We are back for the chase. The umpires and players make their way out to the middle. Debutant Chad Bowes and Tim Seifert will open the innings for New Zealand. 

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Sri Lanka have posted a daunting total on the board and the onus is now on their bowlers to defend this total. New Zealand would be pleased with how they pulled things back in the final few overs and now their batters have a challenging task ahead of them. Will their batters rise to the challenge? We shall find out shortly. Back in a bit for the chase... 

James Neesham is in for a quick chat. He says it feels too good to be back in the country and feels that the performance is a solid one on a track that's brilliant to bat on. He adds that he just wanted to put in some variations as the track was not offering much for the bowlers. He also adds that yorker and slower ones are key as the batter has advanced a bit and 230-240 gets on the board more often these days. He closes by saying that the team just needs a couple of partnerships and the game

After opting to bowl first, New Zealand did strike early courtesy of Adam Milne but they were unable to capitalise on that early and kept conceding boundaries every now and then. The hosts brought things back in their favor a bit and tightened the screws in the last 4 overs to close the innings. James Neesham was the stand out as he grabbed a couple of wickets well helped by Adam Milne, Benjamin Lister and Henry Shipley who took a wicket each.

A splendid target on the board for the hosts to chase down as Sri Lanka has posted 196 runs for the loss of 5 wickets on the board. The Lankan innings started off with the fear of the demons from the past haunting them as they lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first delivery but ever since that, they were just brilliant as they smashed the New Zealand bowlers all around the park. Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera were too good as they posted a 103-run partnership which put the visitors in a

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short and around off by Henry Shipley, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side again and slaps it over extra cover. Collects three runs before the fielder in the deep cuts it off. A good finish to the innings by Sri Lanka. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! This is even better! Keeps it short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and thumps it over wide long off fence for the yet another maximum. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! Cracking shot! Persists with short length and on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga gets into a good position and flat bats it over mid off. Gets plenty of bat on it and clears the straight fence for a biggie. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Back of a length and on middle, at 139 kph, Wanindu Hasaranga has a big swing at the ball but connects with thin air.

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Goes short and bowls it with pace on off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and slaps it over cover for a couple of runs more.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Cutter and on a short length, Kusal Perera tries to swat this one but toe ends it to cover for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Short again and on middle, Kusal Perera pulls it to deep square leg for a single. An excellent over by Adam Milne in the context of the game. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Pace on this time and short at the batter, Kusal Perera shapes to pull but takes his eyes off the ball. The ball catches him on the helmet and it is a sharp take by Tom Latham to his left. The physio comes out to have a look and assesses Kusal Perera who looks fine. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Rolls his fingers over the ball and short on off, Kusal Perera goes for the pull but gets deceived by the pace and connects with thin air. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Slower and short, outside off, Kusal Perera moves across and lets it pass. He wants a wide but he had moved way outside off. 

Adam Milne to Wanindu Hasaranga, Leg bye! Follows the batter and fires it full at the pads, Wanindu Hasaranga misses the clip and the ball rolls off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.

Adam Milne to Wanindu Hasaranga, Bends his back and bangs it into the wicket, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and swings his bat but misses.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and flat bats it to mid off. Keeps the strike with a single. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Fuller and on off, Kusal Perera whips it down to long on for a run.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, On a length and on midlde and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short of a length on off, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side and swats it over cover for a couple of runs.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Good-length delivery in the channel outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga pokes at his delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks out next.

James Neesham to Dasun Shanaka, ! CAUGHT! Dasun Shanaka falls and James Neesham has his second wicket! Back of a length and around off by James Neesham, Dasun Shanaka creates room to slap it down the ground. Takes on the long off fielder but without any timing. Adam Milne stationed there takes a few steps forward and completes the catch. 

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, FIFTY for Kusal Perera! On a good length on middle, Kusal Perera places it perfectly in front of deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs. This has been a sensible knock by him and now needs to bat through to help Sri Lanka reach a daunting total. 

Benjamin Lister to Dasun Shanaka, Goes short and at the batter, Dasun Shanaka gets cramped for room and wears it on the gloves. The ball lobs well in front of Tom Latham and batters cross for a quick single. 

