The opening T20 International match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the iconic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium kicked off the 2024 series with great anticipation. Both teams arrived prepared to showcase their skills and gain an early advantage in the series. The game was a display of intense cricket as Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered impressive performances, leading to a convincing win for the hosts. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of this thrilling encounter.

Toss and Early Moments

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first. The decision paid off almost immediately as their bowlers seized control from the get-go. The pitch conditions in Dambulla provided assistance to bowlers with slight seam movement, challenging the New Zealand batters right from the start.

New Zealand Batting Struggle Against Sri Lankan Bowling

New Zealand’s batting lineup found it difficult to settle, losing wickets at regular intervals. Their innings saw a series of dismissals that prevented any strong partnerships from forming. Michael Bracewell, one of New Zealand’s key players, contributed 27 runs, attempting to stabilize the innings, but ultimately fell short of creating momentum for his side. Zakary Foulkes, however, played a quick, resilient 27* off 16 balls toward the end of the innings, helping New Zealand post a total of 135​ Sri Lanka’s bowlers displayed exceptional skill throughout New Zealand’s innings. Dunith Wellalage led the attack with a fantastic 3/20 from his spell, while Wanindu Hasaranga’s control saw him end with figures of 2/20. Nuwan Thushara and Maheesh Theekshana also contributed significantly, with each bowler taking two and one wickets, respectively, restricting New Zealand to a low total.

Sri Lanka’s Steady Chase

Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the 136-run target began with a minor setback, losing opener Kusal Mendis early. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera stepped up next, building a 40-run partnership that provided stability. However, both players fell in quick succession, bringing a slight wobble to Sri Lanka’s innings.

Kamindu Mendis added a valuable 23 runs to the scoreboard, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa managed only 4, which left Sri Lanka at 87/5 and gave New Zealand a brief glimmer of hope. However, Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Charith Asalanka, ensured there were no further slip-ups. Their calculated approach allowed Sri Lanka to chase down the target with ease, clinching the victory and setting the series to a 1-0 lead.

Bowler Performances

  • Wanindu Hasaranga: Known for his versatility, Hasaranga took crucial wickets and contributed to breaking New Zealand's partnerships, ending with figures of 2/20. His all-round performance continued as he contributed a vital 23 runs during the chase.
  • Dunith Wellalage: With an impressive 3/20, Wellalage dismantled New Zealand's middle order, making it difficult for the visitors to settle.
  • Kusal Perera: Scoring 23 runs off 17 balls, Perera reached a personal milestone of 1,900 runs in T20 internationals, further cementing his legacy as one of Sri Lanka's most consistent players. 

Match Analysis: Tactical Insights

Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first was tactically sound, given the pitch’s behavior in Dambulla. The early overs, with a touch of seam movement, allowed their bowlers to set a challenging tone for New Zealand’s top order. Hasaranga’s inclusion in both the bowling and batting line-up was strategic, as his versatility offered Sri Lanka options both in restricting runs and stabilizing the chase.

New Zealand, on the other hand, missed opportunities to create lasting partnerships, which ultimately left them short of a defensible score. The reliance on Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes for runs exposed a gap in depth that Sri Lanka exploited with precision.

Looking Forward: The Series Ahead

With the first T20I win, Sri Lanka takes the lead, putting pressure on New Zealand to bounce back in the upcoming matches. Both teams will likely reassess their strategies to adjust for strengths and weaknesses that surfaced in this game. New Zealand may look to strengthen their batting approach, potentially bringing in fresh players to increase stability.

For Sri Lanka, continuing the momentum will be key. Their bowling unit appears well-prepared, but they might aim to avoid middle-order collapses as seen in this game.