Kusal Perera’s Blazing Century Secures Sri Lanka’s Consolation Victory Over New Zealand

Kusal Perera delivered a scintillating performance with the bat, smashing a blistering 101 off 46 balls, as Sri Lanka edged out New Zealand by seven runs in the third and final T20 International in Nelson on Thursday. Despite the victory, New Zealand claimed the three-match series 2-1.

Match Highlights

• Sri Lanka’s Innings:
  • Kusal Perera reached his century in just 44 balls, propelling Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 218-5.
  • Skipper Charith Asalanka contributed a quick-fire 46 off 24 balls, supporting Perera’s onslaught.
  • New Zealand’s Mitchell Hay took a remarkable boundary catch to dismiss opener Pathum Nissanka, showcasing exceptional fielding skills.
• New Zealand’s Response:
  • Rachin Ravindra (69) and Tim Robinson (37) set the tone with an opening partnership of 81 runs.
  • A flurry of wickets slowed their momentum, with Asalanka taking 3-50 and dismissing key batsman Daryl Mitchell, who smashed four consecutive sixes before falling in the 17th over.
  • Number 11 Zakary Foulkes kept New Zealand’s hopes alive with an unbeaten 21 off 13 balls, but they fell short at 211-7.

Player Performances

• Player of the Match:Kusal Perera for his match-winning century.
  • Reflecting on his innings, Perera said:”Scoring a hundred is always special. I got a wake-up call on the first ball (hit on the head by a bouncer) and it was good to build on from there.”
• Player of the Series: Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) for his consistent bowling, claiming eight wickets across three matches.

Series Summary

• Winner: New Zealand (2-1).
• Final Match Result: Sri Lanka won by seven runs.