Benjamin Lister to Dasun Shanaka, On a length at the stumps, Dasun Shanaka defends it to the left of the bowler for a dot.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, ! CAUGHT! Benjamin Lister has his first T20I wicket and it is the big one of Charith Asalanka! Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it full at the batter, Charith Asalanka gets down and heaves this one. Does not get proper connection and holes out to Tim Seifert at deep square leg who makes no mistake. A much-needed breakthrough for New Zealand. 

Dasun Shanaka walks out next.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Banged in short and on off, Chamika Karunaratne goes for the pull but the ball climbs on him and he does not connect.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fullish delivery on leg, Kusal Perera clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, ! Smashed! Goes full this time but allows the batter to get underneath, Charith Asalanka drills this one flat and over long on for yet another maximum. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Shortens his length and keeps it slower, Charith Asalanka waits for it and pulls it and wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs more.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, ! Charith Asalanka goes huge! Slower again and fuller at the stumps, Charith Asalanka picks the change of pace and gets into a good position. Smokes it well over long on fence for a biggie. 

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Full and outside off, Kusal Perera guides it wide of point for a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Pace on this time and on a length on off, Kusal Perera tries to run this one fine on the off side but misses.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Leg bye! Henry Shipley comes into the attack and starts with a slower delivery, full on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka gets down to slog sweep but does not connect. The ball rolls behind the wicket off his pads and the batters cross. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera hops onto his back foot and slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one turning away from the batter, Kusal Perera goes for the reverse sweep again but misses out.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short in length outside off, Charith Asalanka smashes this to long off for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller around off, Kusal Perera drives this to long off for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, ! Tossed up on off, Kusal Perera reads the wrong 'un early and plays the reverse sweep over the fielder at point for a boundary.

Ish Sodhi (3-0-25-0) will bowl out now. 

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fuller one around middle, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Wide! On a length down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Touch fuller on middle, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards the on side for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Leg bye. Back of a length on pads, Kusal Perera looks to pull but gets hit on his pads and takes a single.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, On a length in middle, Charith Asalanka edges this to point for no run.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, ! Touch fuller around middle, Charith Asalanka looks to slog but gets a leading edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary toward third man. Ish Sodhi pts in a good effort but couldn't save the boundary. Half-century for Charith Asalanka.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Slower one on middle, Charith Asalanka pushed this just in front of square on the on side for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Wide! Short-pitched delivery going down leg, Charith Asalanka leaves this.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, ! Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka lofts this over the infield and clears the fence with ease for a maximum towards long off.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, Full toss outside off, Charith Asalanka pushes this through the fielder at extra cover for a couple.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Back of a length around middle, Kusal Perera pulls this flat batted to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, On a length around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to the on side and takes a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Back of a length outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this to long on for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Wide! Full and way too wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Adam Milne (2-0-28-1) comes back on. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, On a length around middle, Kusal Perera edges this towards point but Chad Bowes drops this and they run a single for it here. Chad Bowes moves to his right really quickly but fails to collect this.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka defends this to short cover.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length around pads, Charith Asalanka swirls and hits this to short fine leg for a single.

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Short and wide of off, Kusal Perera cuts this through point for a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, On a length around off, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards long on and takes a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! A maximum served as a welcome back to James Neesham. On a length around off, Charith Asalanka smashes this over the fielder at long on for a maximum.

James Neesham (2-0-15-1) comes back into the attack. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short in length on off, Charith Asalanka pushes this to long off for a single to end the over.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg and takes a snigle.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up on pads, Charith Asalanka tucks this to square leg and takes a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Quicker and fuller on pads, Kusal Perera pushes this to square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Wide! Short in length and way wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller on on off, Kusal Perera cuts this to short third man.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, ! Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera slogs this just over the fence at long on for a maximum.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Leg bye! Slower again and at the pads, Kusal Perera misses the clip and gets rapped on the pads. The ball lobs in front of short fine leg and batters cross. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Length delivery angling in on leg, Charith Asalanka tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Fuller this time and at the stumps from 'round the wicket, Charith Asalanka keeps this one out back to the bowler.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Back of a length on off, Kusal Perera drags this one along the ground to fine leg for a run.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Another slower delivery and shorter as well, Charith Asalanka turns this one to short fine leg and crosses over for a run.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Slower and angled in on a length on middle, Kusal Perera nudges it in front of square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Another googly, short and outside off, Charith Asalanka waits for the ball to arrive and cuts it through point for a couple of runs more.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Floated, full on off, Charith Asalanka gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Googly, short and quicker on off, Charith Asalanka goes back and chops this one along the ground to short third man. 

