New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I: Highlights from Mount Maunganui

NZ vs SL

NZ vs SL, 1st T20I Highlights: Pathum Nissanka’s valiant efforts went in vain as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20I at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

15:56 IST:

Right then, we couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling start to Sri Lanka's white-ball tour of New Zealand. A match that seesawed throughout both innings saw New Zealand stage remarkable comebacks in the latter halves to clinch victory. If this game is any indication of what’s in store for the rest of the series, we are in for an exhilarating ride. The second T20I will also take place here in Mount Maunganui on Monday, 30th December. The first ball will be bowled at 6.15 am GMT but as always, you can join us much earlier for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

15:52 IST:

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner reflects on the match, calling it a 'game of two halves.' He credits Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell for their crucial partnership, which turned the tide after a shaky start caused by Binura Fernando's impressive bowling. Santner acknowledges the challenge posed by Sri Lankan batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who played well. He explains their strategy of focusing on taking wickets with aggressive bowling and field placements when the run rate was steady at around eight. Santner praises Jacob Duffy for his game-changing performance, securing the win for New Zealand.

15:51 IST:

Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka expresses disappointment with his team’s performance, stating they should have done better. He praises Pathum Nissanka for batting well but emphasizes that others need to take responsibility for the loss. Asalanka believes improvements are needed in bowling and fielding, acknowledging that during the opposition's innings, the target seemed achievable. He remains focused on making a strong comeback in the next game.

15:51 IST:

Jacob Duffy is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his game-changing over. He expresses joy over the team's victory. He highlights the importance of breaking a big opening partnership by strategically bringing up the mid-wicket fielder, which proved successful. Duffy adds that after playing extensively in Asia, it feels great to return to familiar conditions with pace and bounce.

15:46 IST:

Time for the presentation ceremony...

15:45 IST:

Earlier in the game, the toss fell way Sri Lanka's way and they opted to bowl first. It was a tale of two halves with tourists dominating the first half as they chipped away at the wickets to reduce New Zealand to 65/5. Michael Bracewell's arrival changed the complexion as he provided much-needed impetus to the Kiwi innings. He stitched a 105-run stand with Daryl Mitchell to help New Zealand recover and get to 172. 

15:48 IST:

The new batters found it difficult to get going straight away, but with Nissanka still at the crease, Sri Lanka’s hopes remained alive. However, once he was dismissed, the chase unravelled. None of the incoming batters could take the responsibility to see the side home. Duffy’s game-changing over proved to be the turning point and Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes capitalized on the momentum, backing each other brilliantly to pull off a remarkable win. From the position at the end of the 13th over when Sri Lanka needed 53 runs with all 10 wickets in hand, they managed only 44 runs while losing 8 wickets in the next 7 overs.

15:39 IST:

Sri Lanka's chase began strongly, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis capitalizing on the Powerplay to rack up 56 runs in the first six overs. Even after the fielding restrictions were lifted, New Zealand struggled to contain the scoring. Mitchell Santner was the only bowler who managed to do the holding job and the two Lankan openers managed to see him off. In search of some inspiration, Mitchell Santner turned to Jacob Duffy and he did not disappoint.

15:38 IST:

New Zealand pull off a stunning heist to take a 1-0 lead in the series! Sri Lanka will be heartbroken after letting a commanding position slip away. They were in complete control for the first 13 overs of the chase, sitting comfortably at 120/0 with all 10 wickets intact. With just 53 runs needed from the final 7 overs, they seemed to have the game by the scruff of the neck. However, New Zealand had other ideas, staging a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

15:38 IST:

19.6: Zakary Foulkes to Binura Fernando,Fuller and straight, up on the stumps. Binura Fernando drives it straight to mid off and runs a single. New Zealand win the game by 8 runs and this has been a brilliant comeback from the Kiwis!

15:35 IST:

19.5: Zakary Foulkes to Binura Fernando, Much fuller on the stumps line. Binura Fernando drives the ball hard, to the left of mid on and the batters run a couple of runs.

15:33 IST:

19.4: Zakary Foulkes to Matheesha Pathirana, Very full, on off, Matheesha Pathirana stays leg side of the ball and tries to squeeze it out on the off side but misses. The ball goes towards the keeper and the batters sneak in a bye.

15:32 IST:

19.3: Zakary Foulkes to Binura Fernando, On the pads, fuller. Flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

15:32 IST:

Matheesha Pathirana comes out to bat but he will be at the non-striker's end for now.

15:31 IST:

19.2: Zakary Foulkes to Binura Fernando, OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work by Zakary Foulkes! Foulkes pitches the ball up on the stumps to the new batter. Binura Fernando drives it straight back to the bowler off the front foot. Wanindu Hasaranga is halfway down the wicket from the non-striker's end, looking to get on strike. Foulkes sticks out his left hand as he stays low. Manages to make the stop and turns around to release an underarm throw at the bowling end to catch Wanindu well short of his crease. 

15:30 IST:

Binura Fernando is the new man in

15:29 IST:

19.1: Zakary Foulkes to Maheesh Theekshana, OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy grabs an easy catch and Maheesh Theekshana walks back now! Slower delivery outside the off stump line from Zakary Foulkes as he watches Maheesh Theekshana walking across. Maheesh Theekshana looks to play the scoop but only manages to spoon it up in the air. Jacob Duffy from short fine leg settles under it and takes a nice catch. An ideal start to the over for New Zealand. Sri Lanka need 14 runs from 5 balls.

15:29 IST:

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Zakary Foulkes. Sri Lanka need 14 from the last over.

15:26 IST:

18.6: Matt Henry to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! A good end to the over for Sri Lanka! Henry goes for the wide yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, near the tramline on off, Wanindu Hasaranga reaches out and drills it to the right of deep backward point. The fielder sprints and dives to his right but in vain as the ball gets past his dive.

15:26 IST:

18.5: Matt Henry to Maheesh Theekshana, Another good yorker, on middle and leg, Maheesh Theekshana digs it out in front of cover and takes the single.

