Jacob Duffy Shines as Black Caps Edge Sri Lanka in Dramatic T20 Clash
The first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui on December 28, 2024, proved to be a thrilling spectacle, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. New Zealand emerged victorious by a mere eight runs, thanks to an incredible all-round fightback led by Jacob Duffy and key contributions with the bat from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell.
The match began with New Zealand in a precarious position. Opting to bat first, the Black Caps were reduced to 65 for 5 midway through their innings. Sri Lanka’s bowling, spearheaded by Binura Fernando, exploited the green-tinged pitch expertly. Fernando's tight lines and swing yielded two crucial wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga added pressure with a double-strike. At this point, a competitive total seemed far-fetched for the home side.
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Enter Mitchell and Bracewell. The pair stitched together a vital 105-run partnership, counterattacking with flair. Bracewell’s explosive hitting, including a couple of towering sixes off Matheesha Pathirana, shifted momentum. Mitchell complemented him with well-timed boundaries, both batsmen notching fifties in quick succession. Their efforts propelled New Zealand to a respectable 172 for 8, with Maheesh Theekshana's economical final over preventing further damage.
Sri Lanka’s chase began in commanding fashion. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis dominated with a sublime 121-run opening stand. Nissanka’s brilliant 90 off 60 balls showcased his class, and when Mendis fell for 46, the target seemed within easy reach. However, cricket is a game of surprises, and Jacob Duffy delivered one of the season's most remarkable overs.
In the 14th over, Duffy turned the game on its head with a triple strike, dismissing Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Nissanka in quick succession. Suddenly, the visitors were reeling. As Sri Lanka scrambled to rebuild, Matt Henry joined the fray, claiming two crucial wickets, including the dangerous Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Wanindu Hasaranga’s run-out in the final over epitomized Sri Lanka’s implosion, as they fell agonizingly short at 164 for 8.
This nail-biting finish underlined New Zealand’s resilience. Duffy’s 3 for 21 earned him Player of the Match honors, while the Black Caps took a 1-0 lead in the series. For Sri Lanka, it was a painful lesson in closing out games—a reminder that in cricket, a match isn’t won until the final ball is bowled.
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