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller and outside off, Kusal Perera drives it down to long off for a run.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Flighted, full on leg, Charith Asalanka presses forward and places it in front of square leg for a run.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, ! Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka clears his front leg and smokes it with a slog sweep over deep square leg for a biggie. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Shortish delivery on off, Charith Asalanka swats this one hard to deep mid-wicket. Retains the strike with a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length and on off, Charith Asalanka swivels to pull but plays it a bit early. Toe ends it down the wicket for a dot.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Much straighter this time and on a good length, Charith Asalanka gets cramped for room and can only push it to extra cover. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Length delivery outside off, Charith Asalanka slashes hard at the delivery but connects with thin air.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! SHOT! In the slot and outside off by James Neesham, Charith Asalanka does not miss out as he thumps this one well over long off for his first maximum. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Full and outside off from 'round the wicket, Kusal Perera drives but the ball flies off the outside edge towards third man. Benjamin Lister runs and slides to his right and saves three runs for his side. The umpires want to ensure his feet are not touching the ropes and it is confirmed by the replays. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Beauty! Pushed through with the arm and on off, Charith Asalanka plays for the turn and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Floated, full on leg, Kusal Perera knocks it down to long on for another single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Googly, full on off, Kusal Perera gets forward to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls to short third man.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short and slower on middle, Charith Asalanka goes back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. 

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Close! Fuller and on leg by Ish Sodhi, Kusal Perera helps this one to short fine leg and calls his partner for a quick single. Charith Asalanka obliges and gets off the blocks quickly. The fielder at short fine leg fires an accurate throw to Tom Latham behind the wicket. The keeper takes the bails off but the replays show that Charith Asalanka had made it in. 

End of the Power Play. Sri Lanka started poorly but that counter attack for Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera has helped them back into the game. It is a Power Play shared by the sides as the hosts got their wickets and the visitors are off with flying colors. Ish Sodhi comes into the attack.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full on middle, Charith Asalanka gets across and clips it to long on for a single.

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, On a good length on off, Kusal Perera hangs back and keeps it out on the off side. At the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka have scored 72 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Slower and shorter on middle, Kusal Perera waits for it and pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Strays onto the pads on a length, Charith Asalanka turns it to short fine leg and scampers across for a quick single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, On a good length on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks this one in front of mid-wicket and wants a single. He gets sent back by his partner. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! Charith Asalanka is off the mark with a boundary! Full and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out to the delivery and drives it through extra cover. Finds the gap and opens his account with a boundary. 

Charith Asalanka walks out next.

James Neesham to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! What an inspired bowling change by Tom Latham! James Neesham starts his spell with a good-length delivery around off, Dhananjaya de Silva stays leg side of the ball and tries to go through the off side. His feet went nowhere and ends up chipping it in the air to mid on where Ish Sodhi does the rest. Sri Lanka are now 3 wickets down inside the Powerplay. 

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller one around off, Dhananjaya de Silva cuts this to short third and sets off for a single. 

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to flick but misses out. Wide signaled.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length with fingers rolled over it, Dhananjaya de Silva guides to this short third.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! Overpitched on off, Dhananjaya de Silva lofts this over the bowler's head for a maximum towards long on. Dhananjaya de Silva hits this clean and clear for a maximum.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! Edged for four as no one was placed at slip. Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva slashes hard and this and edges this through first slip for a boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full and straight on off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this to cover for no run.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller one on pads, Dhananjaya de Silva flicks this to deep square leg for a couple.

Change of ends for Benjamin Lister. 

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva guides this to third man for a single.