15:26 IST:

Maheesh Theekshana comes in at number 8.

15:25 IST:

18.4: Matt Henry to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, OUT! TIMBER! PERFECT YORKER! Matt Henry takes 2 wickets in the over and this time it's the wicket of Bhanuka Rajapaksa! Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and bowls a superb yorker on the leg stump line, swinging in. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to flick the ball but is rushed completely. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and knocks off the leg stump. Sri Lanka need 19 runs from 8 balls.

15:24 IST:

18.3: Matt Henry to Wanindu Hasaranga, Nails the yorker, at the stumps, Wanindu Hasaranga jams it out on the off side for a single.

15:23 IST:

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.

15:22 IST:

18.2: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Robinson grabs a brilliant catch and it is the huge wicket of Pathum Nissanka at a very crucial stage of the match! Drops the length short outside off and Pathum Nissanka makes room to slap it away on the off side. Times it to perfection but hits the ball straight to Tim Robinson at the deep cover boundary line. Tim Robinson times the jump to perfection and grabs the ball with both hands. Tosses it up as he goes beyond the boundary line and then comes back in and grabs the ball back. The third umpire checks the catch and deems it a clean effort.

15:23 IST:

Has Pathum Nissanka holed out? A juggling effort near the ropes by Tim Robinson and he looks confident. One replay is enough for the umpire to give his decision. OUT flashes on the big screen.

15:20 IST:

18.1: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length on top of off. Pathum Nissanka blocks it off the front foot.

15:20 IST:

17.6: Zakary Foulkes to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Slower delivery once again from a shorter length. Bhanuka Rajapaksa helps the pull fine and beats the deep fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. Back-to-back boundaries to end the over. Sri Lanka need 20 runs from the last 12 balls.

15:20 IST:

17.5: Zakary Foulkes to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! OFF THE MARK! Bowls the ball short over off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa comes down the track and plays the upper cut to the right of deep third for a boundary. Outstanding placement and connection from Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

15:20 IST:

17.4: Zakary Foulkes to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Hits the length on the stumps. Bhanuka Rajapaksa taps it straight to point from the crease.

15:20 IST:

17.3: Zakary Foulkes to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Two in two for Zakary Foulkes or is it? Bhanuka Rajapaksa takes the review after being adjudged LBW! Zakary Foulkes runs in from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball on a good length on the stumps. The ball rushes onto the front pad of Bhanuka Rajapaksa as he gets beaten while looking to block the ball. The umpire raises the finger. The bat is passing close to the bat and at the same time, the bat is hitting the pad. The third umpire deems that there is no bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside the leg stump. Bhanuka Rajapaksa survives!

15:13 IST:

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the new man in.

15:12 IST:

17.2: Zakary Foulkes to Charith Asalanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Michael Bracewell grabs an easy catch and the skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka walks back to the hut! Zakary Foulkes drops the ball short at the batter with pace and Charith Asalanka is rushed. Tries to pull the delivery but only manages a top edge that goes straight up towards Michael Bracewell at deep square leg. Charith Asalanka walks back and Sri Lanka are 145/4 now, needing 28 runs in 16 balls.

15:12 IST:

17.1: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Drops the length short at the batter. Pathum Nissanka looks to pull it but gets a hit on the gloves and the ball goes towards the fine leg region for a single.

15:10 IST:

Zakary Foulkes returns to the attack. 2-0-28-0 so far for Zakary.

15:10 IST:

16.6: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Pathum stays back to a nagging length delivery on the stumps and tucks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. Sri Lanka need 29 runs from 18 balls.

15:08 IST:

16.5: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, SIX! UP AND OVER! What a shot! Michael Bracewell pitches the ball wide outside the off stump line, slower in the air. Pathum Nissanka takes the front foot towards the ball and swings his arms through the line of the ball. Times it brilliantly over the head of cover for a superb six.

15:08 IST:

16.4: Michael Bracewell to Charith Asalanka, On the pads from Michael Bracewell. Charith Asalanka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

15:07 IST:

16.3: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Touch fuller outside off. Pathum Nissanka walks in and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

15:07 IST:

16.2: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Full toss just outside the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka goes for a wild slog. Catches the top edge and the ball flies behind for a couple of runs to the left of short third.

15:06 IST:

16.1: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Too full outside off. Pathum Nissanka looks to play the reverse sweep but misses the ball completely.

15:05 IST:

15.6: Jacob Duffy to Charith Asalanka, Another good bumper on top of the leg stump line. Charith Asalanka looks to pull it away but misses. Pleads the umpire for a wide but the umpire says no. Another dot to end the over. Sri Lanka need 40 runs in 4 overs now.

15:05 IST:

15.5: Jacob Duffy to Charith Asalanka, On a good length, straight and on top of the stumps. Charith Asalanka taps it back to the bowler from the crease.

15:03 IST:

15.4: Jacob Duffy to Charith Asalanka, Good bumper at the new batter with pace. Charith Asalanka drops down and sees it through.

15:03 IST:

15.3: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length on top of the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks it down to fine leg for a single.

15:03 IST:

15.2: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Drops the length short at the batter. Pathum Nissanka pulls the ball in front of deep mid-wicket and the batters run another brace.

15:02 IST:

15.1: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Steams in from over the wicket for the hat-trick ball. Hits the length hard, on the off stump line and Pathum Nissanka plays it very late, towards the left of third man and the batters run a couple.

15:01 IST:

14.6: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Very full, wide on off, Pathum Nissanka jams it out in front of extra cover for a single. 7 runs off the over. Sri Lanka need 45 runs in 30 balls.

15:01 IST:

14.5: Michael Bracewell to Charith Asalanka, Short and on off, Charith Asalanka punches it towards cover where a slight misfield from Mitchell Santner to his right allows a single.

15:00 IST:

14.4: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Floated up, full and at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka goes for a swipe across the line. Scuffs his shot beside the pitch on the leg side for one more.

