2 Sep 2019

Black Caps draw first blood in T20s

7:55 am on 2 September 2019

The Black Caps have beaten Sri Lanka by five wickets in the opening T20 international in Pallekele.

Ross Taylor in action for the Black Caps.

Ross Taylor Photo: PhotoSport

Batting first, the hosts made 174 for 4 from their 20 overs, with seamer Tim Southee taking two wickets.

In reply Ross Taylor top scored with 48, Colin de Grandhomme made 44 and rookie all-rounder Daryl Mitchell hit a quick 25 at the end of the innings as the Black Caps reached the target with 3 balls to spare - and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Black Caps fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the T20 series after fracturing his right thumb at training.

The Auckland Aces right-armer sustained the injury while fielding a ball. An x-ray later revealed a small fracture to the middle joint.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed Ferguson would return home to New Zealand in the coming days.

"It's a shame for Lockie to have to miss this series, especially coming off the back of such an impressive World Cup campaign in England," he said.

"The thumb has been put in a splint and is expected to take four to six weeks to recover; so we're optimistic he'll be available for the five-game T20 series against England, which starts on November 1 in Christchurch.

"We won't name a replacement at this stage as we're confident we have adequate cover within the T20 squad who are here."