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length around off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this in front of first slip for no run.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Leg bye. Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera deflects this off his pads towards square leg for a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length around the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva taps this in front of short mid-wicket and takes a single. The fielder does well to hit the stumps but the batter was safely in.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Mendis, ! TAKEN! Back of a length around off, Kusal Mendis looks to place this over the short fine leg fielder but couldn't get a proper connection of this as the ball deflects off his gloves and into the hands of Rachin Ravindra at short fine leg. A good inning comes to an end.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to bat. 

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Back of a length with pace off it, Kusal Perera taps this towards the vacant short leg position and takes a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Kusal Perera looks to swing this time but misses out. Yet another wide.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Short-pitched delivery drifting down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Debutant Henry Shipley comes on to bowl. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Fuller one on off, Kusal Mendis flicks this straight miles in the air and clears the boundary line at long on for the second maximum of this game.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! Excellent from Sri Lanka. On a length outside off, Kusal Mendis smashes this uppishly and clear the infield on off. The ball has raced away for a boundary.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Full and straight on off, Kusal Perera gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, Goes full in search of a yorker, Kusal Mendis blocks this out and steals a single as the fielder at mid on collects this.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! That's innovation at its very best. Fuller one outside off, Kusal Mendis gets into a position to play the scoop stroke early and goes through the stroke. Kusal Mendis finds the perfect connection on this as he scoops this for a maximum towards fine leg.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! Sri Lanka is on a boundary spree here. Half-volley outside off, Kusal Mendis lofts this over the infield on off and finds the fence at cover.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera glances this to long leg for a couple more. A good over comes to an end for Sri Lanka.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, On a length on top of off, Kusal Perera pushes this in the gap at cover for a couple of runs.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Kusal Perera is on fire. Good length delivery on off, Kusal Perera drives this all along the ground and just wide of mid off for yet another boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Back-to-back boundaries for the visitors. On a length just outside off, Kusal Perera slices this over point for a boundary towards backward point.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Overpitched outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this through the gap at cover for a boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Full and wide of off, Kusal Perera goes for a drive but gets beaten on the inside.

It will be Benjamin Lister to operate from the other end.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, Fuller length delivery around middle, Kusal Mendis pushes this towards mid on to end the first over.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, On a length around the pads, Kusal Mendis tucks this in front of square on the on side and looks to take a single that was not there and is rightly sent back by his partner.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! This will make the Lankan side feel a lot better. Inswinging fuller one on pads, Kusal Mendis flicks this and finds the fence at fine leg.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, 1 run. Inswinging delivery full on pads, Kusal Perera flicks this to short fine leg for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera looks to flick but misses out. Tom Latham collects it well stretching to his right.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Full and wide outside off, Kusal Perera drives this uppishly but lands it in front of mid off.

Adam Milne to Pathum Nissanka, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Some swing to start the game. Fuller one outside off swinging away from the batter, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive but gets beaten on his outside edge. Tom Latham collects this clean and appeals for a caught behind but the umpire has turned this down. Tom Latham asks for a review and the UltraEdge shows a clear spike when the ball is next to the bat. Sri Lanka loses their first wicket on the very first delivery.

Kusal Perera  comes in at number 3. 

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera (WK), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (C), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan.

We are done with the pre-game formalities. The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle and they are joined by the two Sri Lankan openers. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will open the innings for Sri Lanka. Adam Milne will start the proceedings with the new ball for New Zealand. Here we go...

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Chad Bowes (On T20I debut), Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (C/WK), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley (On T20I debut), Ish Sodhi, Benjamin Lister.

The first ball in the first T20I is just moments away but before that, both teams will line up for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

We are back for the chase. The umpires and players make their way out to the middle. Debutant Chad Bowes and Tim Seifert will open the innings for New Zealand. 

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Sri Lanka have posted a daunting total on the board and the onus is now on their bowlers to defend this total. New Zealand would be pleased with how they pulled things back in the final few overs and now their batters have a challenging task ahead of them. Will their batters rise to the challenge? We shall find out shortly. Back in a bit for the chase... 

