Jacob Duffy powered New Zealand to a 45-run win in the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Monday at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, claiming four wickets. With the win, New Zealand clinched the three-match series 2-0. Jacob Duffy came out with an outstanding spell, taking four wickets from four overs for 15 runs, to aid the side bowl Sri Lanka out for (141) in (19.1) overs in their chase of (186).
This is New Zealand's first home series win since the T20I World Cup debacle earlier this year.
Asked to bat, New Zealand enjoyed mammoth support from Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman, belting (41) and (42) respectively, at the top of the order. Down the order, wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay showed his brilliance, bringing up (41) unbeaten off (19) to lift the side to a fighting score of (186/5) in (20) overs. His swift knock was laced with two sixes and four boundaries.
Sri Lanka, in their chase, made a swift start with Pathum Nissanka scoring (37). He was well backed up by Kusal Perera, who smoked (48) runs to keep the side alive in the game. However, their lower-middle order could not capitalise on the foundation laid by Nissanka and Perera. Players like Avishka Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga lost their wickets without giving any help. The third and final T20I will be held on Thursday at Saxton Oval, Nelson.