In a stellar display of power-hitting and sharp keeping, Mitch Hay was named Player of the Match as New Zealand cruised to victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international at Bay Park in Mt. Maunganui.
Reflecting on his performance, Hay said, “It’s great to contribute to a good score. I tried to give myself a few balls to settle, then swung hard and found the middle a few times. Batting with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell was fantastic; they’re so calm. It’s been unbelievable representing the fern in front of a home crowd, with my family here as well. I take a lot of pride in my keeping and have been training hard.”
New Zealand set an imposing total and relied on Jacob Duffy to seal the deal with the ball. Duffy’s exceptional spell of 4 for 15 dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase, which collapsed dramatically after Kusal Perera’s dismissal for a brisk 48 off 35. Sri Lanka lost their last seven wickets for just 14 runs, leaving them well short of the target.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka was disappointed with his team’s perfomance, particularly with the middle-order batting.
“We should have done better. It’s about adapting to conditions, but credit to New Zealand—they were brilliant. It’s important to finish the game strongly, no matter how you start. Disappointed once again.”
Result
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand
- NZ 186/5
- SL 141
- New Zealand won by 45 runs
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