New Zealand vs SriLanka 3rd T20I: A Thrilling Encounter
Introduction
The third and final T20I between New Zealand vs SriLanka at Saxton Oval in Nelson on January 2, 2025, proved to be a thrilling encounter that lived up to the expectations of a series decider. Despite losing the series 2-1, Sri Lanka showcased their fighting spirit and resilience, ultimately securing a thrilling 7-run victory in the final match.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka Post 218/5 in 20 Overs
In the final T20I of the series, Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a challenging total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Kusal Perera was the star of the show, smashing a blistering century off just 46 balls. His innings included 13 fours and four sixes, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay.
Key Highlights:
- Perera’s Century: The highlight of the innings was undoubtedly Kusal Perera’s record-breaking century. He reached the milestone in just 44 balls, the fastest T20I century ever scored.
- Opening Partnership: The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got Sri Lanka off to a flying start, scoring 24 runs in the first three overs.
- Middle-Order Contributions: While Perera stole the show, valuable contributions also came from Avishka Fernando (17) and Charith Asalanka (46), who anchored the innings.
- New Zealand Bowling: The New Zealand bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, with none of them picking up more than one wicket.
New Zealand’s Chase Falls Short in Thrilling T20 Series Finale Nelson, New Zealand
In a nail-biting finish to the T20I series, Sri Lanka edged out New Zealand by 7 runs in the third and final match. Despite a valiant effort from the hosts, Kusal Perera’s blistering century for Sri Lanka proved to be the difference.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: A Perera Masterclass
Sri Lanka, batting first, lost early wickets but Kusal Perera took charge of the innings. His explosive knock, including 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a challenging total of 218/5. Captain Charith Asalanka also contributed significantly with a well-crafted half-century.
New Zealand’s Reply: A Close Shave
The New Zealand chase got off to a flying start, with the openers racing to 60 without loss in the powerplay. However, Sri Lanka struck back, dismissing key batsmen like Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips. Daryl Mitchell’s late onslaught kept New Zealand in the hunt, but ultimately, they fell 7 runs short, finishing at 211/7.
Key Moments:
- Kusal Perera’s blistering century for Sri Lanka set the tone for the match.
- New Zealand’s strong start in the chase threatened to derail Sri Lanka’s hopes.
- Daryl Mitchell’s late assault kept New Zealand in contention until the final over.
The Verdict:
While Sri Lanka won the final match, New Zealand emerged victorious in the series with a 2-1 lead. The third T20I provided a thrilling conclusion to a competitive series, showcasing the exciting talent on both sides.
Key Players and Performances
- Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka): Perera’s explosive century was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. His aggressive batting display put immense pressure on the New Zealand bowlers and laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s victory.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Hasaranga’s spin bowling was instrumental in restricting New Zealand’s scoring rate. His ability to deceive batsmen with his variations proved to be a key factor in Sri Lanka’s success.
- Tim Seifert (New Zealand): Seifert played a crucial role in keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive with a quickfire half-century. His aggressive batting provided some much-needed momentum to the chase.
Match Highlights
- Kusal Perera’s record-breaking century.
- Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin bowling masterclass.
- Tim Seifert’s quickfire half-century.
- A thrilling finish with both teams fighting till the very end.
Man of the Match: Kusal Perera
In the final T20I, Kusal Perera stole the show with a breathtaking century. His 46-ball 101, laced with 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a challenging total of 218/5. Perera’s aggressive knock set the tone for the match, leaving the New Zealand bowlers chasing shadows. His innings was a testament to his explosive power-hitting and ability to dominate the opposition.
Player of the Series: Jacob Duffy
New Zealand’s fast bowler, Jacob Duffy, emerged as the standout performer throughout the series. His consistent line and length, coupled with his ability to extract swing and seam movement, proved too much for the Sri Lankan batsmen. Duffy’s crucial wickets at key moments played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s series victory, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Series award
Post-Match Analysis
- Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting approach proved to be successful in the final match.
- New Zealand’s inability to maintain momentum in their innings proved costly.
- The role of spin bowlers in both teams was crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Conclusion
The third T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was a thrilling contest that showcased the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket. Despite losing the series, Sri Lanka’s performance in the final match was commendable, highlighting their fighting spirit and determination. The series provided valuable lessons for both teams as they prepare for future challenges in the T20 format.
Looking Ahead
As the teams now shift their focus to the upcoming New Zealand vs Srilanka ODI series, the performances of Kusal Perera and Jacob Duffy will undoubtedly be closely watched. Both players have set a high standard for themselves and will be eager to continue their impressive form in the longer format of the game.