In the second Twenty20 international on Wednesday, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by nine wickets to even the series. Opening batsman Tim Seifert scored an unbeaten 79.
On April 5, 2023, in Dunedin, during the second Twenty20 International cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, Adam Milne of New Zealand (left) celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket. (Image credit: Samira Peiris/AFP) (AFP)
Adam Milne, a Black Caps pitcher, had earlier claimed five wickets for only 26 runs, helping Sri Lanka be outscored for just 141 runs.
Seifert then assisted New Zealand in winning the match as the hosts responded with lightning speed and reached 146-1 after 14.4 overs.
After their victory in Dunedin, New Zealand evened the series going into this Saturday’s championship game in Queenstown.
Last Sunday in Auckland, the first T20 game was won by Sri Lanka.
Milne’s strong bowling effort resulted in New Zealand being given a winning target of 142.
Chad Bowes, the opener, was caught for 31 runs off 15 deliveries before Seifert and Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand, added 106 runs together and concluded on 20 runs not out.
Seifert then used two sixes to conclude New Zealand’s innings.
For Sri Lanka, who had had a promising start, it was a crushing setback.
The visitors reached 99-4 after 12 overs thanks to a 46-ball 62-run partnership in the middle order between Kushal Perera (age 35) and Dhananjaya de Silva (age 37).
But, as New Zealand’s seamers discovered their lengths to deadly effect, the tourists crumbled, losing their next six wickets for only 42 runs.
The final Sri Lankan batsman to provide any resistance was Charith Aslanka, who scored 24 off 19 balls.
By removing Sri Lankan tailenders Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan without scoring, Milne caused the majority of the damage for New Zealand.
On their tour of New Zealand, Sri Lanka lost the Test and One Day International series 2-0.