James Neesham is in for a quick chat. He says it feels too good to be back in the country and feels that the performance is a solid one on a track that's brilliant to bat on. He adds that he just wanted to put in some variations as the track was not offering much for the bowlers. He also adds that yorker and slower ones are key as the batter has advanced a bit and 230-240 gets on the board more often these days. He closes by saying that the team just needs a couple of partnerships and the game

After opting to bowl first, New Zealand did strike early courtesy of Adam Milne but they were unable to capitalise on that early and kept conceding boundaries every now and then. The hosts brought things back in their favor a bit and tightened the screws in the last 4 overs to close the innings. James Neesham was the stand out as he grabbed a couple of wickets well helped by Adam Milne, Benjamin Lister and Henry Shipley who took a wicket each.

A splendid target on the board for the hosts to chase down as Sri Lanka has posted 196 runs for the loss of 5 wickets on the board. The Lankan innings started off with the fear of the demons from the past haunting them as they lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first delivery but ever since that, they were just brilliant as they smashed the New Zealand bowlers all around the park. Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera were too good as they posted a 103-run partnership which put the visitors in a

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short and around off by Henry Shipley, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side again and slaps it over extra cover. Collects three runs before the fielder in the deep cuts it off. A good finish to the innings by Sri Lanka. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! This is even better! Keeps it short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and thumps it over wide long off fence for the yet another maximum. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! Cracking shot! Persists with short length and on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga gets into a good position and flat bats it over mid off. Gets plenty of bat on it and clears the straight fence for a biggie. 

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Back of a length and on middle, at 139 kph, Wanindu Hasaranga has a big swing at the ball but connects with thin air.

Henry Shipley to Wanindu Hasaranga, Goes short and bowls it with pace on off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and slaps it over cover for a couple of runs more.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Cutter and on a short length, Kusal Perera tries to swat this one but toe ends it to cover for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Short again and on middle, Kusal Perera pulls it to deep square leg for a single. An excellent over by Adam Milne in the context of the game. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Pace on this time and short at the batter, Kusal Perera shapes to pull but takes his eyes off the ball. The ball catches him on the helmet and it is a sharp take by Tom Latham to his left. The physio comes out to have a look and assesses Kusal Perera who looks fine. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Rolls his fingers over the ball and short on off, Kusal Perera goes for the pull but gets deceived by the pace and connects with thin air. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Slower and short, outside off, Kusal Perera moves across and lets it pass. He wants a wide but he had moved way outside off. 

Adam Milne to Wanindu Hasaranga, Leg bye! Follows the batter and fires it full at the pads, Wanindu Hasaranga misses the clip and the ball rolls off his pads to square leg for a leg bye.

Adam Milne to Wanindu Hasaranga, Bends his back and bangs it into the wicket, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room and swings his bat but misses.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and flat bats it to mid off. Keeps the strike with a single. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Fuller and on off, Kusal Perera whips it down to long on for a run.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, On a length and on midlde and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short of a length on off, Wanindu Hasaranga moves to the leg side and swats it over cover for a couple of runs.

James Neesham to Wanindu Hasaranga, Good-length delivery in the channel outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga pokes at his delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks out next.

James Neesham to Dasun Shanaka, ! CAUGHT! Dasun Shanaka falls and James Neesham has his second wicket! Back of a length and around off by James Neesham, Dasun Shanaka creates room to slap it down the ground. Takes on the long off fielder but without any timing. Adam Milne stationed there takes a few steps forward and completes the catch. 

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, FIFTY for Kusal Perera! On a good length on middle, Kusal Perera places it perfectly in front of deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs. This has been a sensible knock by him and now needs to bat through to help Sri Lanka reach a daunting total. 

Benjamin Lister to Dasun Shanaka, Goes short and at the batter, Dasun Shanaka gets cramped for room and wears it on the gloves. The ball lobs well in front of Tom Latham and batters cross for a quick single. 

Benjamin Lister to Dasun Shanaka, On a length at the stumps, Dasun Shanaka defends it to the left of the bowler for a dot.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, ! CAUGHT! Benjamin Lister has his first T20I wicket and it is the big one of Charith Asalanka! Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it full at the batter, Charith Asalanka gets down and heaves this one. Does not get proper connection and holes out to Tim Seifert at deep square leg who makes no mistake. A much-needed breakthrough for New Zealand. 

