New Zealand took on Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Eden Park in Auckland. Cricket fans were left surprised as they read the word ‘Aotearoa’ instead of New Zealand during the telecast of the first T20I and wondered what could be the reason behind it.
Here’s why the term ‘Aotearoa’ was used during the first New Zealand vs SL T20I
It was the first-ever bilingual cricket broadcast today in New Zealand’s Maori language. In the Maori language, New Zealand is called Aotearoa and Sri Lanka is called Hīraka. On the scorecard, one could easily find the words Aotearoa and Hīraka being used for New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively.
New Zealand cricket took to their official Twitter and Instagram accounts and informed about the same to their fans. “Te Reo commentary will be carried live on @sparknzsport, @tvnzofficial 1, and TVNZ + today can be accessed by selecting the alternative language option on each of the platforms.”
A kōrero for Te Rawara Iwi’s Ben Lister with @sparknzsport Te Reo Māori commentary team trio Rebecca Rolls, @PeterMcGlashan and Maia Lewis 🗣️ #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/jfk2eNAIJK
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 2, 2023
Rebecca Rolls, Peter McGlashan and Maia Lewis were part of Te Reo Māori commentary team. New Zealand cricket shared a picture on their social media accounts where the Te Reo Māori commentary team can be seen interviewing New Zealand cricketer Ben Lister.
NZ vs SL 1st T20 went in Super Over
Meanwhile, the first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was a nail-biting thriller. After winning the toss Sri Lanka was called to bat first. They posted a massive total of 196-5 in their 20 overs.
Charith Asalanka smashed 67 runs off just 41 deliveries including 2 fours and 6 maximums. Kusal Perera too played a sensible knock of 53 from 45 deliveries while Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with a quick-fire 21 to help his side post a huge total.
In response to Sri Lanka’s total, New Zealand lost their openers pretty quickly. All-rounder Daryl Mitchell scored 66 runs off just 54 deliveries to bring the New Zealand innings back on track. He got support from skipper Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman.
The match got tied as the Kiwis too scored 196 by the end of 20 overs after which the two teams went on to play Super Over. Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana gave just 8 runs in the super over against Daryl Mitchell, Neesham and Chapman. Charith Asalanka smashed a six and a four on the second and third delivery bowled by Adam Milne as Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the Super Over.