The dominance by the Blackcaps in the previous match over the Lankans continued throughout their 2nd game as well. Though, once again, Sri Lanka fought well at the end, but by that time New Zealand has already caused irreparable damage. With consecutive 2 wins, New Zealand is leading with 2-0, while Sri Lanka has a match in store, but the series, out of winning range.
Sri Lanka winning the toss did not help much in the second game as well, as the entire team failed to create much of an impact with the bat. Kusal Mendis (26 out; 24b; 2X4, 2X6) and Kusal Perera (11 out; 10b) had a decent start at the beginning, but both openers collapsed a few overs later, leaving new batsmen on the crease. However, with a surprise the duo of Avishka Fernando (37 out; 25b; 3X4, 1X6) and Niroshan Dickwella (39 out; 30b; 3X4, 1X6), provided a 68 runs partnership, as Sri Lanka crossed the 100-run mark in 13 overs. But after the duo’s dismissal in short intervals, rest of the team gave little cameos, to register a target of 161 with the loss of 9 wickets.
In the 2nd innings, Sri Lankan big guns failed to contribute much, but at the start of the match the top three batsmen of the Kiwi line-up succumbed without much of a contribution, as Lanka seemed to be equalizing the lead. With the Kiwi’s hope almost dying, Colin de Grandhomme (59 out; 46b; 2X4, 3X6) and Tom Bruce (53 out; 46b; 3X4) added two individual half-centuries, as they regained some hope back. However, both the batsmen fell in the penultimate moment, but Mitchell Santner (10 not out; 2b; 1X4, 1X6) became the hero for the night, as 7 runs were needed from 4 balls, he hit Wanindu Hasaranga for 1 four and 1 six to win the game, as the series clearly seems to be turning on New Zealand’s favor.
