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A century stand from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell guided New Zealand to a competitive 172-8 in the first Twenty20 against Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Mitchell came into the game when New Zealand were 39-3 after Binura Fernando had upset the top order.

He was joined by Bracewell as Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets in two balls to reduce New Zealand to 65-5 in the 10th over.

The pair reached 105 before both were dismissed in the final over.

Mitchell was stumped on 62 off 42 deliveries while Bracewell was left behind on 59 off 33.

Fernando, who eliminated both of New Zealand’s opening goals in his second over, finished with 2-22.

Tim Robinson was caught and bowled for 11 when he hit a short pitch delivery straight back to the bowler.

Three balls later, Rachin Ravindra grabbed an outside swing with eight balls to spare and was caught behind.

Mark Chapman, who fell to four, reached 15 before being caught at the boundary by Kamindu Mendis off the bowling of Matheesha Pathirana.

Glenn Phillips had delivered eight from nine balls when he was trapped in front and Mitchell Hay had the first ball when he played and missed a ball that drifted into the pads.

cf/mtp