Dasun Shanaka walks out next.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Banged in short and on off, Chamika Karunaratne goes for the pull but the ball climbs on him and he does not connect.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fullish delivery on leg, Kusal Perera clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, ! Smashed! Goes full this time but allows the batter to get underneath, Charith Asalanka drills this one flat and over long on for yet another maximum. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Shortens his length and keeps it slower, Charith Asalanka waits for it and pulls it and wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs more.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, ! Charith Asalanka goes huge! Slower again and fuller at the stumps, Charith Asalanka picks the change of pace and gets into a good position. Smokes it well over long on fence for a biggie. 

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Full and outside off, Kusal Perera guides it wide of point for a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Pace on this time and on a length on off, Kusal Perera tries to run this one fine on the off side but misses.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Leg bye! Henry Shipley comes into the attack and starts with a slower delivery, full on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka gets down to slog sweep but does not connect. The ball rolls behind the wicket off his pads and the batters cross. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera hops onto his back foot and slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one turning away from the batter, Kusal Perera goes for the reverse sweep again but misses out.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short in length outside off, Charith Asalanka smashes this to long off for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller around off, Kusal Perera drives this to long off for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, ! Tossed up on off, Kusal Perera reads the wrong 'un early and plays the reverse sweep over the fielder at point for a boundary.

Ish Sodhi (3-0-25-0) will bowl out now. 

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fuller one around middle, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Wide! On a length down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Touch fuller on middle, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards the on side for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Leg bye. Back of a length on pads, Kusal Perera looks to pull but gets hit on his pads and takes a single.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, On a length in middle, Charith Asalanka edges this to point for no run.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, ! Touch fuller around middle, Charith Asalanka looks to slog but gets a leading edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary toward third man. Ish Sodhi pts in a good effort but couldn't save the boundary. Half-century for Charith Asalanka.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Slower one on middle, Charith Asalanka pushed this just in front of square on the on side for a single.

Benjamin Lister to Charith Asalanka, Wide! Short-pitched delivery going down leg, Charith Asalanka leaves this.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, ! Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka lofts this over the infield and clears the fence with ease for a maximum towards long off.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, Full toss on off, Charith Asalanka slices this to sweeper cover for a single.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, Full toss outside off, Charith Asalanka pushes this through the fielder at extra cover for a couple.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Back of a length around middle, Kusal Perera pulls this flat batted to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Milne to Charith Asalanka, On a length around middle, Charith Asalanka nudges this to the on side and takes a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Back of a length outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this to long on for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Wide! Full and way too wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Adam Milne (2-0-28-1) comes back on. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, On a length around middle, Kusal Perera edges this towards point but Chad Bowes drops this and they run a single for it here. Chad Bowes moves to his right really quickly but fails to collect this.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one around middle, Charith Asalanka defends this to short cover.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length around pads, Charith Asalanka swirls and hits this to short fine leg for a single.

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Short and wide of off, Kusal Perera cuts this through point for a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, On a length around off, Charith Asalanka pushes this towards long on and takes a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! A maximum served as a welcome back to James Neesham. On a length around off, Charith Asalanka smashes this over the fielder at long on for a maximum.

James Neesham (2-0-15-1) comes back into the attack. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short in length on off, Charith Asalanka pushes this to long off for a single to end the over.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep square leg and takes a snigle.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up on pads, Charith Asalanka tucks this to square leg and takes a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Quicker and fuller on pads, Kusal Perera pushes this to square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Wide! Short in length and way wide of off, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller on on off, Kusal Perera cuts this to short third man.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, ! Fuller one on off, Kusal Perera slogs this just over the fence at long on for a maximum.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Leg bye! Slower again and at the pads, Kusal Perera misses the clip and gets rapped on the pads. The ball lobs in front of short fine leg and batters cross. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Length delivery angling in on leg, Charith Asalanka tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Fuller this time and at the stumps from 'round the wicket, Charith Asalanka keeps this one out back to the bowler.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Back of a length on off, Kusal Perera drags this one along the ground to fine leg for a run.