14:59 IST:

14.3: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Dropped short, over off, Pathum Nissanka slaps it back over the bowler's head but does not time it well enough. Daryl Mitchell at long off runs and tumbles to his right to flick the ball towards the converging long on fielder. Two runs taken.

14:58 IST:

14.2: Michael Bracewell to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka drops it with soft hands in front of point and takes a quick single.

14:58 IST:

14.1: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Short and on off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

14:57 IST:

Charith Asalanka, the skipper of Sri Lanka is the next man in for Sri Lanka.

14:57 IST:

13.6: Jacob Duffy to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jacob Duffy goes bang, bang, bang! Three wickets in the over for New Zealand and all of a sudden, they are right back in the contest. This leaves the batter, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and pushes at the away-going delivery. The ball grazes the outside edge and the keeper Mitchell Hay completes a safe catch. It's the Duffy-Hay combo yet again. Duffy will be on a hat-trick on the first ball of his next over. From 120/0, Sri Lanka have slipped to 121/3 in 6 balls. They need 52 from 36 balls. 

14:55 IST:

Kamindu Mendis walks out to bat now.

14:56 IST:

13.5: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Perera, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A double whammy from Jacob Duffy! Going across the batter, on a good length, outside off, Kusal Perera stays put and has a massive hoick across the line. Gets a top edge that goes straight up towards the backward point region. There is a bit of indecision between the keeper Mitchell Hay and Glenn Phillips at backward point. Hay calls for it eventually and takes it with a tumble to his left. An ordinary shot from Perera. He goes for a 2-ball duck.

14:53 IST:

13.4: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Perera, Beaten! This climbs onto the batter, on a shortish length from over the wicket, on off, Kusal Perera tries to use the pace of the delivery and steer it down towards deep third but misses as the ball goes over his bat.

14:52 IST:

Kusal Perera is the batter at number 3 for Sri Lanka.

14:51 IST:

13.3: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Duffy returns to the attack and breaks through! Can New Zealand build on this scalp and stem the flow of runs? Duffy bangs it into the deck, over off, Kusal Mendis walks across to the off side and tries to scoop it over the keeper. Only manages to get a glove on it and the keeper Mitchell Hay does the rest behind the wicket. The 121-run opening stand is broken. Mendis goes for 46 (36) with Sri Lanka needing 52 runs in 39 balls.

14:50 IST:

13.2: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, Takes pace off, on a nagging length, outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to run it down to deep third but misses.

14:50 IST:

13.1: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Duffy comes back into the attack and angles it in, on a nagging length, Pathum Nissanka smears it away but does not quite get hold of it. It dribbles in front of deep fine leg for a single.

14:48 IST:

12.6: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Pushed through, full and on off, driven straight to cover. 10 runs off Santner's final over. Sri Lanka will take it any day of the week. They need 53 runs in 42 balls.

14:48 IST:

12.5: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Gap picked to perfection! Fired in, on the fuller side, on middle, Kusal Mendis reaches out in front and takes it on the full. Sweeps it firmly to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

14:47 IST:

12.4: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, This is floated up again and it stays a bit low, short and on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka stays low and pulls it to the left of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips is quick across the turf to his left and keeps it down to one.

14:47 IST:

12.3: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Slower and shorter, on off, Kusal Mendis goes on the back foot and nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

14:46 IST:

12.2: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Nicely cut away! Sliding on with the arm, short and just outside off, Kusal Mendis makes a bit of width as he backs away and cuts it late to get it between backward point and short third for a boundary.

14:46 IST:

12.1: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Darted in, flat and short, on middle, Kusal Mendis stabs it down on the leg side.

14:45 IST:

11.6: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Three dots in a row! Foulkes finishes the over well but the damage was already done in the first half. 11 runs off it. Very full, angling in, on off, Pathum Nissanka jams it out back to the bowler. Sri Lanka need 63 runs in 48 balls.

14:45 IST:

11.5: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka stays put to go back over the bowler's head with a flat bat but misses.

14:45 IST:

11.4: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Gets the wide yorker in, outside off, Pathum Nissanka reaches out but fails to squeeze it out.

14:45 IST:

11.3: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Smart batting! Change of pace by Zakary, slower one, on a nagging length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka walks across his stumps and picks his spot to go over short fine leg for a boundary.

14:43 IST:

11.3: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Wide! Banged in short but this sails over the batter's head. Pathum Nissanka plays the forehand almost with a vertical bat but fails to connect.

14:42 IST:

11.2: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, Banged in short, over off and middle, Pathum Nissanka takes the short ball on but the ball hits high on the bat. Manages to clear mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.

14:41 IST:

11.1: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Zakary gets greeted back into the attack with a boundary! A length delivery, at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka clears his front leg and swipes it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

14:41 IST:

10.6: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Dropped short, on off, Pathum Nissanka slaps it to deep cover for just a single. Just 4 runs off the over. Can the bowler at the other end back the skipper up?

14:41 IST:

10.5: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Slower and shorter, this grips and turns away, on off, Mendis is early into the shot but manages to push it away wide of point for one.

14:40 IST:

10.4: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Quicker and flatter, short and on off, Kusal Mendis hangs back and pushes it to cover.

14:40 IST:

10.3: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Lovely stuff! Loopy slower delivery by Santer, it drops in front of the batter, Kusal Mendis lunges to block it out but the ball rips past the outside edge.

14:40 IST:

10.2: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Turning away, short and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it past cover for a single.

14:40 IST:

10.1: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, This slides on with the arm, on a nagging length, going over the stumps, Kusal Mendis makes room to cut it away but the ball kicks up a bit and goes over the angled bat.  The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and concedes a bye.

14:36 IST:

Drinks break! Sri Lanka are in complete control of the chase. They have managed to keep the required run rate under control right from the start and more importantly, they have all 10 wickets in hand. Even after the ease in the field restrictions, New Zealand have not managed to stem the flow of runs. Mitchell Santner did manage to squeeze in a quiet over but he will need support from the other end.

