New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in second T20I to clinch series
New Zealand Triumphs Over Sri Lanka: Wins 2nd T20 by 45 Runs New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I in Mount Maunganui on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka, despite putting up a valiant performance, were bowled out for 141 in 19.1 overs while chasing New Zealand’s target of 186-5. The defeat mirrors their struggles in the first match, where they fell short by eight runs while chasing a target of 172-8.
Jacob Duffy rocks again
New Zealand bowling spearhead Jacob Duffy once again put up a match-winning performance and took 4-15 wickets. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 37 and then followed it up with a superb yorker to dismiss Kusal Perera for 48 in the 16th over.
Duffy’s impact continued as he picked up crucial wickets of Wanindu Hasaranga (1) and Maheesh Theekshana (0) in the 18th over, putting Sri Lanka’s hopes on hold. Duffy had played a key role in the first match as well, taking three wickets in four balls to put an end to Sri Lanka’s hopes. The match was going very well.
Strong support from Matt Henry and Jack Faulks
Matt Henry picked up two wickets in two consecutive balls in the 19th over and Jack Faulks sealed the win by dismissing the last batsman with five balls to spare. Jack Faulks was happy as victory was certain.
Balanced batting effort from New Zealand
Unlike the first match, which relied heavily on a hundred partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Bracewell, New Zealand put up a more balanced batting performance. New Zealand had played the match in a good manner.
Tim Robinson provided the early momentum by scoring 41 runs off 34 balls.
Mark Chapman anchored the innings with 42 off 29 balls.
Mitchell played a strong innings with an unbeaten 41 off 19 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.
The team managed to adapt to a difficult pitch and challenging windy conditions, setting Sri Lanka a tough target.
Sri Lanka continue to struggle
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka expressed disappointment:
“The way you finish the match is the most important thing. In the first game, we were almost close to winning, and again we are disappointed.”
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera offered resistance, but the middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, as happened in the first match.
New Zealand’s comprehensive win highlighted their dominance in the series, leaving Sri Lanka with plenty to think about as they prepare for the final match.
Leave a Reply