Advertisement

Updated September 2nd, 2019 at 12:55 IST

Ross Taylor powers New Zealand to win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20

Ross Taylor hit a quickfire 48 to set up New Zealand's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday

Ross Taylor
| Image:self
Advertisement

Ross Taylor hit a quickfire 48 to set up New Zealand's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday. Ross Taylor lifted the Black Caps from a precarious 39 for three in their chase of 175 to complete the win in 19.3 overs and lead the three-match series 1-0. Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga became the highest wicket-taker in the shortest format after his two scalps took his tally to 99 in 74 matches, surpassing Pakistan's Shahid Afridi. But his effort was not enough as Taylor put on 79 runs for the fourth wicket with Colin de Grandhomme, who scored 44, to take the attack to the opposition bowlers.

READ: Ajinkya Rahane 'a Bit Emotional' On Scoring 10th Ton In Windies Test

Ross Taylor gets lucky

Ross Taylor, who survived a dropped catch on 31 by Dasun Shanaka at deep mid-wicket off Akila Dananjaya, made the most of the reprieve to hit three fours and two sixes in his 29-ball blitz. He was finally trapped lbw off debutant leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga who returned figures of 2-21 from his four overs. Daryl Mitchell, who made 25 off 19 deliveries, and Mitchell Santner, scoring 14,  then put on an unbeaten 31-run stand to steer the Black Caps home. Ross Taylor smashed three fours and two sixes en route to his 48-run knock. 

READ: Rohit Sharma Turns Anchor, Interviews Bumrah & Rahane Post Windies Win

Lasith Malinga surpasses Shahid Afridi

Malinga, who retired from Test cricket in 2011 and played his farewell one-day international in July, bowled Colin Munro in the first over of the New Zealand chase to equal Afridi's record of 98 wickets. The 36-year-old then cleaned up de Grandhomme, for 44, to achieve the feat in his 74th T20 match of his illustrious career. Earlier Kusal Mendis smashed 79 toff 53 balls to help Sri Lanka post 174 for four. Mendis built crucial partnerships including a 63-run stand for the third wicket with Niroshan Dickwella, who made 33. Opener Kusal Perera made 11 before falling to Kiwi skipper Tim Southee and number-three batsman Avishka Fernando was out for 10 as Sri Lanka slipped to 68 for two. Mendis held firm to complete his fifth T20 fifty and also went past his previous best of 70 after surviving a dropped catch on 55. Mendis was finally holed out at deep mid-wicket off Southee, who returned figures of 2-20 from his four overs of pace. The second T20 is scheduled for Tuesday at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. 

READ: Virat Kohli And Ajinkya Rahane Lift India's Spirits On Day Three Vs WI

READ: Hanuma Vihari Dedicates Maiden Test Ton Against Windies To Late Father

Advertisement

Published September 2nd, 2019 at 12:47 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Congress Press Conference
a few seconds ago
 Development is BJP's Main Agenda Says Kangana Ranaut As She Launches Campaign In Mandi
a few seconds ago
Dog walking tips
a few seconds ago
Vijay Varma
2 minutes ago
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
4 minutes ago
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Rajya Sabha MP Keshava Rao is set to join the Congress party.
8 minutes ago
Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Country's Youngest Vlogger
10 minutes ago
Byju's leadership dispute
10 minutes ago
Pulkit Samrat
16 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
17 minutes ago
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
18 minutes ago
Sunita Kejriwal urged people to send ‘messages of support’ to Delhi CM
19 minutes ago
Allu Arjun Unveils His Wax Statue At Madame Tussauds In Dubai
20 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo