Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I. Sri Lanka's win was built on a strong bowling performance, followed by a crucial rescue act from Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Charith Asalanka’s men are riding high with victories in 11 of their 14 bilateral series this year, including nine out of the last 10 on home soil. They had whitewashed New Zealand in a two-match Test series and will look to repeat that feat in the T20Is as well.

Sri Lanka spinners have clipped the New Zealand batters to win a low-scoring first Twenty20 by four wickets in Dambulla.

Charith Asalanka will captain Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is for their home series against New Zealand. The island nation named experienced outfits in both formats, featuring several players who had starred in recent home successes against India and West Indies.

A captains knock by Charith Asalanka steered Sri Lanka to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand with six balls to spare in Saturdays Twenty20 opener in Dambulla.

A captain's knock by Charith Asalanka steered Sri Lanka to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand with six balls to spare in Saturday's Twenty20 opener in Dambulla. But a crucial 38-run stand for the sixth wicket between Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga steadied the ship and inched the team to victory.

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (WK), Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka,