New Zealand secured a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, winning the second game by 45 runs. The hosts combined strong batting performances with a brilliant bowling display led by pacer Jacob Duffy, who claimed four wickets to derail Sri Lanka’s chase of 186 runs.
Solid Batting Sets the Foundation for New Zealand
After being sent in to bat, New Zealand showcased a more balanced batting effort compared to the first game. Although they lost opener Rachin Ravindra early in the third over, Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman kept the momentum going with an aggressive 69-run partnership off 47 balls.
Powerplay Strategy
Robinson and Chapman capitalized on Maheesh Theekshana’s erratic lengths during the powerplay, collecting early boundaries. Chapman had moments of luck, surviving a close LBW review and being dropped once, but continued to score at a brisk rate.
Robinson added a six against Wanindu Hasaranga’s bowling but fell to a googly in the same over. This breakthrough slowed New Zealand’s progress briefly until Glenn Phillips took charge.
Middle-Order Contribution
Phillips and Chapman attacked Theekshana, hitting sixes in quick succession. However, Hasaranga struck again, dismissing Chapman with another googly, followed by Phillips, leaving New Zealand wobbling at 122-4.
Strong Finish by Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay
Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings while Mitchell Hay went on a late onslaught. In the last three overs, Hay smashed 34 runs, including two sixes off Theekshana and two boundaries in Binura Fernando’s final over. Their partnership powered New Zealand to a competitive total of 185, putting Sri Lanka under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Falters After Promising Start
Sri Lanka began their chase strongly, with the openers scoring at a healthy rate of eight runs per over in the first four overs. However, New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner, ensured regular breakthroughs to stifle their progress.
Early Breakthroughs by Santner
Mitchell Santner gave New Zealand their first breakthrough by dismissing Kusal Mendis, who was caught off a mistimed drive.
Middle Overs Fightback
Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka steadied the innings briefly, but Duffy’s slower delivery deceived Nissanka, breaking the partnership. Kusal Perera tried to counterattack, targeting spinners Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. However, Bracewell struck back by dismissing Kamindu Mendis.
Collapse in the Final Overs
The match turned decisively in New Zealand’s favor during the final five overs. Jacob Duffy returned to the attack and bowled a perfect yorker to dismiss Kusal Perera, who was Sri Lanka’s best hope. Charith Asalanka fell shortly after to Santner, further weakening the chase.
Duffy’s final over sealed Sri Lanka’s fate, as he picked up two more wickets to finish with exceptional figures of 4-15. Sri Lanka’s lower order crumbled, leaving them 45 runs short of the target.
Key Performances
- Jacob Duffy: The star of the match, Duffy claimed four wickets and delivered under pressure in both his spells.
- Mitchell Hay: His late-innings blitz added crucial runs that gave New Zealand the upper hand.
- Mitchell Santner: Contributed with both bat and ball, including key breakthroughs during Sri Lanka’s chase.
Series Win Highlights New Zealand’s Depth
New Zealand’s victory highlighted their depth and ability to deliver under pressure. The team’s rounded performance, with contributions from both the batters and bowlers, sealed the series with one match to spare.
As Sri Lanka looks to salvage pride in the final match, New Zealand will aim for a clean sweep, showcasing their dominance on home soil.
