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Youthful New Zealand Squad Learns Valuable Lessons in Dambulla Defeat
Despite a 45-run loss in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, the young New Zealand squad gained invaluable experience playing in the unfamiliar conditions of Dambulla. With three debutants in the playing XI, the match provided the Kiwis a “best seat in the house” to observe and learn from the hosts’ masterful approach to navigating the sometimes sluggish pitch.
“The experiences you get in this part of the world are obviously very different from what we face back home,” acknowledged all-rounder Michael Bracewell. “But we bank those lessons and come back better – that’s the true challenge of international cricket.”
The foundation of Sri Lanka’s formidable 324-run total was a 206-run second-wicket partnership between Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. The duo rotated strike expertly, gradually increasing the scoring rate to keep the scoreboard ticking.
“Partnerships are hugely important, and we saw that partnership in the first innings of some 200 runs. That’s what changed the game,” Bracewell said.
Though New Zealand got off to a promising start with an 88-run opening stand, the middle order struggled to cope with the scoreboard pressure, ultimately falling short in their 221-run DLS-adjusted chase.
Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 34, acknowledged that he could have been more aggressive in his approach. “I’ll put my hand up and say I could have taken the game on a little bit earlier,” he admitted.
The young Kiwi squad now has an opportunity to bounce back and apply the lessons learned in the upcoming matches of the 100-ball cricket schedule. As Bracewell emphasized, “We’ll be looking to resurrect that again in a couple of days.”
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