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STAGS STAR IN SERIES WIN
TOM BRUCE’s return to the BLACKCAPS overnight has paid instant dividends with a second T20 International half century, match-winning century partnership with Colin de Grandhomme, and an away series win in Sri Lanka — with a game to spare.
The Kandy thriller also saw strike bowler SETH RANCE claim 3-33 after Sri Lanka had opted to bat at a humid Pallekelle.
It was Seth’s third best T20i haul — after his debut 3-30 against the West Indies and 3-26 against Pakistan in the 17/18 season and a statement of resolve after his mixed fortunes in the opening win.
Seth opened his account superbly in that first match at Pallekelle — a five-wicket win to the BLACKCAPS, but he had had to fight his way back after an expensive second over that ultimately left him with inflated figures of 0-58.
Pleased to be able to adjust in time for the second instalment of a rapid-fire series in the Kandy cauldron, Seth said he "felt more used to the conditions here this time, and had a little more luck than in the first game.”
Super Smash captain and player of the year Tom Bruce had come in to the XI for the series decider after fellow Stag ROSS TAYLOR sat it out with a sore left hip.
Rosco was Man of the Match in the opening win after he took control of a 175-run chase with de Grandhomme. He could relax on the sidelines this time around as Tom slotted into his spot.
The BLACKCAPS were setting off after 162, Tom and de Grandhomme combining in the fourth over at 38 for three.
With only three strokes from his innings resulting in boundaries, it wasn’t the big-hitting, bat-bruising Bruza we’re used to seeing in Super Smash, but an intelligent 109-run partnership for the conditions that kept the strike ticking over and the runs clocking up.
Batting through into the final over of the chase, the only glitch for Tom was a wobbly knee while turning and running between the wickets, that was strapped late in proceedings. In his first BLACKCAPS T20i since February 2018, he was run out shortly afterwards on 53 (46 balls), just a few runs shy of his career-best unbeaten 59*.
The BLACKCAPS now have a shot at a series sweep in Sri Lanka with the final game at Pallekelle set to air in the wee smalls of this Saturday NZT. The next chance to see the BLACKCAPS LIVE here at home will be in early November’s international series against England, with tickets to the T20is at Nelson’s Saxton Oval and Napier’s McLean Park selling fast.
Secure your tickets by visiting Ticketek today.
Article added: Wednesday 04 September 2019
