At the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 International.
The Kiwis were bundled out for 135 by the hosts thanks to a spectacular bowling display.
While Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana each managed two scalps, Dunith Wellalage claimed 3/20.
Sri Lanka responded by chasing down the 136-run mark, giving them a 1-0 series lead.
New Zealand innings outline
New Zealand continued to lose wickets at ordinary crossroads and were decreased to a score of 96/8.
Zakary Foulkes’ 16-ball 27* assisted NZ with getting to 135 eventually.
Prior, Michael Bracewell contributed with 27.
For Lanka, Wellalage was heavenly, overseeing 3/20 from 3.3 overs.
Hasaranga was conservative, enrolling 2/20 from his four overs close by Theekshana, who asserted 1/21 from his 4 overs.
Key numbers for the Lankan bowlers
Hasaranga’s two scalps saw him get to a count of 121 scalps at simply 15.72. In 8 games versus NZ, he possesses nine scalps at 22.22.
In general, he claims 283 scalps in the 20-over design.
Wellalage’s 3/20 takes him to 52 T20 scalps, including six for SL.
Thushara’s 2/14 from 3 overs saw him get to 146 T20 scalps, including 21 for SL.
Theekshana and Pathirana dazzle
Theekshana currently claims 188 T20 scalps, including 55 for SL. Then again, Pathirana (2/29) presently possesses 104 scalps, including 24 for SL.
Sri Lankan innings outline
SL lost Kusal Mendis almost immediately (3/1) preceding Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera added 40 runs.
The two players fell one after another. Kamindu Mendis (23) got a beginning yet fell from there on as Bhanuka Rajapaksa (4) left to leave the host group at 87/5.
Hasaranga joined Charith Asalanka in the center and the two constructed a nice stand which assisted Lanka with getting it done.
Kusal Perera outperforms 1,900 runs for SL
Perera has turned into the primary Sri Lankan player to go beyond 1,900 runs. Perera, who hit 23 from 17 balls, claims 1,904 runs at 27.59. By and large, he claims more than 4,200 runs in the 20-over design.