14:36 IST:

9.6: Rachin Ravindra to Pathum Nissanka, Just short on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball between deep mid-wicket and long on and the batters run a couple of runs to end the over. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka are 95/0, needing 78 runs in 60 balls.

14:36 IST:

9.5: Rachin Ravindra to Pathum Nissanka, SIX! SLOGGED! Fuller again and punished! Rachin Ravindra pitches the ball up on the leg stump line, slower in the air. Pathum Nissanka gets down on a knee and slogs the ball up and over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. Pathum Nissanka gets to a well deserved FIFTY!

14:34 IST:

9.4: Rachin Ravindra to Kusal Mendis, Short and wide, cut away to sweeper covers for a single.

14:33 IST:

9.3: Rachin Ravindra to Kusal Mendis, Floats the ball up on the stumps. Kusal Mendis taps it back to the bowler.

14:33 IST:

9.2: Rachin Ravindra to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! SLAPPED! Rachin Ravindra bowls it short and wide outside off stump for Kusal Mendis to open his arms. Kusal Mendis stays back and slaps the ball to the left of point for a superb boundary.

14:33 IST:

9.1: Rachin Ravindra to Pathum Nissanka, Drops the ball on a nagging length outside off. Pathum Nissanka taps it to sweeper covers for a single.

14:31 IST:

8.6: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Just short outside off. Kusal Mendis stays back and nudges the ball to short third man.

14:31 IST:

8.5: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller on the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka sweeps the ball to deep square leg for a single.

14:31 IST:

8.4: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length outside off. Pathum Nissanka looks to slice it but misses.

14:31 IST:

8.3: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Bowls it short on the stumps. Kusal Mendis pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

14:31 IST:

8.2: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length on off. Pathum Nissanka taps the ball to the left of covers for a run.

14:31 IST:

8.1: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Short and wide. Kusal Mendis looks to cut the ball but gets an inside edge towards short fine and the batters run a single.

14:29 IST:

7.6: Michael Bracewell to Kusal Mendis, Tosses the ball up slow on the stumps. Kusal Mendis takes out the front foot and nudges it to the left of mid on for a single.

14:29 IST:

7.5: Michael Bracewell to Kusal Mendis, SIX! BANG! Biggest of the night! Michael Bracewell tosses the ball up on the stumps and Kusal Mendis dances down the track and slogs the ball up and over long on for a massive six.

14:26 IST:

7.4: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Short ball on top of the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

14:26 IST:

7.3: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Another delivery short of length on top of the off stump. Pathum Nissanka pulls the ball between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple.

14:25 IST:

7.2: Michael Bracewell to Kusal Mendis, Drops the length back outside the off stump. Kusal Mendis slaps it to sweeper covers for a single.

14:25 IST:

7.1: Michael Bracewell to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length on the pads. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

14:24 IST:

6.6: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Touch fuller on the off stump. Pathum Nissanka drives the ball to long off to end the over with a single.

14:23 IST:

6.5: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Nagging length on the stumps. Kusal Mendis flicks the ball away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14:23 IST:

6.4: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Picks up the gap brilliantly! Short from Mitchell Santner on the stumps again and this time, Kusal Mendis gets back deep in the crease and pulls the ball superbly between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

14:22 IST:

6.3: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Another half-tracker on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka pulls it aerially towards Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket for a single.

14:22 IST:

6.2: Mitchell Santner to Kusal Mendis, Nagging length on the stumps. Kusal Mendis tucks the ball to deep mid-wicket and runs a single.

14:21 IST:

6.1: Mitchell Santner to Pathum Nissanka, Drops the length back outside the off stump line. Pathum Nissanka stays back and slaps the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

14:21 IST:

Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack.

14:20 IST:

5.6: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

14:20 IST:

5.5: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, Nagging length outside off. Kusal Mendis tries a paddle shot but only manages a single from deep square leg.

14:19 IST:

5.4: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Touch fuller on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka flicks the ball to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

14:18 IST:

5.3: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! FIFTY up for Sri Lanka! A very good bouncer right at the helmet of the batter from Jacob Duffy. Pathum Nissanka is rushed on the pull shot and maganes to get a glove on the ball. The ball flies over the wicketkeeper and goes towards the boundary.

14:17 IST:

5.2: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, On the pads once again from a good length. Pathum Nissanka flicks it behind deep square leg and the batters run a brilliant couple.

14:17 IST:

5.2: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Spraying down the leg side this time around. Pathum Nissanka looks to pull it but misses. Wide called.

14:16 IST:

5.1: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, Nagging length on top of off. Pathum Nissanka taps it straight to point.

14:15 IST:

4.6: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Drags the length back now, on off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and cuts it to deep backward point for a run. 9 runs off the over. Sri Lanka need 127 runs from 90 balls.

14:15 IST:

4.5: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Hammered! Hurls it on the fuller side, on off, Pathum Nissanka winds up and thumps it along the ground and beats the diving Santner at mid off to his right for a boundary.

14:14 IST:

4.4: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Right in the slot, on off, Kusal Mendis clobbers it on the bounce to mid off where the ball bounces awkwardly in front of Mitchell Santner but he does well to get his body behind the ball and keeps it down to one.

14:13 IST:

4.3: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Bends his back and digs it in short, at the right shoulder of the batter, Kusal Mendis hurriedly sways away from the line of the ball and lets it go.

14:13 IST:

4.2: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Very full, honing in at the stumps, pushed in front of mid off for a single by Pathum.

14:12 IST:

4.1: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Good running! Henry spots the batter moving across and he fires it in, full and around off, Pathum Nissanka takes it on the full and paddles it behind square on the leg side. Foulkes in the deep is a bit slow to get to the ball and that allows the batters to complete the second run with ease.

14:11 IST:

3.6: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, On a hard length, on off, Pathum Nissanka dabs it to the left of backward point for a single. An expensive first over from Foulkes. 18 runs off it.

