Taylor powers narrow win over SL: 1st T20 (Pallekele)

A 79-run stand between Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme helped New Zealand claim a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

Kusal Mendis struck 79 and quick-fire cameos from Dickwella (33), Dasun Shanaka (17* off 12 balls) and Isuru Udana (15* off three balls) helped the hosts finish on 174/4.

After an early stutter that had NZ 39-3, Taylor and de Grandhomme built a foundation for the chase with a 79-run stand.

Malinga bowled de Grandhomme with one of his trademark yorkers to become the leading wicket-taker in T20I history with his 99th victim.

New Zealand 175 for 5 (Taylor 48, de Grandhomme 44, Hasaranga 2-21, Malinga 2-23) beat Sri Lanka 174 for 4 (Mendis 79, Dickwella 33, Southee 2-20) by five wickets.

Sept 2019.