Henry Shipley to Charith Asalanka, Another slower delivery and shorter as well, Charith Asalanka turns this one to short fine leg and crosses over for a run.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Slower and angled in on a length on middle, Kusal Perera nudges it in front of square leg for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Another googly, short and outside off, Charith Asalanka waits for the ball to arrive and cuts it through point for a couple of runs more.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Floated, full on off, Charith Asalanka gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Googly, short and quicker on off, Charith Asalanka goes back and chops this one along the ground to short third man. 

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Fuller and outside off, Kusal Perera drives it down to long off for a run.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Flighted, full on leg, Charith Asalanka presses forward and places it in front of square leg for a run.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, ! Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka clears his front leg and smokes it with a slog sweep over deep square leg for a biggie. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Shortish delivery on off, Charith Asalanka swats this one hard to deep mid-wicket. Retains the strike with a single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length and on off, Charith Asalanka swivels to pull but plays it a bit early. Toe ends it down the wicket for a dot.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Much straighter this time and on a good length, Charith Asalanka gets cramped for room and can only push it to extra cover. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Length delivery outside off, Charith Asalanka slashes hard at the delivery but connects with thin air.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! SHOT! In the slot and outside off by James Neesham, Charith Asalanka does not miss out as he thumps this one well over long off for his first maximum. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Full and outside off from 'round the wicket, Kusal Perera drives but the ball flies off the outside edge towards third man. Benjamin Lister runs and slides to his right and saves three runs for his side. The umpires want to ensure his feet are not touching the ropes and it is confirmed by the replays. 

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Beauty! Pushed through with the arm and on off, Charith Asalanka plays for the turn and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Floated, full on leg, Kusal Perera knocks it down to long on for another single.

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Googly, full on off, Kusal Perera gets forward to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls to short third man.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Short and slower on middle, Charith Asalanka goes back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. 

Ish Sodhi to Kusal Perera, Close! Fuller and on leg by Ish Sodhi, Kusal Perera helps this one to short fine leg and calls his partner for a quick single. Charith Asalanka obliges and gets off the blocks quickly. The fielder at short fine leg fires an accurate throw to Tom Latham behind the wicket. The keeper takes the bails off but the replays show that Charith Asalanka had made it in. 

End of the Power Play. Sri Lanka started poorly but that counter attack for Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera has helped them back into the game. It is a Power Play shared by the sides as the hosts got their wickets and the visitors are off with flying colors. Ish Sodhi comes into the attack.

Ish Sodhi to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full on middle, Charith Asalanka gets across and clips it to long on for a single.

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, On a good length on off, Kusal Perera hangs back and keeps it out on the off side. At the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka have scored 72 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. 

James Neesham to Kusal Perera, Slower and shorter on middle, Kusal Perera waits for it and pulls it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, Strays onto the pads on a length, Charith Asalanka turns it to short fine leg and scampers across for a quick single.

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, On a good length on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks this one in front of mid-wicket and wants a single. He gets sent back by his partner. 

James Neesham to Charith Asalanka, ! Charith Asalanka is off the mark with a boundary! Full and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out to the delivery and drives it through extra cover. Finds the gap and opens his account with a boundary. 

Charith Asalanka walks out next.

James Neesham to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! What an inspired bowling change by Tom Latham! James Neesham starts his spell with a good-length delivery around off, Dhananjaya de Silva stays leg side of the ball and tries to go through the off side. His feet went nowhere and ends up chipping it in the air to mid on where Ish Sodhi does the rest. Sri Lanka are now 3 wickets down inside the Powerplay. 

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller one around off, Dhananjaya de Silva cuts this to short third and sets off for a single. 

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to flick but misses out. Wide signaled.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length with fingers rolled over it, Dhananjaya de Silva guides to this short third.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! Overpitched on off, Dhananjaya de Silva lofts this over the bowler's head for a maximum towards long on. Dhananjaya de Silva hits this clean and clear for a maximum.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! Edged for four as no one was placed at slip. Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva slashes hard and this and edges this through first slip for a boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Full and straight on off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this to cover for no run.

Benjamin Lister to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller one on pads, Dhananjaya de Silva flicks this to deep square leg for a couple.

Change of ends for Benjamin Lister. 

