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New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 45 runs in 2nd T20 to take a 2-0 series lead

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New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 45 runs in 2nd T20 to take a 2-0 series lead
Sport

Sport

New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 45 runs in 2nd T20 to take a 2-0 series lead

2024-12-30 18:13 Last Updated At:18:20

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (AP) — Sri Lanka again fell short in a tough run chase as New Zealand won the second Twenty20 international by 45 runs Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The tourists were edged by eight runs chasing 172-8 in the first match two days ago and again faltered late while chasing New Zealand's 186-5 on Monday. Sri Lanka was all out for 141 in 19.1 overs.

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New Zealand's Tim Robinson and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra head out to bat during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra head out to bat during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson bats during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson bats during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka and Binura Fernando celebrate the run out of New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka and Binura Fernando celebrate the run out of New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay bats, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay bats, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell and Mitch Hay walk, at the completion of their innings, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell and Mitch Hay walk, at the completion of their innings, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka players celebrate dismissing New ZNew Zealand's Mitch Hay and Daryl Mitchell celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka players celebrate dismissing New ZNew Zealand's Mitch Hay and Daryl Mitchell celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay fields, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay fields, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay and Jacob Duffy celebrate the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay and Jacob Duffy celebrate the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera bats as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera bats as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell attempts to make a catch, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell attempts to make a catch, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

“It's really important to finish the game, no matter how it started,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said.

“The way you finish is the most important thing. In the first game we were almost there to win and again we're disappointed.”

Once again, Jacob Duffy was New Zealand's key bowler, dismissing opener Pathum Nissanka for 37 and returning to remove Kusal Perera for 48 when both batters looked well placed to steer Sri Lanka to victory.

Nissanka made 96 in the first match in a 120-run opening partnership with Kusal Mendis before Duffy turned that match in New Zealand's favor when he took three wickets in four balls, including Mendis, to stifle the Sri Lanka chase.

He took 4-15 Monday to once again stand out as the difference between the teams.

After dismissing Nissanka, Duffy produced a superb yorker to remove Perera in the 16th over when Sri Lanka was 127-4 and still in with a good chance. He then removed Wanindu Hasaranga (1) and Maheesh Theekshana (0) in the space of three balls in the 18th over as the Sri Lanka tail again failed to fire.

Matt Henry took two wickets with consecutive balls in the 19th over before Zak Foulkes finished off the Sri Lanka innings with five balls remaining.

New Zealand depended on a century partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell to post a competitive total in the first match. It produced a more balanced batting effort Monday to reach a testing total on a tricky pitch which sometimes skidded, sometimes held up and provided a batting challenge.

A strong wind across the Bay Oval also made hitting to one side of the ground difficult and gave an edge to the bowlers.

Tim Robinson made 41 from 34 balls at the top of the New Zealand innings, hitting three fours and two sixes to impart early momentum while Rachin Ravindra failed again and was out for 1.

Mark Chapman made 42 from 29 balls batting at No. 3, then wicketkeeper Mitchell made a vital contribution with an unbeaten 41 from 19 balls at the death, including four fours and two sixes. His innings also separated the teams.

“It was good to contribute to a good score, one we were pretty happy with and to contribute to a win,” Hay said.

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

New Zealand's Tim Robinson and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra head out to bat during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra head out to bat during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson bats during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson bats during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka and Binura Fernando celebrate the run out of New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka and Binura Fernando celebrate the run out of New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Tim Robinson plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay bats, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay bats, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell and Mitch Hay walk, at the completion of their innings, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell and Mitch Hay walk, at the completion of their innings, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka players celebrate dismissing New ZNew Zealand's Mitch Hay and Daryl Mitchell celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka players celebrate dismissing New ZNew Zealand's Mitch Hay and Daryl Mitchell celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay fields, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay fields, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay and Jacob Duffy celebrate the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Mitch Hay and Jacob Duffy celebrate the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera bats as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera bats as New Zealand's Mitch Hay looks on, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell attempts to make a catch, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell attempts to make a catch, during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lukas Dostal made 43 saves, Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson scored in the shootout and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Saturday night for their sixth victory in seven games.

Brian Dumoulin scored his first goal of the season early in the third period for the Ducks, who are rolling into the two-week international break amid their most successful stretch since November 2023.

Adrian Kempe scored the tying goal with 2:39 left in regulation and David Rittich stopped 24 shots for the Kings, whose three-game winning streak ended with their first loss to the rival Ducks in three meetings.

The 166th Freeway Faceoff began with two dull periods before Dumoulin finally scored in his 54th game for Anaheim, walking in from the point and beating Rittich.

Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper missed the game for personal reasons, forcing Rittich to start back-to-back games after beating Dallas on Friday.

Ducks captain Radko Gudas sat out with an illness.

Ducks: The NHL's lowest-scoring team lived down to its reputation, but the brilliant Dostal fell just short of his third career shutout.

Kings: Strong defensive hockey betrayed by clunky offensive play despite the big shot total. Los Angeles scored 14 goals in its previous three games.

The Kings were on the verge of their third shutout loss in six games before Phillip Danault slipped a pass from the boards to the streaking Kempe, whose backhand hit Dostal in the chest and trickled in. Kempe got his 25th goal, hitting the milestone for the fourth consecutive season.

Trevor Lewis had four shots on goal after the Kings held a pregame ceremony honoring the veteran for recently playing in his 1,000th NHL game.

After the NHL's two-week break, the Ducks visit Boston and the Kings host Utah on Feb. 22.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

FILE - Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal is scored on during an NHL hockey game, Dec. 9, 2024, in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal is scored on during an NHL hockey game, Dec. 9, 2024, in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

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