Jacob Duffy, who was outstanding throughout the series, was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances with the ball. However, the Player of the Match honor went to Kusal Perera for his game-changing century
02 January, 2025
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PHOTO:AFP
Sri Lanka clinched a seven-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Nelson, marking their first win in New Zealand since 2006. Kusal Perera's explosive maiden T20I century and Charith Asalanka's all-round performance were pivotal in sealing the win, despite a valiant chase from the hosts.
Kusal Perera was the star of the match, smashing a blistering century off just 44 balls, the fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20Is. Coming in during the powerplay, Perera's knock of 101 included 13 fours and four sixes. His innings, a blend of sweeps, switch hits, and powerful slogs, propelled Sri Lanka to their second-highest T20I total of 218 for 5.
Perera was ably supported by Charith Asalanka, who contributed 46 runs off 24 balls during a 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite a disciplined finish by New Zealand bowlers Jacob Duffy and Daryl Mitchell, who conceded only 12 runs in the final two overs, Sri Lanka's onslaught in the preceding overs ensured a mammoth total.
Chasing 219, New Zealand came out firing, with Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra leading the charge in the powerplay. They reached 63 runs in the first six overs and kept up the required rate for most of the innings. Ravindra was the standout performer with a 39-ball 69, anchoring the chase alongside Mitchell.
Mitchell's fireworks in the 15th over, where he smashed Asalanka for four consecutive sixes, brought New Zealand within striking distance. However, Asalanka redeemed himself with three crucial wickets, dismissing Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Ravindra, swinging the momentum back in Sri Lanka's favor.
Despite Mitchell's heroics and Zachary Foulkes' late flurry of boundaries, New Zealand fell short, finishing at 211 for 7. Hasaranga's double strike in the 16th over and Thushara's dismissal of Mitchell proved decisive in the final overs.
Jacob Duffy, who was outstanding throughout the series, was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances with the ball. However, the Player of the Match honor went to Kusal Perera for his game-changing century.
