Mitchell, Bracewell Boost New Zealand In Sri Lanka T20

Text size

A century stand-by by Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell lifted New Zealand to a competitive 172-8 in their opening Twenty20 against Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Mitchell entered the match when New Zealand were 39-3 after Binura Fernando had rattled the top order.

He was joined by Bracewell as Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets in two balls to reduce New Zealand to 65-5 in the 10th over.

The pair put on 105 before both were dismissed in the last over.

Mitchell was hit for 62 off 42 deliveries while Bracewell was caught behind for 59 off 33.

Fernando, who removed both New Zealand openers in his second over, finished with 2-22.

Tim Robinson was caught and bowled for 11 when he drove a short delivery straight back to the bowler.

Three balls later, Rachin Ravindra on the eighth hit an outswinger and was caught behind.

Mark Chapman, who fell for four, reached 15 before he was caught on the boundary by Kamindu Mendis off Matheesha Pathirana’s bowling.

Glenn Phillips had made eight of nine deliveries when he was caught in front and Mitchell Hay walked first ball when he bowled and missed a ball that drifted into the pads.

cf