Sat Nov 09 16:24:27 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Stumbles in First T20 Against Sri Lanka
**Dambulla, Sri Lanka:** New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka began on a disappointing note as they were bowled out for a paltry 135 runs in the first T20 match, setting a low target for the hosts.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing opener Tim Robinson for 3 runs and Will Young for 19. The middle order also failed to fire, with Mark Chapman (1), Glenn Phillips (3), and other batsmen succumbing quickly to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell offered some resistance with 27 and 16 runs respectively, but the innings fell apart rapidly, with the last five wickets falling for just 10 runs.
Ultimately, New Zealand were bundled out in 19.3 overs, leaving Sri Lanka with a manageable target of 136 runs for victory.
Tunuka Welalage was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 3 wickets.
The second T20 match is scheduled for [date] at [venue], with Sri Lanka looking to capitalize on their strong start to the series.
First Piper 