the ground and lifts it over the head of mid off. Easy boundary!
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. SIX! Monster! Southee bowls this one short and Perera pulls it over the square leg boundary for a maximum. The sound it made after connecting with the bat was so sweet it was always gonna clear the small boundary here.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Kusal Perera taking the charge here against Southee. Charges down the track and beautifully times this one to loft it over mid-wicket and find the fence after a bounce.
Ross Taylor seems to have hurt his little finger as he picked up that ball. He immediately goes off the field for some medical attention.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. The Kiwi skipper misses his line and bowls down the leg side. Kusal tried to flick but missed it. The umpire signals it as wide.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Charges down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket to get a couple. Once again didn't time it to well.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. Perera follows the boundary with a solid front foot defense to a length delivery by Southee.
Tim Southee to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Kusal Perera is off the mark with a boundary. Pulls back his length, Southee, Kusal pulls it through mid-wicket. He didn't time it too well but the quick outfield and short boundaries help it reach the fence.
Tim Southee to Niroshan Dickwella. Starts off with a length delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it away on the leg side for a single.
Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.
Lockie Ferguson to Kusal Perera. Length delivery on middle, Perera flicks it to the leg side. This was bowled at 150 kph. Eventful first over, 11 runs and a wicket off it.
Kusal Perera walks in at number 3.
Lockie Ferguson to Sadeera Samarawickrama. OUT! Sadeera Samarawickrama departs! First breakthrough for New Zealand. Good length delivery on off, Samarawickrama looks to defend but is beaten by pace. He gets an inside edge and the ball hits the off stump. Lockie Ferguson gets his first wicket. A very good start for the home side.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. Length delivery on middle, Dickwella nudges it towards the leg side for a single.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. SIX! Consecutive boundaries for Dickwella. Wastes no time to get going, does he? Length delivery on middle, Dickwella pulls it over square leg with power for a biggie.
Lockie Ferguson to Niroshan Dickwella. FOUR! First boundary for Niroshan Dickwella. Full delivery on leg, Dickwella flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
The players are back in the middle for the chase. Niroshan Dickwella and Sadeera Samarawickrama to start for the Lankans, Lockie Ferguson to open the bowling for the Kiwis.