Dambulla: In a remarkable display of bowling excellence, the New Zealand (NZ) cricket team successfully defended a modest total of 108 runs against Sri Lanka (SL) in Dambulla on Sunday. This low-scoring spectacle unfolded into a victory for New Zealand, as they managed to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 103 runs in 19.5 overs.
Lockie Ferguson emerged as the standout player for the Kiwis. Despite being limited to just two overs due to a calf injury, Ferguson's impact was profound, securing a hat-trick with figures of 3/7.
Mitchell Santner was the first to fall, being dismissed for 2 runs. Ferguson then took the lead, taking wickets of Kusal Perera for 3, Kamindu Mendis for 1, and Charith Asalanka to complete his hat-trick. At 50 runs in 9.3 overs, Sri Lanka appeared poised to chase the target, yet the wickets continued to tumble.
Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips further eroded the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Bracewell dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who contributed 15 runs, and Dunith Wellalage for 1. Zakary Foulkes, in his fourth T20I, secured a crucial wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga for 3.
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka put up a valiant fight, scoring a commendable 52 runs from 51 balls, including six boundaries. However, his efforts were in vain as he was dismissed by Phillips in the final over. Phillips's exceptional performance in the last over saw him pick up all his three wickets, dismissing Matheesha Pathirana for 0 and Maheesh Theekshana for 14.
In addition to Ferguson and Phillips, Bracewell took two wickets, while Santner and Foulkes each contributed with one wicket. New Zealand's disciplined bowling approach ensured that Sri Lanka fell short by just five runs, securing a remarkable victory for the Kiwis.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
