New Zealand eye clean sweep, SL seek redemption

The third and final T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played in Nelson today. Hosts New Zealand have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. New Zealand won the series opener in Mount Maunganui by just eight runs and then thrashed the visitors by 45 runs in the second match to seal the series.

Sri Lanka had given New Zealand a scare in the first match, they were absolutely no match for the Black Caps in the second T20I.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 186 for five in 20 overs. Mark Chapman top-scored for his side, scoring 42 runs while Tim Robinson (41) and Mitchell Hay (41 n.o) played useful knocks too.

In reply, Sri Lanka were on 97 for two in the 12th over and were looking set to challenge the hosts before collapsing like they had in the first match.

They were eventually bowled out for 141 runs in 19.1 overs. Jacob Duffy starred with the ball for New Zealand, taking four wickets for 15 runs in his four overs. Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka said that he was disappointed with the results. “The way the middle-order batted, including me, we really should have done better. It’s all about adapting quickly to conditions. It is a little bouncier than our conditions and at the same time they were brilliant, added Skipper Asalanka.

“It’s important to finish the game, it doesn’t matter how you start. We were close in the first game but again disappointed. Sri Lanka should rectify their mistakes to come for the third and final game at Nelson.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand Skipper Mitchell Santner was happy about their back-to-back-back victories.

“It was a great performance. First with the bat, managed to put them under pressure in the powerplay. I said whoever used the wind best would do well and we managed that.”
“Jacob Duffy the paceman is great to see, every time I bring him back, he gets a wicket first ball. The best way to slow the run rate is to take wickets,” said Skipper Santner.  

“Especially with a big breeze, if you get predictable it can be easy for the batters. Trying to keep it out of the arc of the batters,” said the New Zealand Skipper. (Agencies)