14:10 IST:

3.5: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, SIX! Up and over! This shapes back in again into the right-hander, on a length, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka gets his front leg out of the way nice and early and makes use of the swing and the angle. Swipes it in front of square on the leg side and just about manages to clear the deep mid-wicket fence for a six.

14:10 IST:

3.4: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Smeared away! Swinging back in, at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka clears his front leg and swats it between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

14:09 IST:

3.3: Zakary Foulkes to Kusal Mendis, A huge shout for LBW but that looked to be sliding down leg. Shaping back in, on the fuller side, Kusal Mendis walks across his stumps to heave it away but misses on the inside edge. The ball hits him on the front pad and rolls away on the leg side for a leg bye.

14:08 IST:

3.2: Zakary Foulkes to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Mendis! Nipping back in, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis looks to play at it on the off side but the ball catches the thick inside edge and sneaks past the stumps. Beats the diving Matt Henry at short fine leg to his right for a boundary.

14:08 IST:

3.2: Zakary Foulkes to Kusal Mendis, Wide! Sprayed down leg, on a nagging length, Kusal Mendis swings to get it behind square on the leg side but misses.

14:08 IST:

Halt! Sri Lankan batters get a few refreshments and Pathum Nissanka receives his mandatory concussion test from the doctors after the hit on the helmet.

14:06 IST:

3.1: Zakary Foulkes to Pathum Nissanka, In the air...but safe! Zakary Foulkes serves a bumper first up from over the wicket, at the batter, Pathum Nissanka tries to get under the ball and help it over the keeper but the ball gets big on him. It brushes the glove before going on to hit the side of the helmet. The ball balloons off the helmet and drops short of the sliding Matt Henry at short fine leg. They cross.

14:06 IST:

2.6: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, On a back of a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis opens the bat face and runs it down to the left of deep third and comes back for the second run. Mendis puts a dive in to make his ground at the batting end.

14:04 IST:

2.5: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, On a hard length, over off, Pathum Nissanka drops it in front of cover for a single.

14:04 IST:

2.4: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Another big shout, this time for LBW but the umpire is unmoved again! New Zealand think it is high and they decide not to take the review. On a nagging length, coming back in off the wicket, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka goes for a swipe across the line but fails to connect as the ball sneaks under the bat and goes on to hit him on the back pad. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have gone over the stumps. A good call not to take the review.

14:02 IST:

2.3: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, A definitive noise and it is taken by the keeper! New Zealand are convinced and they take the review. Nipping back in sharply, on off and middle, Pathum Nissanka hops to punch it on the off side with an angled bat but gets cramped for room due to the movement. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and goes behind towards the keeper. The UltraEdge shows the ball passing close to the bat but it has brushed the back thigh pad on the way through. No bat involved. New Zealand lose their review.

14:01 IST:

2.2: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Quick single taken! Angling in, on a length, on off, Kusal Mendis defends it late and right under his eyes. The ball drops near his feet and Mendis gets called through for a quick run. Henry gets to the ball quickly in his follow through and flicks it at the stumps at the batting end. It is referred upstairs but the replays show that Pathum Nissanka is in safely.

14:00 IST:

2.1: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Sweetly struck! A bit too full, attacking the stumps, Kusal Mendis brings his bottom hand into play and whips it. Hits it a bit uppishly but well away from the mid on fielder to his right for a boundary.

13:59 IST:

1.6: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, At 136.9 kph, shaping away, on a back of a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka stands tall to punch it away but fails to get the timing right. Mistimes it in front of cover.

13:58 IST:

1.5: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Duffy with a short fine leg in place, on a length, Pathum Nissanka helps it off the pads to the left of the fielder inside the ring for a boundary.

13:58 IST:

1.4: Jacob Duffy to Pathum Nissanka, This rears up a bit off the deck, on a hard length, a bit of away nibble, Pathum Nissanka hops and taps it down the deck.

13:58 IST:

1.3: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, Hits the deck hard and the ball kicks up a bit, on a nagging length, on middle, Kusal Mendis hangs back to block it out. The ball catches the shoulder of the bat and rolls wide of backward point for one.

13:57 IST:

1.2: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, A bit of late away movement for Duffy, on a good length, on the off stump line, Kusal Mendis gets squared up slightly but manages to keep it out.

13:56 IST:

1.1: Jacob Duffy to Kusal Mendis, A hint of width on offer, on a back of a length, Kusal Mendis shapes up to cut it late but misses.

13:56 IST:

Jacob Duffy will share the new ball attack with Matt Henry for New Zealand. He is all set on his mark to start the second over of the innings.

13:55 IST:

0.6: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, This is on a short of a length, on off, stabbed down on the off side by Pathum Nissanka.

13:54 IST:

0.5: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, A big mix-up but no harm done! Jagging back in, on a nagging length, Pathum Nissanka is hurried as he looks to keep it out with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge onto the pad and it rolls away in front of square leg. Mendis sets off for the run before being sent back by his partner. The throw comes at the bowling and Mendis has to put the dive to get back. The dive results in more lower back discomfort for Mendis but he looks fine to continue.

13:53 IST:

0.4: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Classy shot! On a short of a good length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes to ride the bounce and with a high elbow, punches it between cover and point for a boundary.

13:53 IST:

0.3: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, Keeps it in the corridor of off, on a back of a length, Kusal Mendis stays leg side of the ball and dabs it down to deep backward point for a single.

13:52 IST:

0.2: Matt Henry to Kusal Mendis, In the channel on off, on a good length, going away off the deck slightly, Kusal Mendis has a poke at the delivery and gets beaten as the ball zips past the outside edge.

13:52 IST:

0.1: Matt Henry to Pathum Nissanka, Movement and bounce first up for Henry! Nipping back in from over the wicket and a bit of extra bounce, on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka hops to deal with it but gets beaten on the inside edge. Wears it high on the thigh pad and the ball rolls away on the off side for a leg bye. Sri Lanka are underway!

