New Zealand claimed a five-wicket victory in the first of three Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka at Pallekele.
Chasing 175 to win, it looked like the Black Caps would struggle when they slipped to 39-3 in the seventh over.
But Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme steadied the ship and 51 runs from three overs – during which Taylor was dropped by Dasun Shanaka – offered them renewed hope.
Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga became the highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals as he took his tally to 99 in 74 matches, surpassing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.
9⃣9⃣ wickets for number 9⃣9⃣ 😱
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 1, 2019
Lasith Malinga now has the most wickets for any bowler in T20Is 👏👏👏#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #SLvNZ @ICC pic.twitter.com/xnQouLKOvU
But his effort was not enough as Taylor and de Grandhomme kept the Kiwis in the hunt.
Taylor was out lbw to Dhananjaya De Silva for 48 to leave New Zealand 144-5 when the heavens opened and the covers came on, but the delay lasted just over 20 minutes and the tourists edged over the line with three balls remaining.
Sri Lanka had set the Black Caps a tricky run chase, with Kusal Mendis top-scoring with 79.
Isuru Udana came in to face the final three balls following the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella and scored 15, hitting consecutive sixes.
