NZ vs SL, 1st T20I: New Zealand fights back to beat Sri Lanka by 8 runs
The HinduDaryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell made half centuries in a 105-run sixth wicket partnership to help lead New Zealand to an eight-run win over Sri Lanka on Saturday in the first of three T20 internationals. Outstanding bowling at the death also turned the match in New Zealand’s favour as Sri Lanka slumped from 121-0 to 164-8 in reply to New Zealand’s 172-8. New Zealand’s total looked inadequate as Pathum Nissanka made 90 in 60 balls and shared a 121-run opening stand with Kusal Mendis which seemed to have set up Sri Lanka for a comfortable win. “I think Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis batted really well and the rest of us, myself included, should take responsibility for this loss.” New Zealand was under pressure for most of the match, stumbling to 32-2 at the end of the power play as Binura Fernando bowled superbly at the top of the innings, finishing with 2-22.