13:52 IST:

Here we go! The players and the umpires walk out to the middle to start the run chase! it is the pair of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka to open the batting for Sri Lanka who have the task to chase 173 runs in 20 overs. Matt Henry has the new ball in hand and is ready at the bowler's mark to start the innings. Let's Play!

13:50 IST:

... THE RUN CHASE ...

13:48 IST:

The stage is now set for an intriguing chase. Can Sri Lanka's batters rise to the occasion and chase down 173, or will New Zealand's bowlers step up to secure a victory for their side? The second inning promises to be an exciting contest. Stay tuned as we return back with the run chase!

13:46 IST:

Daryl Mitchell is in for a chat. He says that the new ball was doing a little bit and after losing a few wickets early, it was about building a partnership. Mentions that Michael Bracewell did what he does best. Feels that on a bigger ground like this one, it is important to use the pockets and collect twos to put the bowlers under pressure. Reckons that Powerplay will be crucial and it will be important for the pacers to hit the deck hard and extract extra bounce.

13:48 IST:

Bracewell led the recovery with a superb knock of 59 runs off just 33 deliveries, showcasing a mix of calculated aggression and smart shot selection. Mitchell provided equally vital support, hammering 62 off 42 balls. Their partnership was marked by exceptional running between the wickets and powerful hitting, helping New Zealand recover from early setbacks and reach a strong total under challenging circumstances. Mitchell was eventually dismissed in the final over, but his efforts, along with Bracewell's, ensured New Zealand had a defendable target on the board.

13:47 IST:

Sri Lanka began strongly with the ball, as Binura Fernando delivered an impressive opening spell, claiming two wickets in his first three overs and pushing New Zealand onto the back foot. Wanindu Hasaranga further tightened the screws after the Powerplay, striking twice in quick succession to leave New Zealand struggling. Sri Lanka maintained control of the game for the first 10 overs, but the tide turned with the arrival of Bracewell at the crease.

13:49 IST:

A good last over for Sri Lanka but this is an excellent recovery from New Zealand, posting a competitive total of 172 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs, thanks to a game-changing partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. After a shaky start that saw New Zealand reeling at 65/5 by the halfway mark, the duo combined for a stellar 105-run stand that revived their innings and shifted the momentum.

14:10 IST:

19.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Zakary Foulkes, OUT! RUN OUT! A run out to end the New Zealand innings! A fantastic over from Maheesh Theekshana. Stays around the wicket for the right-hander and angles it across, on a nagging length, Zakary Foulkes drags it across in front of deep mid-wicket and decides to come back for the second run. Kamindu Mendis swoops in off the ropes and picks the ball up with his left hand. Fires in a throw on the bounce to the keeper. The throw is a bit wide but Kusal Mendis does well to collect the throw and take the bails off. It is referred upstairs and the replays show that Foulkes is short of his crease despite the dive. Just 3 runs off the 20th over. New Zealand finish with 172 on the board.

13:39 IST:

Zakary Foulkes is in to face the last ball of the innings.

13:39 IST:

19.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A sharp catch from Kusal Mendis! Turning out to be a fine last over from Maheesh Theekshana. Fired in, near the tramline on off, on a nagging length, Michael Bracewell walks towards the tramline and tries to sweep it away but gets a bottom edge on it. The keeper Kusal Mendis gets the gloves in the correct position and takes a good catch near his knees. End of an entertaining innings from Bracewell. He goes for 59(33).

13:37 IST:

19.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Mitchell Santner, Comes from around the wicket and spears in a yorker, at the left-hander, at the toes, Mitchell Santner jams it out on the off side and crosses over.

13:39 IST:

Mitchell Santner is the new batter in.

13:36 IST:

19.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! STUMPED! Daryl Mitchell runs past one. End of a great knock from Mitchell. Pushed through, on a nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and tries to get close to the line of the ball to launch it down the ground. Fails to connect and the keeper Kusal Mendis does the rest with Mitchell nowhere in the frame. A good first half of the final over for Sri Lanka. A wicket and a single so far.

13:35 IST:

19.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Slower through the air and away from the batter's arc, near the tramline on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell swings to go back over the bowler's head but misses.

13:35 IST:

19.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, Full and wide on off, Michael Bracewell walks across and pumps it down to long off for a single.

13:33 IST:

18.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, On a fullish length, on off, Michael Bracewell drills it down to long off for one more. Another expensive over from Pathriana. 15 runs off it. Ends with figures of 4-0-60-1.

13:32 IST:

18.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Pulls the length back a bit, on off, Daryl Mitchell slaps it down to long off and gets to the other end.

13:32 IST:

18.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Length delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell firms it down the ground to the right of long off for a brace.

13:32 IST:

18.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, NO BALL! It is going from bad to worse for Matheesha Pathirana! Pathirana gets it wrong as he serves an above-waist full toss, down leg, Daryl Mitchell just has to get some bat on it. He manages to do so and helps it to the right of short fine leg for a boundary. Free Hit coming up. The 100-run stand comes up off 54 balls.

13:30 IST:

18.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, On a fullish length, near the tramline on off, Michael Bracewell steers it down to deep backward point for one more.

13:30 IST:

18.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Miscued but Mitchell gets away with it! Pushed across from around the wicket, on a length, Daryl Mitchell looks to go down the ground but ends up dragging it on the bounce to the man at long on. They cross.

13:29 IST:

18.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Low full toss, going across, on off, Daryl Mitchell does not miss out as he swings through the line and lofts it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

14:03 IST:

17.6: Binura Fernando to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Binura misses his mark and gets punished! Errs as he serves a low full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell clears his front leg as he stays deep in the crease and thumps it over long on for a boundary. Binura admonishes himself as he kicks the turf. Only 4 runs had come off the first 5 balls. The over ends up going for 10 runs.

