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New Zealand secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a convincing 45-run victory in the second match. This win follows their close eight-run victory in the first T20I.
Sri Lanka struggled to chase down New Zealand’s total of 186-5, being bowled out for 141 in 19.1 overs. This mirrored their performance in the first match where they fell short of the target of 172-8.
“It’s really important to finish the game, no matter how it started,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka commented after the match.
Asalanka expressed his disappointment at the team’s inability to close out matches, especially after coming so close in the first game.
“The way you finish is the most important thing. In the first game we were almost there to win and again we’re disappointed.”
Jacob Duffy once again proved to be the decisive factor for New Zealand, dismissing key Sri Lankan batsmen at crucial moments. He removed opener Pathum Nissanka for 37 and later dismissed Kusal Perera for 48, just when both batsmen appeared to be guiding Sri Lanka towards victory.
Duffy’s performance mirrored his impactful spell in the first T20I. In that match, Nissanka and Kusal Mendis had built a strong 120-run opening partnership before Duffy intervened, claiming three wickets in four balls, including Mendis, to shift the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
In the second T20I, Duffy continued his impressive form, taking 4-15. His performance significantly influenced the outcome of the match.
After dismissing Nissanka, Duffy delivered a superb yorker to remove the dangerous Perera in the 16th over, with Sri Lanka at 127-4 and still in contention. He then proceeded to dismiss Wanindu Hasaranga for 1 and Maheesh Theekshana for a duck in the 18th over, exposing Sri Lanka’s fragile lower order.
Matt Henry also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 19th over. Zak Foulkes then wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings with five balls remaining.
New Zealand’s batting effort was more balanced in the second T20I, compared to their reliance on a century partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell in the first match. They managed to post a challenging total on a difficult pitch that offered inconsistent bounce and posed a challenge for the batsmen.
The presence of a strong wind across the Bay Oval added another layer of complexity. It made scoring on one side of the ground difficult and provided an advantage to the bowlers.
Tim Robinson provided New Zealand with a brisk start, scoring 41 off 34 balls. His innings included three fours and two sixes, injecting early momentum into the New Zealand innings. Rachin Ravindra, however, continued his struggles, being dismissed for just one run.
Mark Chapman contributed a valuable 42 runs from 29 balls at number three. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell played a crucial role in the latter stages of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 41 off just 19 balls. His innings included four fours and two sixes and proved to be a significant difference between the two teams.
“It was good to contribute to a good score, one we were pretty happy with and to contribute to a win,” Mitchell said after the match, reflecting on his performance and the team’s victory.
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