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Asalanka Stars as Sri Lanka Prevail in Edge-Of-Seat T20I clash vs New Zealand

image-lfz3xlexSri Lanka won the first T20I in Super Over [Twitter]

The first T20I match of the series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka proved to be a riveting encounter, with both sides showcasing their cricketing prowess. After the end of an enthralling 40 overs of play at Eden Park in Auckland, the scores were tied, leading to the Super Over to decide the winner. And it t was the Lankans who held their nerve to secure a win for the ages, marking their first victory on the tour.


NZ vs SL 1st T20I: How the battle panned out?

Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to field first, inviting Sri Lanka to bat. The visiting team gleefully accepted the invitation, determined to put their previous poor performances in the ODIs behind them. Sri Lanka's batting line-up finally clicked, with Kusal Perera leading the charge with an unbeaten 53 off 45 balls. However, it was Charith Asalanka who truly stole the show with a blistering 67 off just 41 balls, propelling the visitors to a massive total of 196/5 after 20 overs.

New Zealand's response got off to a shaky start, with both their openers, Chad Bowers and Tim Seifert, falling early in the innings. Captain Tom Latham provided some quick runs with a knock of 27 off 16 balls, but it was Daryl Mitchell who really steadied the ship with a composed 66 off 44 balls. There were also valuable contributions from Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi. With seven runs needed off the final ball, Sodhi hit a crucial six off to take the match into a Super Over.

The Super Over proved to be a tense affair, with New Zealand scoring 8 runs and losing two wickets against Theekshana's smart bowling. Sri Lanka needed just 9 runs to win, and Asalanka showed nerves of steel to hit a six and a four off the second and third balls of the over to seal a famous victory for his side.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 196/5 (20)

Charit Asalanka 67 (41), Kusal Perera 53 (45)

James Neesham 2-30, Adam Milne 1-42

New Zealand: 196-8 (20)

Daryl Mitchell 66 (44), Mark Chapman 33 (23)

Dasun Shanaka 2-20, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-30

Sri Lanks won the Super Over