New Zealand's Glenn Phillips grabbed victory from the brink of defeat, successfully defending eight runs in the final over of the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 10. The match was held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
With eight runs required from the final over and three wickets in hand, Maheesh Theekshana took a single off the first ball. On the next delivery, Glenn Phillips swung the momentum in New Zealand's favor by dismissing the well-set Pathum Nissanka for 52. Phillips struck again on the following ball, as Matheesha Pathirana was stumped, leaving Sri Lanka's hopes hanging by a thread.
The fourth ball of the over went for a single, and on the fifth, the off-spinner delivered the final blow, removing Theekshana. With that, New Zealand secured a thrilling five-run victory.
Here’s a video of all the dismissals in the final over:
Chasing 109, Nissanka was the only batter to make a notable contribution, while the rest struggled. Kusal Mendis (2), Kusal Perera (3), Kamindu Mendis (1), and Charith Asalanka (0) all failed to make an impact.
Glenn Phillips picked up three wickets, while Lockie Ferguson also took three, including a hat-trick, before being forced off the field with a calf injury.
Wanindu Hasaranga bags four wickets for Sri Lanka in the first innings of the game
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, with Nuwan Thushara making an ideal start by dismissing Tim Robinson for a golden duck on the first ball. Will Young made a brief contribution of 30 off 32, but the middle order crumbled. Mark Chapman (2), Glenn Phillips (4), Michael Bracewell (0), and Mitch Hay (3) all fell cheaply.
Captain Mitchell Santner made 19, and Josh Clarkson added 24 off 25 balls. Sri Lanka's bowlers were outstanding, with Wanindu Hasaranga leading the attack with four wickets. Matheesha Pathirana also took three wickets, as the Kiwis were bowled out for just 108 in 19.3 overs.
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