13:27 IST:

17.5: Binura Fernando to Daryl Mitchell, A single that takes Daryl Mitchell to his FIFTY! He has held the innings together for the Kiwis and played the second fiddle in this partnership with Bracewell. Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Daryl Mitchell smacks it back towards the bowler. Binura Fernando sticks out his left boot and manages to take the sting out of the ball. The ball gets deflected off the shoe towards mid-wicket for one.

13:25 IST:

17.4: Binura Fernando to Michael Bracewell, FIFTY FOR BRACEWELL! 2nd T20I half-century of Bracewell's career and it has come at the right time for his side. Low full toss, on off, Michael Bracewell knocks it down to long on and crosses over.

13:25 IST:

17.3: Binura Fernando to Daryl Mitchell, Going across, loopy slower delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of cover for one.

13:24 IST:

17.2: Binura Fernando to Michael Bracewell, Low full toss, on off, Michael Bracewell drives it down to long on and crosses over.

13:24 IST:

17.1: Binura Fernando to Michael Bracewell, Sees the batter move towards the off side but Binura Fernando holds his line, nails the yorker, near the tramline on off, Michael Bracewell tries to play the scoop and get it over short fine leg but misses.

13:22 IST:

16.6: Nuwan Thushara to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Gets it through! Fuller in length, near the tramline on off, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and creams the drive as he gets low. Beats the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. A good end to the over for the Kiwis. 11 runs off it. 60 runs off the last 4 overs.

13:21 IST:

16.6: Nuwan Thushara to Daryl Mitchell, Wide! Looks for the wide yorker but this goes just beyond the wide tramline on off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out but fails to connect.

13:21 IST:

16.5: Nuwan Thushara to Daryl Mitchell, Goes searching for the yorker, on off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and takes it on the full. Knocks it down to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

13:20 IST:

16.4: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Very full, on off, drilled along the ground to deep point for a single by Michael Bracewell.

13:19 IST:

16.4: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Wide! Sees the batter move towards the off side and Nuwan Thushara ends up spilling outside the cut strip on the off side. Wide given.

13:19 IST:

16.3: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Slower delivery, at the stumps, on a length, Michael Bracewell swats it in front of square to the left of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

13:18 IST:

16.2: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Another one that is pushed across the batter, on a length, Michael Bracewell goes hard on the drive but misses. Nuwan Thushara is celebrating but the keeper Kusal Mendis does not go up in appeal. Gets no support does Thushara and Sri Lanka do no take the review. The UltraEdge shows a flat line, so, a wise decision not to take the review.

13:17 IST:

16.1: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Angling across, on a fullish length, around off, Michael Bracewell fails to squeeze it out on the off side.

13:16 IST:

15.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Dishes out the googly, fuller and at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell looks to flick it away. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. 15 runs off the over. New Zealand have scored 49 runs from the last 3 overs.

13:16 IST:

15.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Full and down leg, Daryl Mitchell goes for the sweep but misses as the ball brushes his pad.

13:15 IST:

15.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Very full, sliding onto the pads, Daryl Mitchell ease it to the left of deep mid-wicket and comes charging back for the second run.

13:15 IST:

15.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Clean strike! Daryl Mitchell gets in on the six-hitting act. Floated up by Wanindu, on a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and swings through the line. Launches it high and handsome over long on for a biggie.

13:14 IST:

15.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, Looped up, fuller in length, on middle, Michael Bracewell gets down for the slog sweep and gets an inside edge that rolls to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14:02 IST:

15.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Wanindu Hasaranga gets greeted back into the attack with a six! A loosener first up by Wanindu, way too short and it is the googly, on off, Michael Bracewell gets low to make the connection and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

13:13 IST:

14.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, Slower and fuller, on off, Michael Bracewell drives it down the deck. It bounces off the turf towards the bowler. Matheesha Pathirana fails to collect it cleanly to his left and concedes a single. 22 runs off the over. 

13:13 IST:

14.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, Good running! Slower and on a back of a length, on middle, Michael Bracewell goes for the pull but gets it off the toe end of the bat. It rolls in front of wide long and the batters come charging back for the second run.

14:01 IST:

14.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, SIX! ANOTHER MASSIVE HIT! Another slower delivery from Matheesha Pathirana and punished again. Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Michael Bracewell sets behind it and slogs the ball hard, up and over long off for another six of the over. Turning out to be a huge over for New Zealand.

13:10 IST:

14.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Nails a yorker on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell digs it up and runs a single from mid-wicket.

13:08 IST:

14.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, NO BALL! Matheesha Pathirana oversteps and the umpire calls a No Ball! Fuller outside the off stump. Michael Bracewell slashes the ball to deep point for a run. Free Hit coming up.

14:00 IST:

14.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, SIX! THAT IS HUGE! Second boundary of the over. Superb start for New Zealand. Another length ball from Matheesha Pathirana on the stumps and this time, Michael Bracewell reads the length early and slogs it up and over the deep mid-wicket fence for a massive hit.

13:06 IST:

14.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! SLAP! Matheesha Pathirana pitches the ball on a good length on top of the off stump with pace. Michael Bracewell takes the front foot away and lofts the ball up and over the bowler's head for a superb boundary.

13:04 IST:

13.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! SHOT! Fuller and straight from Maheesh Theekshana, with a bit of pace on the ball. Daryl Mitchell stays put and drives the ball hard, back past the bowler. The ball goes all along the carpet and runs away to the long off boundary despite the diving efforts of both long off and long on fielders.

13:04 IST:

13.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, Fuller on the stumps. Michael Bracewell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

13:03 IST:

13.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! Struck powerfully! On the pads from around the wicket angle to the left-hander. Michael Bracewell stays back and sweeps the ball hard. Bhanuka Rajapaksa at deep backward square leg tries his best to reach the ball with a dive to his right but in vain.

13:03 IST:

13.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Floats the ball up wide outside off. Daryl Mitchell looks to play the inside out but mistimes it to sweeper covers for a single on the bounce.

13:02 IST:

13.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, Tosses the ball up on off. Michael Bracewell launches the ball uppishly towards long off for a single.

