New Zealand made two sensational comebacks against Sri Lanka in the same match, snatching an eight-run victory in the first T20I at Mount Maunganui.
Jacob Duffy, the 30-year-old seamer, took 3-21 as Sri Lanka slipped from 121-0 to 159-8, eventually losing the match by eight runs. Chasing 173, no one in the Sri Lanka lineup from No.3 through No.10 managed to cross single digits, with Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis falling for ducks to Duffy in a three-wicket over.
It was tale of two halves in Sri Lanka's chase: openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis first put on a 121-run stand in 13.2 overs, the second-highest opening stand ever for the country. It included a 56-run powerplay, reaching 100 in the 12th over.
1st T20I, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
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However, Mendis' dismissal sparked a sensational collapse, as Sri Lanka lost eight wickets in 40 balls to derail their chase. Nissanka scored 90 off 60, and was the fifth wicket to fall.
