Batting first, half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (62) and Michael Bracewell (59) had helped New Zealand recover from 65-5 after nine overs to a competitive total of 172-8.

As New Zealand and Sri Lanka prepare for the opening match of the NZ vs SL T20I series, here’s a look at whether fans in India can watch the game for free.

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka could be the best batter in the upcoming game against New Zealand. Nissanka in the last T20I series against the same opponents at home was the highest run-scorer of the series. In two games, he scored 71 runs at an average of 35.50. The 26-year-old will be looking to play the same brand of cricket in the coming series.

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series starting in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, December 28. The series will kickstart the Mitchell Santner captaincy era in white-ball cricket full-time and having played Sri Lanka last month,

Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell made half centuries in a 105-run sixth wicket partnership to help lead New Zealand to an eight-run win over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20 internationals.