Asalanka, bowlers give Sri Lanka a winning start

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Asalanka Powers Sri Lanka to a Winning Start

An action-packed game saw Charith Asalanka's unbeaten 35 and Sri Lanka's spinners do the trick

Key Takeaways

• Charith Asalanka's spin trio of Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana combined for six wickets
• Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series
• Zakary Foulkes' unbeaten 27 helped New Zealand post a competitive total of 135/9

Charith Asalanka's Spin Show

• Dunith Wellalage dismissed Tim Robinson in the first over, setting the tone for Sri Lanka's success

New Zealand's Stumbles

• Nuwan Thushara's wicket of Mark Chapman in the fourth over put pressure on the visitors
• Wanindu Hasaranga trapped Glenn Phillips leg before, breaking a crucial stand with Michael Bracewell
• Maheesh Theekshana's LBW decision against Will Young secured a crucial breakthrough

Finish Line in Sight

• Foulkes and Ish Sodhi's 39-run stand propelled New Zealand to 135/9 in 20 overs
• Sri Lanka reached 140/6 in 19 overs, with Charith Asalanka remaining unbeaten on 35