**NZ Vs SL 1st T20I: Sri Lanka Wins By 4 Wickets**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 10, 2024

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NZ vs SL 1st T20I: Sri Lanka Wins by 4 Wickets, Chasing Down 143

The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Christchurch saw a thrilling finish, with Sri Lanka securing a 4-wicket victory in a nail-biting chase. The hosts, New Zealand, struggled to post a competitive total, reaching only 142/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sri Lanka, in reply, were on the back foot early, but a crucial knock from Kusal Mendis and a late surge from Dhananjaya de Silva helped them cross the line with five balls to spare.

New Zealand Struggles for Runs, Mark Chapman Top Scores with 35

New Zealand's batting lineup failed to fire, with only Mark Chapman making a notable contribution. Chapman, coming in at number five, hit 35 runs off 25 balls, including five boundaries. However, he received little support from the rest of the batting order. Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, and Devon Conway all got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

The Sri Lankan bowlers were on top throughout the innings, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka picking up two wickets each. Theekshana, in particular, was difficult to score off, bowling a tidy spell and keeping the runs down.

Mendis Leads the Chase, de Silva Finishes it Off

Sri Lanka's chase got off to a shaky start, losing their openers early. However, Kusal Mendis, who had previously struggled in the series, anchored the innings with a well-constructed 58 off 44 balls. He hit six boundaries and a six, showcasing his ability to play both attacking and defensive shots.

Mendis's dismissal brought Dhananjaya de Silva to the crease, and the all-rounder played a crucial role in securing victory for Sri Lanka. He smashed 22 off 12 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six, and brought the required run rate down significantly.

Sri Lanka's Bowling Performance

Sri Lanka's bowlers were disciplined throughout the match, restricting the New Zealand batsmen. In addition to Theekshana and Madushanka's two-wicket hauls, Dushmantha Chameera and Chamika Karunaratne also chipped in with crucial wickets. The Lankan bowlers were effective in keeping the pressure on the New Zealand batsmen and never allowed them to build a substantial partnership.

Key Takeaways

This victory will give Sri Lanka a significant boost of confidence going into the next match. Mendis's return to form is a positive sign for the Lankans, while de Silva's finishing ability adds another dimension to their batting lineup. On the other hand, New Zealand will need to find a way to improve their batting performance if they want to level the series. Their struggles against spin, particularly Theekshana, were evident, and they will need to find solutions to this challenge going forward.

The second T20I takes place on Sunday, March 5th, at the same venue in Christchurch. Both teams will be looking to make a statement and build momentum in the series.