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The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka turned out to be an absolute thriller as the contest went into the Super Over at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.
With 7 needing on the final delivery, Ish Sodhi smacked a six over mid-wicket to force a one-over decider. However, the hosts couldn’t get the job done, with the Islanders taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series, courtesy of Charith Asalanka‘s batting brilliance in the Super Over. Notably, it was Sri Lanka’s first victory on New Zealand soil in any format since 2015.
After being asked to bat, the Lankans managed to post 196/5 in 20 overs, with Asalanka smashing 67 from 41 deliveries, including 6 sixes. Kusal Perera also chipped in with a crucial 45-ball 53-run knock. All-rounder James Neesham was the key bowler for Black Caps as he bagged two wickets.
Chasing 197, New Zealand’s response appeared to be on track, with Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman forming a solid 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, the visitors grabbed some wickets in quick succession, which led to a thrilling finish.
The contest went down to the wire, with the Kiwis needing 13 runs to win in the final over. Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka decided to bowl the last over and dismissed Rachin Ravindra for 26 (13), shifting the momentum back in the tourists’ favour. The equation then went down to 7 required, and Sodhi kept his calm, smashing the ball over the boundary rope for a maximum to tie the game.
In the Super Over, New Zealand could only score 8 runs, with Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana bagging a couple of wickets and conceding only one boundary. Then, Asalanka finished the match with a six and a four to register the shortest successful Super Over chase in men’s T20I history
Here is how Twitter reacted:
🇱🇰 win in super over, take a lead of 1️⃣-0️⃣ in the 3-match series. 👊#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/ejSOSf3KcA
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 2, 2023
Sri Lanka win a thriller at @edenparknz and take a 1-0 lead in the KFC T20I series 🏏
Catch up on all scores at or the NZC app 📲#NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/XXzWrbzBDD
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 2, 2023
Via a Super Over, Sri Lanka get there first win in New Zealand across any format since 2015 #NZvSL
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) April 2, 2023
Charith Asalanka delivers in a gripping T20I!
The left-hander made 67 in Sri Lanka’s innings before more heroics in the Super Over to beat New Zealand 🙌#NZvSL scorecard: pic.twitter.com/ttLANonFwr
— ICC (@ICC) April 2, 2023
1/22 in the match, gave just 8 runs and picked both wickets in the super over. Lemme introduce you to CSK’s new specialist death over bowler. pic.twitter.com/OatlpmnpAz
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 2, 2023
This is the 8th Super Over defeat by New Zealand in men’s international cricket. No other team lost more than 2.#NZvSL
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) April 2, 2023
Maheesh Theekshana seems to have clear bowling plans especially under pressure. Fantastic stuff in the Super Over. CSK would be quietly smiling after seeing his show today. #NZvSL #IPL2023
— S. Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) April 2, 2023
Theekshana bowled a super over and picked 2 wickets 🔥. 8-2(1) and his spell of 1-22(4) defending 196 won it for SL. He is coming 🔥💛 pic.twitter.com/ZN8lRNch1G
— 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐂𝐒𝐊 (@SergioCSKK) April 2, 2023
Super Over heroics vs New Zealand
Malinga in 2012!
Maheesh in 2023!Two of the most memorable victories in Sri Lankan Cricket history! #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/3SKju8kPRn
— Sakun (@Sakun_SD) April 2, 2023
Sri Lanka Wins🇱🇰🏏
Sri Lanka ශ්රී ලංකා இலங்கை WON the 1st T20i match against New Zealand in the super over.
Congratulations @OfficialSLC! #LKA #SriLanka #Cricket #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/F8csQJMrPZ— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) April 2, 2023
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