New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the series, held at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on December 30. The hosts won by 45 runs, sealing the 3 match series with a 2-0 lead. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to capitalize on the conditions. This decision mirrored their strategy from the first T20I, where they had also chosen to field first. Captain Charith Asalanka emphasized the need for his batters to settle in and avoid mistakes, particularly after their previous match’s collapse when they failed to chase down a modest target of 173 runs despite being in a strong position.
New Zealand’s explosive batting display
New Zealand set a formidable target of 186 runs for Sri Lanka, showcasing their batting prowess from the outset. The innings was characterized by aggressive strokes and quick runs, with several players stepping up to deliver impactful performances. Mark Chapman emerged as a key contributor, scoring 42 runs off 29 balls, including two fours and two sixes. His innings provided stability in the middle overs.
Mitchell Hay, who was later named Player of the Match, electrified the crowd with a blistering 41 runs off just 19 balls. His innings featured four boundaries and two sixes, establishing a strong momentum for New Zealand. Tim Robinson also played a crucial role, matching Hay’s score with 41 runs from 34 balls. The trio’s efforts propelled New Zealand to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers faced challenges throughout the innings. While Wanindu Hasaranga claimed two wickets for 28 runs, Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana managed to take one wicket each. Despite some tight bowling spells, particularly from Hasaranga, New Zealand’s aggressive batting approach kept them on the front foot.
Also READ: NZ vs SL 2024-25, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA & other countries
Sri Lanka’s struggle with the chase
Chasing a target of 187 runs, Sri Lanka’s innings began with promise but quickly deteriorated as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kusal Pereira emerged as the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 48 runs off 35 balls with four fours and two sixes. However, his dismissal marked a significant turning point in the match.
Pathum Nissanka contributed with a solid 37 runs off 28 balls, but as wickets fell around him, it became increasingly difficult for Sri Lanka to build partnerships. Jacob Duffy‘s exceptional bowling proved decisive; he dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup with remarkable figures of four wickets for just 15 runs. Matt Henry supported him well by taking two wickets for 31 runs.
Sri Lanka struggled to find any rhythm in their chase, falling to 141 all out in just 19.1 overs. The pressure exerted by New Zealand’s bowlers was relentless, ensuring that Sri Lanka never settled into their innings.
With this victory, New Zealand not only secured a win in the second T20I but also clinched the series with an unassailable lead of 2-0. The match showcased New Zealand’s depth in both batting and bowling departments, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly as they head into the final match of the series looking for redemption after two disappointing performances.
Here’s how twitter reacted:
NEW ZEALAND WON THE T20I SERIES vs SRI LANKA..!!!
– A great for Mitchell Santner as Captain of New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/LSiacApy3a
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 30, 2024
A series victory to start the tenure 😃 pic.twitter.com/ZNP0hY4Xs0
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 30, 2024
Duffman has only gone & taken 4 wickets!#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/1pELVtVxK5
— R M Bolton (@RMTBolton) December 30, 2024
Do you miss them? @OfficialSLC @Sanath07 @upultharanga44 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/IgkhOLjSod
— Mohamed Azam (@MohamedAzam21) December 30, 2024
Comfortable 45 runs win for NZ as the clinch the series #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/SQfLw1zdpY
— #BackTheBLACKCAPS 🇳🇿 (@KW_Fans436) December 30, 2024
Happy Ending Of 2024🖤🔥#Cricket #CricketTwitter #NZvSL #T20 #Santner #NZC pic.twitter.com/A3JapCmFqv
— _irfaneyyy_ (@sayedirfan591) December 30, 2024
🇳🇿BlackCaps wins the Second T20 by
45 Runs at Bay Oval against Sri Lanka🇱🇰.BlackCaps win the Series with Still 1 more Game to go.#NZvSL #Cricket pic.twitter.com/vZbeXLWznx
— Gurjinder Bal (@Gurjind56659796) December 30, 2024
4/15 IN 4 OVERS FOR NEW ZEALAND PACER JACOB DUFFY AGAINST SRI LANKA. CRAZY 🥶#NZvSL #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch #INDvsAUSTest #RohitSharma #AUSvINDIA #INDvsAUS #AUSvINDIA #RohitSharma𓃵 #ViratKohli𓃵 #JaspritBumrahSara #flightcrash #Jaiswal… pic.twitter.com/54f0dHOTBq
— Salar Azam (@salarazam51) December 30, 2024
Mitchell Hay wins Player of the match award 🥇#Cricket #NZvSL #MitchellHay #NewZealand pic.twitter.com/7kLgKG4nja
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
Finally well played Champ
Mitchell Hay 💥#NZvsSL
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 30, 2024
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Pathum Nissanka’s stellar knock in vain as Sri Lanka fall short against New Zealand in the 1st T20I
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