New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell bats during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt Maunganui Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell bats during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt Maunganui Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Jacob Duffy’s sensational 3/21 alongside Daryl Mitchell’s quick-fire 62 and Michael Bracewell’s brilliant 59 helped New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20I of the series at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturdayrich711, December 28. (Live Streaming | More Cricket News)

The team led by Ammad Butt, finally secured their first victory with a 2-1 win over Japan and then delivered a decisive 5-1 win against China, to enter the semi-finals. Their final pool match ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to India.

Now, the top four teams have entered the semifinals and the last two teams will have to fight for the fifth spot on the table. India have won all of their five matches. Pakistan are second with two wins and two draws.

Opting to field first, Sri Lanka got off to a terrific start as Binura Fernando picked up both Tom Robinson and Rachin Ravindra early on in their innings. 

At one stage, New Zealand were reduced to 65/5 before Daryl Mitchel (62 off 42) and Michael Bracewell (59 off 33) played the rescue knock to take them to 172/8 in 20 overs. 

A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) through the middle and composure at the death from Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to snatch victory in T20I 1. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024

Chasing a par total on a good Bay Oval surface, Sri Lanka were up and running as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on a show.

However, Matt Henry gave New Zealand the opening and the hosts never looked back since as Sri Lanka crumbled to 164/8 in their 20 overs, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

slots plus New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka, T20I Squads

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay(w), Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Bevon Jacobs

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Bhanuka Rajapaksarich711, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Avishka Fernando, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal