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NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: Kusal Perera's Maiden T20I Century Seals Sri Lanka’s Consolation Win

Jatin∙ Updated: Jan 2 2025, 10:31 AM

NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: [Source: @SriLankaTweet/x.com]NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: [Source: @SriLankaTweet/x.com]

Sri Lanka kept their cool in the third and final T20I at Saxton Oval in Nelson, clinching a thrilling seven-run win over New Zealand. Though the series was already lost, they ensured a pride-restoring finish.

Here’s the timeline of how NZ vs SL 3rd T20I panned out in Nelson-

NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: Early Blows But Kusal Perera Brings The Fire

Sri Lanka didn’t get off to the best start. Pathum Nissanka looked solid for a brief moment but fell for 14, undone by Matt Henry’s sharp delivery. Kusal Mendis, who got a lucky break earlier, couldn’t capitalize and departed for 22, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 42/2 after five overs.



But then Kusal Perera turned things around. From the start, he meant business. He smashed boundaries for fun and had the Kiwi bowlers scratching their heads. Perera’s batting was pure carnage, with 13 fours and four sixes lighting up the ground.

NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: Kusal Perera And Charith Asalanka Take Control

Skipper Charith Asalanka joined Perera, and the two took New Zealand’s bowlers to the cleaners. They stitched together a stunning 100-run partnership that left the Kiwis gasping for breath. Perera didn’t just stop at a fifty, he went all the way, scorinh a stunning 101 off just 46 balls.

Charith Asalanka chipped in with a quickfire 46 off 24, smashing five sixes in the process. Though both fell towards the end, their knocks ensured Sri Lanka posted a massive 218/5.




NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: Robinson And Ravindra Start Strong For New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase began with Tim Robinson firing on all cylinders. He blasted 37 off 21 balls, keeping the home team in the hunt early. But just as it looked like the Kiwis were cruising, Robinson fell, and Sri Lanka found their opening.

Enter Rachin Ravindra, and the fight wasn’t over yet. The all-rounder smashed 69 off 39 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes. He, along with Daryl Mitchell (35 off 17), kept New Zealand alive, taking the game deep.



NZ vs SL 3rd T20I Highlights: Asalanka And Hasaranga Deliver The Knockout Punch

With Ravindra gone at 129, New Zealand’s middle order collapsed. Charith Asalanka turned hero with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets, including Phillips and Chapman. Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with two dismissals, including the dangerous Mitchell Hay.

Zakary Foulkes tried to pull off a miracle with his unbeaten 21 off 13, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers stayed calm under pressure. Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando held their nerve, and the Kiwis ran out of steam, finishing at 211/7.