Trent Boult (3/37) and Mitchell Santner (2/22): New Zealand’s Bowling Masterclass
In a compelling display of cricketing prowess, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner orchestrated a clinical bowling performance, leading New Zealand to a commanding position against Sri Lanka in Bangalore. The match, played under overcast conditions, saw Trent Boult and Tim Southee wreak havoc upfront, setting the tone for a forgettable batting effort from the Lankans.
Early Dominance by Trent Boult and Southee
Williamson’s strategic decision to bowl first paid dividends as Southee’s early breakthrough against Pathum Nissanka put Sri Lanka on the back foot. However, it was Boult who truly capitalized on the conditions, dismissing Kusal Mendis and Samarawickrama in quick succession. By the fifth over, Sri Lanka found themselves at a precarious 32/3.
Kusal Perera’s Fightback
Amidst the early collapse, Kusal Perera emerged as a beacon of resistance, playing an aggressive inning to reach a fifty within the first ten overs. His fearless approach showcased the batting-friendly nature of the pitch, but Boult’s dismissal of Charith Asalanka and Ferguson accounting for Perera halted Sri Lanka’s recovery, leaving them at 81/5 by the end of the Powerplay.
Santner Tightens the Grip
As the track showed signs of slowing down, Mitchell Santner came into play, tightening the screws with a disciplined spell. His guile and accuracy troubled the Lankan batters, claiming the wickets of Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva. With half the side back in the pavilion within the first fifteen overs, a comeback for Sri Lanka seemed unlikely.
Relentless New Zealand Bowling
New Zealand’s bowling unit exhibited relentless pressure, consistently chipping away at the wickets. At 128/9, the prospect of a swift wrap-up loomed, but the tailenders, Theekshana and Madushanka, displayed commendable resilience, forming the highest partnership of the innings.
Theekshana and Madushanka’s Resistance
Facing a disciplined New Zealand attack, Theekshana and Madushanka showcased determination, attempting to bat out the overs. Despite the slow run rate, their partnership stood as a testament to the fight lacking in the specialist batters. It took the young Rachin Ravindra to break the stand, dismissing Madushanka with a delivery that underscored the bowling dominance.
Ravindra’s Breakthrough
Rachin Ravindra‘s breakthrough further solidified New Zealand’s control, breaking the crucial partnership. The relentless pressure applied by the bowlers had taken its toll on Sri Lanka, and with the last wicket falling, they managed to post a modest total of 171.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Boult and Santner, showcased a masterclass in disciplined and aggressive bowling. The inability of Sri Lanka’s top order to weather the storm led to a batting collapse, with only the tailenders showing the resolve that was missing elsewhere. As New Zealand looks ahead in the tournament, this commanding performance sets a strong precedent.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 171 in 46.4 overs (Kusal Perera 51, Maheesh Theekshana 38*; Trent Boult 3-37, Rachin Ravindra 2-21, Mitchell Santner 2-22) vs New Zealand