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short and wide of off, Dhananjaya de Silva guides this to third man for a single.

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length around off, Dhananjaya de Silva slices this in front of first slip for no run.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Leg bye. Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera deflects this off his pads towards square leg for a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this.

Henry Shipley to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a length around the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva taps this in front of short mid-wicket and takes a single. The fielder does well to hit the stumps but the batter was safely in.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Mendis, ! TAKEN! Back of a length around off, Kusal Mendis looks to place this over the short fine leg fielder but couldn't get a proper connection of this as the ball deflects off his gloves and into the hands of Rachin Ravindra at short fine leg. A good inning comes to an end.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to bat. 

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Back of a length with pace off it, Kusal Perera taps this towards the vacant short leg position and takes a single.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one going down leg, Kusal Perera looks to swing this time but misses out. Yet another wide.

Henry Shipley to Kusal Perera, Wide! Short-pitched delivery drifting down leg, Kusal Perera leaves this as the umpire signals wide.

Debutant Henry Shipley comes on to bowl. 

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Fuller one on off, Kusal Mendis flicks this straight miles in the air and clears the boundary line at long on for the second maximum of this game.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! Excellent from Sri Lanka. On a length outside off, Kusal Mendis smashes this uppishly and clear the infield on off. The ball has raced away for a boundary.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Full and straight on off, Kusal Perera gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, Goes full in search of a yorker, Kusal Mendis blocks this out and steals a single as the fielder at mid on collects this.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! That's innovation at its very best. Fuller one outside off, Kusal Mendis gets into a position to play the scoop stroke early and goes through the stroke. Kusal Mendis finds the perfect connection on this as he scoops this for a maximum towards fine leg.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! Sri Lanka is on a boundary spree here. Half-volley outside off, Kusal Mendis lofts this over the infield on off and finds the fence at cover.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Fuller one on pads, Kusal Perera glances this to long leg for a couple more. A good over comes to an end for Sri Lanka.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, On a length on top of off, Kusal Perera pushes this in the gap at cover for a couple of runs.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Kusal Perera is on fire. Good length delivery on off, Kusal Perera drives this all along the ground and just wide of mid off for yet another boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Back-to-back boundaries for the visitors. On a length just outside off, Kusal Perera slices this over point for a boundary towards backward point.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, ! Overpitched outside off, Kusal Perera smashes this through the gap at cover for a boundary.

Benjamin Lister to Kusal Perera, Full and wide of off, Kusal Perera goes for a drive but gets beaten on the inside.

It will be Benjamin Lister to operate from the other end.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, Fuller length delivery around middle, Kusal Mendis pushes this towards mid on to end the first over.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, On a length around the pads, Kusal Mendis tucks this in front of square on the on side and looks to take a single that was not there and is rightly sent back by his partner.

Adam Milne to Kusal Mendis, ! This will make the Lankan side feel a lot better. Inswinging fuller one on pads, Kusal Mendis flicks this and finds the fence at fine leg.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, 1 run. Inswinging delivery full on pads, Kusal Perera flicks this to short fine leg for a single.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Wide! Fuller one down leg, Kusal Perera looks to flick but misses out. Tom Latham collects it well stretching to his right.

Adam Milne to Kusal Perera, Full and wide outside off, Kusal Perera drives this uppishly but lands it in front of mid off.

Adam Milne to Pathum Nissanka, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Some swing to start the game. Fuller one outside off swinging away from the batter, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive but gets beaten on his outside edge. Tom Latham collects this clean and appeals for a caught behind but the umpire has turned this down. Tom Latham asks for a review and the UltraEdge shows a clear spike when the ball is next to the bat. Sri Lanka loses their first wicket on the very first delivery.

Kusal Perera  comes in at number 3. 

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera (WK), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (C), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan.

We are done with the pre-game formalities. The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle and they are joined by the two Sri Lankan openers. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will open the innings for Sri Lanka. Adam Milne will start the proceedings with the new ball for New Zealand. Here we go...

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Chad Bowes (On T20I debut), Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (C/WK), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley (On T20I debut), Ish Sodhi, Benjamin Lister.

The first ball in the first T20I is just moments away but before that, both teams will line up for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.