In a gripping conclusion to the T20I series at Saxton Oval, Nelson, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against New Zealand by a narrow margin of seven runs. After losing the toss and being put to bat, the Sri Lankan team showcased their batting prowess, with Kusal Perera leading the charge with a spectacular century. This match, held on January 2, 2025, was not just a contest of skill but also a testament to resilience and determination from both sides.
Sri Lanka’s explosive innings
Sri Lanka capitalized on a pitch that offered good batting conditions. The innings began with a few hiccups as they lost early wickets, including Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. However, Perera’s explosive performance turned the tide for Sri Lanka. He scored an astonishing 101 runs off just 46 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and 4 sixes, which propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Kusal Perera smashes a historic century
Perera’s remarkable performance led Sri Lanka to a competitive total but also etched his name in the record books. Scoring his maiden T20I century, Perera became the third Sri Lankan to achieve this milestone in T20 internationals, joining the ranks of legends like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene.
Perera’s century was historic for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the first T20I century for Sri Lanka in over 14 years, showcasing a significant achievement for both him and the team. He reached his hundred in just 44 balls, making it the fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan batter. This performance not only reaffirmed his status as one of Sri Lanka’s premier batters but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, especially after his team had lost two early wickets. Perera was also adjudged as the Player of the Match.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Mitchell Hay, Jacob Duffy propel New Zealand to a series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I
New Zealand’s chase: A rollercoaster ride
Chasing a target of 219 runs, New Zealand started their innings with promise but quickly found themselves under pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Tim Robinson provided a solid start with 37 runs, but it was Rachin Ravindra who emerged as the backbone of the chase with his impressive knock of 69 runs off 39 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and four sixes, keeping New Zealand in contention as they raced towards the target.
However, the chase faltered as wickets continued to tumble. Daryl Mitchell attempted to revive the innings with an explosive cameo that included four consecutive sixes in one over against Charith Asalanka, scoring 35 runs off just 17 balls. Despite these efforts, New Zealand fell short of the target, finishing at 211/7 after their 20 overs.
While Perera’s batting was pivotal for Sri Lanka’s total, it was Asalanka’s bowling performance that played a crucial role in sealing the victory. He claimed three key wickets for 50 runs in his four overs, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order and putting them on the back foot during their chase. His ability to take wickets at critical junctures shifted momentum back towards Sri Lanka when it was most needed. The match concluded with Sri Lanka clinching victory by 7 runs, marking an exhilarating end to the T20I series where they salvaged pride after losing the first two matches.
Here’s how twitter reacted:
Kusal Janith Perera created history! 🤩
KJP makes history with a dazzling maiden T20I hundred! An experienced star rising on the big stage.🔥
❤️✨🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/l0khcFjchm— ᴅᴀʀsʜᴀ ᴄʜᴀᴍɪᴋᴀ (@Im_Darsha) January 2, 2025
KUSAL PERERA SMASHED THE FIRST HUNDRED IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IN 2025. 🔥
– Kusal Perera played an magiferet innings of 101 off 46 balls, including
Well played, Kusal Perera! His outstanding batting effort has helped Sri Lanka avoid a whitewash. Congratulations!#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/dtdG0OY54k
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) January 2, 2025
#Srilanka 🇱🇰 : 218/5 (20 ov)#NewZealand 🇳🇿 : 211/7 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 7 runs, New Zealand won the 3 match series 2-1
Player of the match : Kusal Janith Perera (Sri Lanka)
Player of the series : Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
3rdT20I #NZvSL 🏏🏆️ pic.twitter.com/wDpnChlo1v— Ishara (@Ishara23032) January 2, 2025
What a thrilling match.Sri Lanka edges past New Zealand with a nail-biting 7-run victory. Kusal Perera stole the show with a blistering 101 off just 46 balls pure masterclass.#SLvsNZ #CricketTwitter
#KusalPerera— Mohamad Adnan Nazir (@ADN266) January 2, 2025
Sri Lanka take the win in the final KFC T20I. Rachin Ravindra (69), Tim Robinson (37) and Daryl Mitchell (35) contributing to a close chase in Nelson. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/UzJ3jpZKSC 📲 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/6Qj7PyCUpb
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 2, 2025
The first men’s T20I century of 2025 👏
Kusal Perera brings up his first hundred in the format off just 44 balls pic.twitter.com/sgWfwftyLx
— Jaleel Ahmed (@JaleelA83574057) January 2, 2025
Kusal Janith Perera 🇱🇰 has earned 8 ‘Player of the Match awards’
– The most by any Sri Lankan player in T20I history. 👏 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/lLwB3VTRpn
— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) January 2, 2025
Kusal Perera scored the first century of 2025.
Hope Rohit and Virat becomes the 2nd and 3rd ones to do it 😉 pic.twitter.com/GgSXQwWiQd— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 2, 2025
Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 7 runs in the 3rd T20I 👊🏏#Cricket #NZvSL #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/ttMsjVKikc
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 2, 2025
Kusal Perera scored his maiden T20 century at the beautiful Saxton Oval cricket ground against New Zealand. ❤️ #NZvSL #SLvsNZ #KusalPerera pic.twitter.com/Aic495vZxB
— U$äMä (@usama_mewati948) January 2, 2025
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Pathum Nissanka’s stellar knock in vain as Sri Lanka fall short against New Zealand in the 1st T20I
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