Jacob Duffy took three wickets in New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka Jacob Duffy took three wickets in New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka

Jacob Duffy took three wickets in a decisive 13th over to earn New Zealand a dramatic eight-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20Is on Saturday. (Highlights | More Cricket News)jilibet

Duffy claimed the wickets of Kusal Mendis (46), Kusal Perera (0) and Kamindu Mendis (0), which sparked Sri Lanka's collapse, having reached 121 without loss. 

For much of the match, it looked like the tourists' to lose, having restricted New Zealand to just 65-5 after nine overs, with Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga taking two wickets apiece. 

In the first match, Haryana thrashed Rajasthan 6-1. Rohit Rana (2nd minute), Sunil Maan (11th), Sahil Ruhal (17th) and Ami Khasa (60th) scored one goal each, while Navraj Singh (7th, 37th) struck a brace for Haryana.

The first match of the final round of group matches took place between Korea and Malaysia and resulted in a 3-3 draw. The splitting of points confirmed Korea's qualification to the semifinal. The draw also ensured that Pakistan would finish second in the group regardless of their result in their last group match against India.

But half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (62) and Michael Bracewell (59) steadied the ship for New Zealand, helping them to a competitive 172-8. 

Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising to victory when a 121-run opening stand from Pathum Nissanka (90) and Mendis had the tourists needing just 52 runs off 42 deliveries with nine wickets in hand. 

However, when Duffy (3-21) saw his delivery to Mendis caught by Mitchell Hay, Perera and Mendis quickly followed to put New Zealand in the ascendency at the Bay Oval. 

Nerves were eased when Charith Asalanka (three) joined Nissanka in the middle to chip away, but when he fell with 28 still required, more doubts began to creep in. 

Matt Henry (2-28) then removed Nissanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (eight) in quick succession, with Hasaranga (five) run out to compound Sri Lanka's miserable end to the game. 

A thriller at Bay Oval! Key overs from Jacob Duffy (3-21) through the middle and composure at the death from Matt Henry (2-28) and Zak Foulkes (2-41) to snatch victory in T20I 1. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/nLnN0S54sv #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/EQz8WTQJAe

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2024

Data Debrief: Duffy the Sri Lanka slayer

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New Zealand are undefeated in their last four multi-game bilateral men’s T20I series against Sri Lanka (W3 D1), but they almost made a poor start at the Bay Oval had it not been for the brilliance of Duffy. 

Duffy's three quickfire wickets saw him end with figures of 3-21, ending his bowling spell with a team-high 13 dot balls, along with an economy rate of 5.25.

But with their next encounter coming in just two daysjilibet, New Zealand will be hoping for a more comprehensive all-round display next time.