In a high-octane finale at Nelson’s Saxton Oval, Sri Lanka outclassed New Zealand by thrilling seven runs and pulled off a knockout punch to prevent a whitewash of the series. Kusal Perera was explosive with the bat to set up a steep batting target, and the bowlers showed brilliant nerves during the chase to seal the win.
Perera’s Power-Packed Performance
Kusal Perera produced a bat-swinging masterclass, scoring 101 runs off just 46 balls. Perera’s innings, which ended up at the century mark in a mere 44 deliveries involving countless boundaries and a barrage of sixes, took Sri Lanka to an impressive 218 for 5. Asalanka’s contribution was significant: he helped maintain the tempo of the innings with an engaging 46 off 24 balls.
Courageous New Zealand Chase
Such a reply opening pair has opened up their account to New Zealand into cracks only formed with strangling performances from the Sri Lankan bowlers at the prime juncture because two important contributions, that of Rachin Ravindra (69) and Tim Robinson (37), set up the foundation of an initial 81-run partnership. Then, Daryl Mitchell came back to light the fund with a blitzed 35 off four disproportionate sixes off Asalanka before succumbing as Finland’s juggernaut overpoweringly crossed into Sri Lanka’s territory by the 17th over. That was the point where, despite lower-order fireworks, NZ could manage only 211 for 7.
Fiesty Fielding
It was going to be a very entertaining match where the fielders shined exceptionally and not in the least bit less than the rest. An example of this would be New Zealand’s wicketkeeper, Mitchell Hay, making a really outstanding catch that bails Pathum Nissanka, securing a boundary line.
Series result and future matches
While New Zealand has already ensured that they win the series of the T20I 2-1, the victory in the last match for Sri Lanka comes as a massive boost in morale as they prepare for the three ODIs starting Sunday in Wellington. For both the teams, it will be a great opportunity to take whatever one has gained from the T20Is into the format of 50-overs.
Main Contributors
Sri Lanka:
Kusal Perera: 101 runs from 46 balls
Charith Asalanka: 46 runs from 24 balls; bowling figures of 3 for 50
New Zealand:
Rachin Ravindra: 69 runs
Daryl Mitchell: 35 runs; remember he hit four sixes from four consecutive balls
Final
Sri Lanka so brought in with Kusal Perera’s century portrays a point of promise in the country’s challenge to the very best. And now with this, the world will settle in for yet another round of match-up as the two teams gear up for the ODI series.