Explore the exhilarating T20I match where Mitchell and Bracewell shone, securing a remarkable victory for New Zealand. Read about the highlights and key plays.
Introduction:
In a thrilling match at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand snatched an eight-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the series. The win, which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead, was a masterclass in resilience as New Zealand bounced back twice in the game—first from a precarious 65 for 5 with the bat and later by dismantling Sri Lanka’s chase despite a 121-run opening partnership.
Jacob Duffy made a decisive blow in his 14th over that saw him dismiss three players, and so started Sri Lanka’s incredible collapse which saw them losing eight wickets for as low as 38 runs, giving victory to New Zealand. Jacob Duffy deserved Player of the Match for himself. See also: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Terrific Test Century Rescues India at MCG on Day 3

Sri Lanka Strong start and then the surprising downfall
Sri Lanka start the chase of 173 very positively. Openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka pull off a sublime 121-run stand, which makes the target look within reach with some comfort. When Mendis was dismissed for 46, Sri Lanka still needed just 52 runs from 40 balls with nine wickets in hand, a scenario that usually does not point to an injunction other than to win.

However, Duffy had other plans. He took three wickets in the 14th over and turned the table around. He dismissed Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis in quick succession to put New Zealand back in contention. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka tried to steady the innings, but when Asalanka fell with 28 runs still needed off 16 balls, the pressure mounted. See also: Kusal Perera’s Record T20I Century Secures Sri Lanka’s Victory
Matt Henry then struck for the knockout blow, claiming Nissanka and then Bhanuka Rajapaksa in consecutive delivery, leaving Sri Lanka shocked. Their best finisher, Wanindu Hasaranga, was run out without facing a ball during the final over, really epitomizing the visitors implosion.

Binura Fernando Shines with the Ball
Earlier, Sri Lanka dominated the first half of the game with the exceptional bowling of Binura Fernando. Playing his first T20I in nine months, Fernando led the charge with remarkable control and swing, despite his relatively modest pace. His disciplined three-over opening spell yielded just 12 runs and the wickets of Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra.
Supported by Wanindu Hasaranga, who hit twice in the 10th over, Sri Lanka had New Zealand on the ropes at 65 for 5. By this stage, the hosts seemed unlikely to post a competitive total.

Mitchell and Bracewell’s Counterattack
New Zealand came back into the game after a blistering 105-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. Bracewell, in particular, turned things around with a display of brutal power hitting. He launched an assault on Matheesha Pathirana in the 14th over, smashing a six and a series of boundaries in a 22-run over.

The pair raised their respective half-centuries off consecutive deliveries, adding 107 runs in the last 10 overs. Their efforts helped New Zealand reach a competitive total of 172 for 8, which had looked unlikely at one stage of the innings.
Bracewell’s 61 off 44 balls and Mitchell’s 66 off 44 balls ensured New Zealand did have a fighting chance. It was Sri Lanka’s bowlers’ failure in the last overs that cost their team, as Pathirana conceded 60 runs in four overs, all of which included three no-balls that proved costly.

Key Takeaways
New Zealand’s Resilience: The hosts showed immense fightbacks in both their innings and the field. Being on the backfoot, they still secured a memorable victory.
Sri Lanka’s Lost Chance: A 121-run opening partnership and an overarching dominance in the chase should have sealed the game, but a collapse in their composure and bad execution under pressure sealed their demise.

Impact of Jacob Duffy: Duffy’s match-winning over in the 14th over allowed New Zealand to stage a comeback. His tight delivery under pressure made all the difference for them in winning.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Concerns: Matheesha Pathirana had a tough outing, struggling with his lengths and conceding critical no-balls. Sri Lanka’s coaching staff will need to address these issues ahead of the second T20I.

Looking Ahead
New Zealand will take this win as a morale booster for the rest of the series. They can definitely bounce back from tough situations into high-pressure games. Sri Lanka needs to regroup fast, keeping their cool and finishing strong.
The second T20I will be another exciting match between Sri Lanka, who is looking to level the series, and New Zealand, who is looking to seal the series.