Lincoln, New Zealand: Sri Lanka claimed a seven-wicket victory over the New Zealand XI in a warm-up T20 match held today (Dec 23) at Lincoln.
New Zealand XI Struggle with the Bat
Batting first, the New Zealand XI were bowled out for just 94 runs in 13.4 overs. Bevon Jacobs was the standout performer, scoring 39 runs off 16 balls, including 4 sixes and 2 fours.
However, other batsmen failed to make an impact, with Callum McLachlan scoring 11 and Joe Carter adding 10 runs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated the innings, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 3 wickets for 12 runs in 2.3 overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Charith Asalanka claimed 2 wickets each, while Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Binura Fernando, and Kamidu Mendis chipped in with a wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s Comfortable Chase
Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, Sri Lanka overcame early setbacks to score 97/3 in 10.5 overs, sealing a comfortable win.
The innings started poorly, with Pathum Nissanka dismissed for a golden duck and Kusal Mendis departing for 0 off 3 balls. However, Kusal Perera and Kamidu Mendis steadied the innings with crucial knocks.
Kusal Perera scored 30 runs off 22 balls, hitting 1 six and 4 fours. Kamidu Mendis contributed 28 runs off 22 balls, also smashing 1 six and 4 fours.
Both batsmen retired to allow captain Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bat. Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 8 runs off 7 balls, while Charith Asalanka remained unbeaten with a quick 18 off 6 balls. Chamidu Wickramasinghe finished on 6 not out.
For New Zealand XI, Ben Lister, Matthew Fisher, and Adithya Ashok took one wicket each, but they couldn’t stop Sri Lanka’s batsmen from reaching the target comfortably.
Schedule :
- December 28: 1st T20I, Tauranga (11:45 am SLST)
- December 30: 2nd T20I, Tauranga (11:45 am SLST)
- January 2: 3rd T20I, Nelson (5:45am SLST)
- January 5: 1st ODI, Wellington (3:30am SLST)
- January 8: 2nd ODI, Hamilton (6:30am SLST)
- January 11: 3rd ODI, Auckland (6:30am SLST)