13:02 IST:

13.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Just short on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell flicks the ball to the left of deep mid-wicket for a single and wants a second run. Michael Bracewell sends him back.

13:01 IST:

12.6: Nuwan Thushara to Daryl Mitchell, Nails a yorker on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell digs the ball towards long on and takes a run to keep strike for the next over.

13:00 IST:

12.5: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Fuller on the pads, slower delivery. Michael Bracewell flicks the ball towards square leg and runs a single.

12:59 IST:

12.4: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! BRILLIANT PLACEMENT! Nuwan Thushara brings the length back and bowls this outside the off stump line, allowing Michael Bracewell to open his arms. Michael Bracewell slaps the ball, beating cover to his right. The ball runs away to the cover fence despite the diving effort of the sweeper cover fielder.

12:59 IST:

12.3: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Much fuller on the off stump this time. Michael Bracewell looks to drive it hard but mistimes the ball down back to the bowler.

12:58 IST:

12.2: Nuwan Thushara to Michael Bracewell, Hits the length hard on top of the off stump, from over the wicket angle to the left-hander. Michael Bracewell blocks it off the front foot, back to the bowler.

12:57 IST:

12.1: Nuwan Thushara to Daryl Mitchell, Starts off just short on top of off. Daryl Mitchell punches the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

12:56 IST:

11.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to long on for a single.

12:56 IST:

11.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, Floats it up fuller on off. Michael Bracewell drives the ball to long on for another run.

12:55 IST:

11.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Touch fuller on the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell sweeps the ball to deep square leg for a run.

12:55 IST:

11.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, Nagging length on the stumps. Michael Bracewell flicks it to long on for a single.

12:55 IST:

11.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! JUST ENOUGH! Wanindu Hasaranga floats it up, away from the left-hander outside off. Michael Bracewell gets down on a knee and slogs the ball hard off the middle of the bat. Maheesh Theekshana at deep mid-wicket is standing a few yards in off the ropes. He runs to his left and stretches out his left hand but the ball brushes his fingertips and goes behind for a boundary.

12:54 IST:

11.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, Just short on top of the stumps. Michael Bracewell stays back and taps the ball towards covers.

12:53 IST:

10.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Short and wide outside off. Daryl Mitchell looks to cut it hard but misses the ball completely.

12:52 IST:

10.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length on the stumps this time. Daryl Mitchell flicks it in front of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters run hard and take a quick couple of runs.

12:52 IST:

10.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Floats the ball up on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell walks in and taps it back to the bowler.

12:52 IST:

10.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Michael Bracewell, Low full toss on the stumps from around the wicket angle. Michael Bracewell drives it to long on and runs a single.

12:51 IST:

10.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Just short outside off. Daryl Mitchell taps it to sweeper cover for a run.

12:50 IST:

10.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length on top of off. Daryl Mitchell drops it straight towards the bowler.

12:49 IST:

9.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Michael Bracewell, Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and gives the ball air, full and on off, Michael Bracewell firms the drive but can't get it past cover. End of a successful over for Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka.

12:53 IST:

Michael Bracewell is the new batter in for New Zealand to face the hat-trick ball!

12:48 IST:

9.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Mitchell Hay, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Two in two for Wanindu Hasaranga! Slips in the googly does Wanindu, on a good length, on middle, Mitchell Hay plants his front foot across and does not pick the googly from the hand. Shapes up to work it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but the ball spins past the inside edge to hit the front pad right in front of the stumps. Wanindu does not even bother appealing. Hay knows he is a goner and after a quite word with Mitchell, he walks off. New Zealand have now lost half their side for just 65. Hat-trick ball coming up.

12:51 IST:

Drinks! New Zealand just have not been able to get going in their innings so far as whenever they have been able to get some sort of momentum, Sri Lanka have pegged them back. It would have been even worse for the hosts had Matheesha Pathirana not overstepped when Daryl Mitchell was adjudged LBW. Mitchell holds the key here for the Kiwis to get to a competitive total while the tourists will look to continue to chip away at the wickets. Mitchell Hay joins Daryl Mitchell out in the centre.

12:45 IST:

9.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Phillips, A big, big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Wanindu Hasaranga is convinced and Charith Asalanka takes the review. It is the slider from Wanindu, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Glenn Phillips reaches out in front as he goes for the slog sweep but fails to make any contact. The ball sneaks under the bat and goes on to hit him on the crouched back leg. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is crashing into the middle stump. It is three reds and the on-field decision will have to overturned.

12:42 IST:

9.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Pushed through, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell lunges and taps it in the vacant mid-wicket region. The batters think about the second run but Wanindu Hasaranga is quick to get to the ball and slides while picking the ball up. Turns around and knocks the stumps down at the bowling end but Mitchell is in as the replays confirm.

12:41 IST:

9.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Phillips, Floated up again, full and on middle, knocked down to long on for a single by Glenn.

12:41 IST:

9.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and swipes it between deep mid-wicket and long on. Kamindu Mendis gets around from deep mid-wicket and bends low to his left to prevent the boundary. He flicks the ball away from the ropes and that allows the batters to take the third run.

12:39 IST:

8.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Rolls his fingers over the ball again, at the stumps, on a length, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of cover and takes the single. End of an eventful over. 13 runs off it.

12:39 IST:

8.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Glenn Phillips, Short and wide on off, Glenn Phillips slaps it to the right of deep point. The batters think about the second run but Kamindu Mendis is quick to get around and hurls in a throw at the bowling end. He also manages to hit the stumps as Glenn is sent back by Mitchell for the second run. The replays show that Glenn had his bat grounded inside the crease when the stumps were disturbed.

12:37 IST:

8.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Dishes out the slower one, on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it wide of cover for a single.

12:37 IST:

8.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, Nails the yorker, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell jams it out back to the bowler.

13:59 IST:

8.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! BANG! Daryl Mitchell takes full toll on the Free Hit! Length delivery, around off, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg quickly and clobbers it over long on for a biggie.

12:37 IST:

8.2: Math