5 Apr 2023

Milne and Seifert star in Black Caps win

4:42 pm on 5 April 2023
Tim Seifert plays through leg side during his innings against Sri Lanka at University Oval, Dunedin.

Tim Seifert plays through the leg side during his innings against Sri Lanka at University Oval, Dunedin. Photo: BLAKE ARMSTRONG

New Zealand have kept the T20 cricket series against Sri Lanka alive, with a nine wicket win in game two in Dunedin.

With Sri Lanka winning the opening game in Hamilton in a super over, another win for the tourists would have sealed the three match series with a game to spare.

The Black Caps won the toss and opted to bowl and at 91 for two in the 11th over Sri Lanka were on course for a competitive total but they then lost their next eight wickets in the space of seven overs.

Adam Milne was the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers taking 5-26 in his four overs, his best figures in international T20 cricket and the third best by a New Zealand bowler in T20 internationals.

Fellow pace bowler Ben Lister picked up two wickets while Henry Shipley, Rachin Ravindra and Jimmy Neesham took one apiece.

Black Caps Rachin Ravindra and Adam Milne.

Black Caps Rachin Ravindra and Adam Milne. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps got off to a flying start with opener Chad Bowes clubbing 31 off just 15 balls, including seven boundaries.

When he was dismissed Tim Seifert continued the onslaught, finishing 79 not out off just 43 balls including 6 sixes while skipper Tom Latham finished unbeaten on 20.

Milne was named player of the match.

The series decider is in Queenstown on Saturday.

-RNZ