New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets to win the second T20 international played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele and seal the three match T20I series with a game to go.

Chasing an imposing target of 162 runs, the Kiwis win was built around quick-fire half centuries by all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and middle order batsman Tom Bruce, both of whom led a recovery for the Kiwis after they were tottering at 38 for 3, losing their openers Colin Munro rather early. While Colin de Grandhomme scored a breezy 46-ball 59 , Tom Bruce scored a whirlwind 53.

New Zealand Skipper Tim Southee led the efforts with a ball, picking up 2 for 18 in his four overs and bagging the Man of the Match Award.

Earlier in the match, Sri Lankan skipper Lasith Malinga won the toss and elected to bat . The Lankans got off to a breezy start with opener Kusal Mendis scoring a quick-fire 26 runs laced with two towering sixes. However the Kiwis struck back quickly to dismiss both the Lankan openers.

Avishka Fernando (37) then stitched a solid partnership with Niroshan Dickwella (39) to help the Lankans get past the 100-run mark. However, seasoned campaigner Tim Southee dismissed Fernando and Rance trapped Niroshan Dickwella leg before to get the Black Caps back into the game.

Shehan Jayasuriya then scored a 13-ball 20 to provide the late impetus to the Lankan innings. Wanidu Hasaranga and Isuru Udana added a couple of valuable runs lower down the order to help Sri Lanka post a challenging 161-run total.