- Sri Lanka 140 for 6 (Asalanka 35, Foulkes 3-20) beat New Zealand 135 (Foulkes 27, Wellalage 3-20, Thushara 2-14) by four wickets
On a turning track at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in their two-match T20 series against New Zealand, securing a four-wicket victory. Sri Lanka’s spinners were the stars, taking six wickets to restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 135. Captain Charith Asalanka’s composed 35 not out off 28 balls helped Sri Lanka chase the target with six balls to spare.
New Zealand’s Struggle on a Spinning Surface
New Zealand’s innings was off to a rocky start, with Sri Lanka’s spinners taking early control. The ball turned sharply from the outset, with even Maheesh Theekshana getting significant turn. New Zealand’s top order couldn’t find their footing, sliding to 31 for 3 by the end of the powerplay. Dunith Wellalage struck early, trapping Tim Robinson lbw, and Nuwan Thushara dismissed Mark Chapman with a slower delivery, setting the tone for a challenging innings.
The middle overs continued to be a struggle, with New Zealand managing only 66 runs while losing five wickets. Despite the rough start, all-rounder Zakary Foulkes fought back with an aggressive 27 not out off 16 balls, forming a 39-run ninth-wicket stand that helped New Zealand reach a more respectable score.
Foulkes Makes His Mark
Playing in just his third international match, Foulkes showcased his all-around abilities. His late innings effort lifted New Zealand’s total, and he proved his mettle with the ball as well, claiming 3 for 20. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, then used pace and bounce to take out Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga, giving New Zealand a chance to defend their modest total.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: A Steady Response
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a strong start with Kusal Perera, who hit 22 off 15 balls in the powerplay to put early pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers. Kamindu Mendis contributed a quick 23 off 16, stabilizing the innings after the fall of early wickets.
Charith Asalanka then guided Sri Lanka’s chase, maintaining a calm presence even as wickets fell around him. His two sixes early in his innings gave Sri Lanka momentum, and he eventually steered the team home with an unbeaten 35.
With the win, Sri Lanka leads the series 1-0 and will head into the final match with confidence. New Zealand, experimenting with younger players, will look to regroup and learn from the challenging conditions. For Sri Lanka, this victory showcased their spin strength and Asalanka’s steady leadership—factors that may prove decisive as they push for a series win.
