As Sri Lanka batted first for the first time in the series, Perera’s career-best score in a century partnership with captain Charith Asalanka propelled the team to 218 for five, its second-highest T20 score.
Sri Lanka batted first for the first time in the series, falling to 218 for five, its second-highest T20 score, thanks to Perera’s career-best century in a partnership with skipper Charith Asalanka.
The first game was won by eight runs, and the second by forty-five, giving New Zealand a 2-0 series lead.
Rachin Ravindra, who struck 69 from 39 balls, gave New Zealand a strong start for the series, which they needed to finish with their biggest run chase in T20 cricket. It was held to 211 for seven, though, and fell barely short.The Black Caps started quickly enough to keep up with Sri Lanka, reaching 60-0 in the six-over power play. However, Asalanka slowed New Zealand’s innings by dismissing Ravindra, Mark Chapman (9) and Glenn Phillips (6) in rapid succession.
After those dismissals, Asalanka had statistics of 3 for 25, but Daryl Mitchell blasted four consecutive sixes from his final over to throw his analysis off and bat New Zealand back into the game.Wanindu Hasaranga then dismissed Mitchell Hay (8) and Michael Bracewell (1) in the 16th over to turn the game back in the visitors’ favor. Asalanka grabbed a fantastic diving catch to remove Bracewell and controlled his bowlers admirably in a brilliant all-round effort.
“I think it’s a good win for us,” Asalanka stated. “I think we played good cricket throughout the series but didn’t win. Finally, we have it. I hope this marks a shift in our momentum. Adapting to these conditions has been crucial for us.”When Binura Fernando bowled the final over, New Zealand needed to win by 22 runs. New Zealand needed 10 runs from the final two balls after Zak Foulkes struck the fourth ball for six after taking six runs from the first three balls, including a wide. Only three more runs were scored by the New Zealand hitters because it was too much.
A damp outfield caused the match to start thirty minutes later than planned. On a fine surface at Saxton Oval, Sri Lanka lost the toss but had the opportunity to bat first.
Inside the PowerPlay, the tourists lost both of their openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.
