Sri Lanka Clinches Victory in Series Opener Against New Zealand, Thanks to Asalanka and Spinners

In an exhilarating T20I series opener at Dambulla, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over New Zealand, claiming a 1-0 lead. The win was orchestrated by a strong bowling display and Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 35, which powered the hosts through a tricky chase on a turning track. With help from Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana, Sri Lanka’s bowlers thrived, using the spin-friendly conditions to limit New Zealand to a modest 135/9 in their 20 overs.

Spin Triumphs in the First Innings

Sri Lanka’s spinners proved crucial as they took full advantage of the pitch conditions. Wellalage set the tone in the PowerPlay, striking in his first over by clean bowling Tim Robinson. Nuwan Thusara followed up by dismissing Mark Chapman in the fourth over, while Theekshana trapped Will Young LBW, leaving New Zealand in early trouble.

The visitors struggled against Sri Lanka's spin trifecta. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell tried to build some momentum but couldn’t sustain it, with Hasaranga outsmarting Phillips with a googly. By the 10th over, New Zealand had already lost half their side, with debutant Mitch Hay’s dismissal at the hands of Matheesha Pathirana adding to their woes. Despite Bracewell’s efforts, wickets fell regularly, including his own in the 15th over, and by the 16th over, New Zealand was reduced to 96/8.

Foulkes Lifts New Zealand to 135

A late 39-run stand between Zakary Foulkes and Ish Sodhi helped New Zealand cross the 100-run mark, giving them a glimmer of hope on a challenging surface. Foulkes played a determined knock of 27 off 16 balls, finishing unbeaten as New Zealand set a target of 136 for Sri Lanka.

A Tricky Chase Stabilized by Asalanka

Sri Lanka’s chase was far from straightforward as New Zealand bowlers pushed to defend the total. Early on, Mitchell Santner removed Kusal Mendis, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera counterattacked, adding 38 runs in the PowerPlay. However, Bracewell and Foulkes quickly brought New Zealand back, removing Nissanka and Perera in consecutive overs, placing Sri Lanka at 55/3.

Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, led by example, hitting two sixes to keep the momentum. Despite some resistance from New Zealand, Asalanka’s composure helped steady the chase. Although Kamindu Mendis and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were dismissed, Asalanka continued to anchor the innings.

Hasaranga provided crucial support with a quick 23-ball 22, edging Sri Lanka closer to the target before his dismissal in the 18th over. Wellalage then sealed the victory with a boundary and a six in the penultimate over, securing a four-wicket win for Sri Lanka with an over to spare.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 135/9 in 20 overs (Michael Bracewell 27, Zakary Foulkes 27*; Dunith Wellalage 3-20, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-20, Nuwan Thushara 2-14, Matheesha Pathirana 2-29)
Sri Lanka: 140/6 in 19 overs (Charith Asalanka 35*; Zakary Foulkes 3-20)

Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets.

This victory places Sri Lanka in a strong position as they aim to clinch the series, with the second T20I promising another thrilling contest.

Reference from :-https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/132371/asalanka-bowlers-give-sri-lanka-a-winning-start

• T20I Series