NZ vs SL 2023: WATCH – Kane Williamson’s determined dive to seal a well-known win for New Zealand

New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by two wickets in an exhilarating opening Check on the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with former BlackCaps skipper Kane Williamson main the way in which. The Kiwis had a frightening job on the ultimate day, needing to chase down 257 runs with 9 wickets in hand, however rain delayed play for 37 overs.

As soon as play resumed, New Zealand misplaced Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls early, placing them underneath strain. Williamson then joined forces with Daryl Mitchell, and the pair shared an important 142-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Mitchell scored a quickfire 81 off 86 balls earlier than being dismissed.

Mitchell’s wicket triggered a small collapse, however Williamson held his nerve and took the sport to the final over, with New Zealand needing eight runs off six balls. Matt Henry was run out on the third ball, leaving 5 runs required off the final three deliveries.

Williamson produced a boundary on the fourth ball of the over, leaving them needing one run to win off two balls. On the final ball bowled by Asitha Fernando, Williamson took a diving single, securing victory for New Zealand.

Williamson remained unbeaten on 121 off 194 balls, together with 11 fours and 1 six.

The win was an necessary one for New Zealand, who had been pushed to their limits by a spirited Sri Lankan facet. The match showcased the skills of Williamson, who as soon as once more proved his price as probably the greatest batsmen on the earth. The sport was an exhilarating contest that saved followers on the sting of their seats till the final ball.

Right here’s the video:

See extra

BLACKCAPS WIN BY 2 WICKETS!

Catch all of the motion on-demand on Spark Sport #SparkSport #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/aYg6cpyLLy

— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) March 13, 2023

The consequence will give the house staff lots of confidence going into the second Check, which might be performed on the Basin Reserve in Wellington from Friday, March 17. Sri Lanka, alternatively, might be trying to bounce again and degree the collection. The match was a fantastic commercial for Check cricket, with each groups enjoying laborious and producing a extremely entertaining contest.