Dunedin: New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the second T20 International cricket match, easily equalizing the three-match series at 1-1. The hosts Kiwi team achieved the target of 142 runs with ease in 14.4 overs at the loss of one wicket.
Tim Seifert played a pivotal role in his team’s victory by scoring an unbeaten 79 runs. Facing 43 balls, he hit six fours and three sixes. He was named the best player of the match for his outstanding performance. The toss was won by Kiwi captain Tom Latham, who decided to field first. Due to the excellent bowling of New Zealand bowlers, the entire Sri Lankan team was all out at 141 runs in the 19th over. Dhananjaya de Silva scored 37 runs, Kusal Perera scored 35 runs, and Charith Asalanka scored 24 runs, while seven Sri Lankan players failed to reach double digits.
Adam Milne of New Zealand bowled superbly, taking five Sri Lankan wickets and showing the way to victory, while between the wickets, Doug Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and James Neesham each took one wicket. In response, New Zealand easily achieved the desired target in 14.4 overs, losing only one wicket, thanks to Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 79 runs, which helped the team not only win but also equalize the three-match series at 1-1.