New Zealand lost the first 20-20 match against Sri Lanka by 8 runs and managed to take the lead in the series 1-0.

Chasing the host’s total of 172 runs, Sri Lanka started strongly and took advantage of the powerplay of openers Pathum Nishanka and Kusal Mendis to score 56 runs in the first 6 overs.

Even after removing the fielding restrictions, New Zealand tried hard to score runs. Mitchell Santner was the only bowler and the two Sri Lanka openers managed to get him out. Looking for some inspiration, Mitchell Santner turned to Jacob Duffy and he did not disappoint.

Sri Lanka were in complete control for the first 13 overs of the chase, sitting comfortably at 120/0 with all 10 wickets secured. Only 53 runs were needed from the last 7 overs, and the end of the match was in front of them.

New Zealand, however, had other ideas, staging a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. It was a tale of two halves with the visitors dominating the first half to reduce New Zealand to 65/5.

His appearance changed with the arrival of Michael Bracewell giving Kiwi’s innings a much-needed boost. He put on a 105-run partnership with Darryl Mitchell and reached 172 when New Zealand recovered.

It was difficult for the new batsmen to settle in but with Nishanka still in the stadium, Sri Lanka’s hopes were alive. However, after his dismissal, the chase unravelled.

None of the batsmen coming to the field could take the responsibility of looking at the home side. Duffy’s match proved to be the turning point and Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes capitalized on the momentum, supporting each other superbly to secure a remarkable win.

With 10 wickets in hand, the Sri Lankan team needed 53 runs, but at the end of the 13th over, they could only get 44 runs with the loss of 8 wickets.