New Zealand v Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2022: Talking points 

On Saturday, October 29, New Zealand clinched a 65 runs victory against Sri Lanka and sit firmly on top of the points table with a net run rate of +3.850. Glenn Phillips, Southee and Boult powered New Zealand to a comfortable victory in their second game in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka with this loss now, has little to no chance of qualifying for the Semi-Finals.

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Poor Start by New Zealand in the Powerplay

New Zealand won the toss earlier in the game and opted to bat first. New Zealand got off to a disastrous start, Finn Allen (1 off 3), Devon Conway (1 off 4), and Kane Williamson (8 off 13) were out inside the powerplay as the Blackcaps were reduced to 15/3.

Glenn Phillips’ Match-Defining Century

It was Glenn Phillips who single-handedly took charge of the Lankan bowlers. Dary Mitchell (22 off 24) played patiently and supported Phillips in this reconstruction, stitching a partnership of 84 runs for the fourth wicket. Phillips (104 off 64) made full use of the dropped opportunities and smashed a magnificent century on a pitch that was not easy to bat on.

Southee & Boult – Barrage

Coming into the chase, Sri Lanka were nowhere in it as Tim Southee and Trent Boult ran through the Sri Lankan top order to reduce them to 8/4 inside the field restrictions. While Pathum Nissanka (0 off 5) was trapped infront of the stumps by Southee, Boult got rid of Kusal Mendis (4 off 3), Dhanajaya de Silva (0 off 3), and Charith Asalanka (4 off 8).

There was a late surge by Shanaka (35 off 32) who added 28 runs for the 9th wicket alongside Kasun Rajitha, but the island nation was bundled out for 102 in 19.2 and New Zealand won the match by 65 runs.