SL v NZ : 1st T20I – New Zealand defeats Sri Lanka by 8 runs

Before the year 2025, Sri Lanka faced a T20I series against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Chasing the target, Sri Lanka started brilliantly with their opening batters. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis built a 121-run partnership for the first wicket, but Sri Lanka’s middle order collapsed, losing wickets cheaply at regular intervals. Pathum scored 90 runs, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, while Kusal added 46 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 172 runs, thanks to Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, who scored 62 and 59, respectively. Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each.

Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in the second T20I on December 30.

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