SL vs NZ: 45 Run Victory Clinches The T20 Series For NZ

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SL vs NZ: New Zealand sealed an emphatic 45-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Monday, December 30, 2024. This win not only sealed the series for the Kiwis but also presented a dominant all-round performance, especially in the bowling department. The victory was all because of the brilliant spell of Jacob Duffy with the ball, as he took 4 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. Fans responded with a wide array of reactions celebrating New Zealand’s series victory and analyzing key moments in the match.

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New Zealand’s solid batting performance in SL vs NZ

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand’s batting line-up responded strongly by making 186 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. The innings were anchored by opener Tim Robinson, who made a steady contribution of 41 runs. Mark Chapman followed up with a solid 42 runs, while Glenn Phillips added 23 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 18 runs.

However, the most telling knock came in the form of wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who aggressively scored 41* runs off 19 balls for the late surge needed to push New Zealand to a competitive total. His aggressive hitting during the last few overs meant that the Kiwis would finish on a strong note.

On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga has been the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets. Nuwan Tushara and Matheesha Pathirana took 1 wicket each, although they couldn’t check run flow; New Zealand had a very challenging total which Sri Lanka had to face in their chase.

Sri Lanka’s Struggle in the Chase

When Sri Lanka started chasing 187, they were under pressure from the very beginning. The visitors were all out for 141 runs in 19.1 overs, losing the match by 45 runs. Pathum Nissanka scored 37 runs and Kusal Perera contributed 48 runs, which was the only contribution the team could make in a chase.

Sri Lanka’s batting order collapsed as New Zealand presented a stern bowling challenge. The Kiwis were thoroughly clinical in their bowling attack, with **Jacob Duffy being the pick of the lot. The spell Duffy bowled played a massive role in breaking the backbone of Sri Lanka’s chase. Picking 2 wickets, along with Duffy, were Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner. Backing them were Zachary Fooks and Michael Bracewell with 1 wicket apiece. No significant partnerships were made in the Sri Lankan batting line-up, and the chase fizzled out as New Zealand easily won the series.

Jacob Duffy Goes Great Lengths

The man of the match of the game was undoubtedly Jacob Duffy, who ensured New Zealand’s win. His phenomenal bowling figures of 4 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs completely changed the course of the game in favor of New Zealand. Duffy’s economic spell and crucial breakthroughs did not let Sri Lanka gain any momentum; hence, he was praised by fans and commentators alike.

Looking Ahead: Final SL vs NZ T20I

With New Zealand securing an unassailable 2-1 lead in the SL vs NZ series, the third and final T20I will now serve as a dead rubber, where both teams will look to finish the series on a high. For New Zealand, now it will be the battle of keeping their winning momentum and utilizing every bit of it going in the series ahead. To Sri Lanka, this game will be a way for them to regain some amount of pride and also give them a much-needed victory win after getting defeated miserably in the second T20I.

 A Dominant Performance by New Zealand

Overall, it was a completely dominating performance by New Zealand, where strong batting was complemented by exceptional bowling to win the series. Jacob Duffy’s outstanding bowling, along with the finishing touches provided by Mitchell Hay, ensured that Sri Lanka had no chance in the chase. Fans of the Kiwi team were delighted with their comprehensive victory, while Sri Lanka’s supporters urged for a quick turnaround in their team’s fortunes. At the end of the series, both teams will prepare for their future challenges as New Zealand came out to be the stronger side in this encounter.

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