New Zealand cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday (March 16, 2025), leveling the three-match T20I series at 1-1. (Highlights | Cricket News)
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand's disciplined attack restricted Sri Lanka to 113 for 7, with Breearne Illing (2 for 18) striking early and Brooke Halliday (1 for 11) keeping things tight. Manudi Nanayakkara (35) and Nilakshika Silva (20) provided some resistance, but New Zealand’s bowlers never let them gain momentum.
In reply, Suzie Bates (47) anchored the chase, while Brooke Halliday (46* off 40) guided New Zealand home comfortably, sealing victory with nine balls to spare. However, the chase began on a shaky note, with Georgia Plimmer falling for just 4 in the second over and Emma McLeod departing in the seventh after a sluggish 11 off 13.
Bates, however, steadied the innings and ensured there were no further hiccups. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
The series will be decided in Dunedin on Tuesday.
