That's all from this match. Sri Lanka fought well but due to the errors in the field, they failed to cross the line. New Zealand showed great character in spite of a slow start in the chase and would be feeling a lot confident about themselves. The second T20I is on Tuesday, 3rd September, once again in Pallekele. Do join us at 1900 local (1330 GMT) for all the action. Cheers!

New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee starts by saying that the way Daryl Mitchell finished it off was great. Further says that they were also lucky that a couple of shots hit the middle of the bat. Calls it a pleasing win and is excited to win a match like this. Adds that the experienced partnership (between Taylor and de Grandhomme) helped them get back in the match and the young guys then played with freedom at the end. Admits that they would have batted had they won the toss. On his unbeaten record as a captain, Tim replies that it's a great group of guys with good mix of youth and experience and that makes his job easier.

Sri Lankan skipper, Lasith Malinga says that the young players played well having less experience of playing under lights. Credits them for the partnership they built and feels that this is the way forward for the team. Malinga reckons with this side they need to take the opportunities which they failed to take in this game. Adds that they gave away more than 10 in an over for 3-4 overs on the trot which took the match away from them. On the areas of improvement, Lasith tells that the bowlers need to execute their plans better and hone their skills especially for the wet conditions. Further adds that this is the time for them to work on their mental strength.

Man of the Match, Ross Taylor says that they knew it was going to be a tough target, mainly after a slow start. He is satisfied to get a few boundaries that kept the required run rate under check. Praises Daryl and Santner's knocks towards the end. Feels that the over in which Colin de Grandhomme hit Isuru Udana for a four and a six, the momentum started to shift. Admits that they didn't field the way they would have liked to. Mentions that the T20 World Cup is only one year away and they are focusing on it.

A quick interview with Daryl Mitchell who played a key role in this win for New Zealand. He says that they were just looking to have fun and is happy to get his side home. On his first game in Asia, Mitchell replies that it was good fun and he enjoyed every part of it. On facing Malinga, Daryl mentions that he is a world-class bowler and they were just looking to rotate the strike.

For Sri Lanka, it was a dismal bowling performance, however, they started on a bright note. Lasith Malinga once again impressed but his last over which went for 15 runs hurt Sri Lanka in a way. Debutant Wanindu Hasaranga was brilliant in his four overs and snapped a couple of wickets. Two dropped catches of Ross Taylor eventually came back to haunt the Islanders. Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka managed to put up a challenging total on the board all thanks to Kusal Mendis' eye-catching knock and a late flourish from Isuru Udana.

Excellent win for New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. It was an exciting game of Twenty20 with both sides competing hard but the Black Caps held on to their nerves to come out on top. The chase started on a wrong note for the Kiwis as they lost their top three wickets quite cheaply. But then Taylor and de Grandhomme did the rescue job with a 79-run stand off just 38. That partnership brought the visitors on the cusp of victory. Although, the Lankans tried to return in the match by removing both Rosco and Colin, Daryl 'Mitchell' Santner made sure that New Zealand cross the line with 3 balls remaining.

Lasith Malinga to bowl the all-important penultimate over. 18 needed off 12 balls.

Appeal for an lbw! It's not given and Lasith Malinga has taken the DRS. Has it pitched outside leg? Yes, quite wide outside leg.