Sri Lanka opened the T20I collection with an thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand on the Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium, propelled by Dunith Wellalage’s impressed spin bowling and a composed end from Charith Asalanka. In a sport the place bowlers held the higher hand, Wellalage’s exact line and intelligent variations induced complications for New Zealand’s high order, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s victory.
Dunith Wellalage’s spin magic to citadel Dunith Wellalage
New Zealand’s innings started on a rocky notice, particularly after Tim Robinson’s early dismissal within the second over. Wellalage, with solely his second supply of the sport, claimed Robinson’s wicket with a fantastically disguised slider. Aiming to play off the again foot, Robinson misinterpret the tempo and trajectory of the ball, which skidded in sharply to clatter into his leg-stump, sending the zing bails flying. Robinson’s transient knock of three off 6 balls highlighted the problem going through New Zealand’s batters towards Wellalage’s spin magic.
Right here’s the video:
Crushed and the way 🔥#TimRobinson is totally undone by the trickery of #DunithWellalage 🪄 #SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/180N2ZFjq8
— Sony Sports activities Community (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2024
Additionally READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 2nd T20I – Match Prediction, Dream11 Staff, Fantasy Suggestions & Pitch Report | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
Wellalage continued to press the benefit, taking essential wickets and ending with spectacular figures of three for 20. His efforts, complemented by disciplined performances from Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 20), Nuwan Thushara (2 for 14) and Matheesha Pathirana (2 for 29), helped prohibit New Zealand to a modest whole of 135 in 19.3 overs. Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes supplied some resistance, every contributing 27, however New Zealand’s batting lacked the firepower wanted to publish a extra aggressive rating.
Sri Lanka takes 1-0 lead within the two-match collection
Chasing 136, Sri Lanka encountered early setbacks as Foulkes fought again with the ball, claiming 3 for 20. Nonetheless, a gradual and decided innings from Asalanka, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 35, ensured Sri Lanka reached the goal with one over to spare. Regardless of some nervy moments, the hosts held their nerve, ending on 140/6 in 19 overs.
This victory places Sri Lanka 1-0 forward within the collection, with Wellalage’s efficiency signalling his potential as a game-changer. The second T20I will supply New Zealand a chance to regroup, however they’ll want to search out a solution to Sri Lanka’s formidable spin assault in the event that they hope to degree the collection.
Additionally READ: SL vs NZ 2024 – Charith Asalanka, bowlers steer Sri Lanka to victory within the 1st T20I
