Kusal Perera delivered a breathtaking performance, smashing a career-best 101 off just 46 balls to help Sri Lanka secure a thrilling seven-run victory against New Zealand in the third and final T20I match in Nelson on Thursday. This victory served as a consolation for Sri Lanka after losing the series.
A Historic Knock from Kusal Perera
Perera’s innings was historic in many ways. The left-hander scored the fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan, reaching the milestone in just 44 balls. He also surpassed Kusal Mendis’ record for the most 50-plus scores by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, achieving his 16th such score in the format. Thanks to his blistering knock, Sri Lanka set an imposing target of 218-5 in their 20 overs.
New Zealand, needing their highest-ever run chase to complete a series sweep, fought valiantly but fell short at 211-7. This marked a much-needed win for Sri Lanka after suffering defeats by eight and 45 runs in the earlier matches.
Key Moments in the Match
Perera’s explosive innings featured 13 fours and four sixes, highlighting his dominance at the crease. He received a few lucky breaks, being dropped on 15 and 60, before finally being dismissed by Daryl Mitchell in the penultimate over. Despite a shaky start, where he edged the first ball he faced from Zak Foulkes towards third man, Perera managed to regain his composure and execute a phenomenal performance.
“It was a wake-up call, so I had to back myself and try to execute my normal game,” said Perera. “The coach had said, ‘once you get a start, you have to finish the game,’ so I tried to do my best.”
Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, expressed his confidence in the team’s abilities despite the earlier losses. “It’s a good win for us. Throughout the series, we played good cricket but couldn’t manage to get a win, and finally, we got it,” Asalanka said.
Partnerships and Turning Points
Perera’s innings was well-supported by partnerships with Avishka Fernando (41 runs) and Charith Asalanka (100 runs). Asalanka contributed an impactful 46 off 24 balls, including five sixes and one four. Pathum Nissanka’s early dismissal after a spectacular boundary-line catch by Daryl Mitchell briefly slowed Sri Lanka’s momentum, but Perera and Asalanka’s aggressive batting set the stage for a challenging total.
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Rachin Ravindra’s 69 off 39 balls, with Tim Robinson adding 37 off 21 and Daryl Mitchell smashing 35 off 17. Despite their efforts, New Zealand could not surpass Sri Lanka’s target, thanks in part to Asalanka’s part-time bowling, which yielded 3-50, including crucial wickets in the final overs.
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Looking Ahead
With the T20 series concluded, both teams now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match ODI series, starting in Wellington on Sunday. Sri Lanka will look to build on this morale-boosting victory, while New Zealand aims to maintain their overall dominance.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting ODI series.