Asalanka’s gritty knock guides Sri Lanka to T20 victory over New Zealand

Charith Asalanka led Sri Lanka to a tense four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20 international in Dambulla on Saturday. Chasing 136, Sri Lanka struggled against a depleted New Zealand squad but secured the win with six balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s chase saw its middle order falter, but Asalanka, alongside Wanindu Hasaranga, anchored a 38-run sixth-wicket stand to regain control. “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.”

Hasaranga departed for 22 after mistiming a shot off Zakary Foulkes to New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner. Asalanka remained steady, finishing unbeaten on 35 off 28 balls, while Dunith Wellalage struck the winning six off Jacob Duffy, sealing victory for the hosts.

Earlier, Wellalage also starred with the ball, taking three wickets as New Zealand posted a modest 135. Top-order batsman Kusal Perera added to Sri Lanka’s highlights, surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan as the nation’s highest T20 scorer with his brisk 23 off 17 balls.

New Zealand’s Santner noted the challenges: “At halfway we felt that we can defend it, but a couple of partnerships took it away from us.”

The teams meet again on Sunday for the series decider.

(Source: AFP)