Chasing a modest 136, Sri Lanka’s batsman struggled initially but a crucial 38-run stand for the sixth wicket between Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga inched the team to victory.
Sri Lanka’s Captain Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage celebrate their win in the first Twenty20 cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Captain Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage celebrate their win in the first Twenty20 cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: AP
“Cricket – NZ vs SL, 1st T20I: Asalanka knock seals four-wicket Sri Lanka win over New Zealand”
A captain’s knock by Charith Asalanka steered Sri Lanka to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand with six balls to spare in Saturday’s Twenty20 opener in Dambulla.
Chasing a modest 136, Sri Lanka’s batsman struggled to capitalise against the second-string visiting team.
But a crucial 38-run stand for the sixth wicket between Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga steadied the ship and inched the team to victory.
“Overall it is a good win,” Asalanka said, “We should have restricted them to 110 or 120 but they did well with the lower order.”
Sportstar
