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Tim Seifert's Blitz Helps New Zealand Win Final T20I; Clinch Series 2-1


image-lg7ixkllTim Seifert slammed 88 off 48 [Source: Twitter]

With the series on the line, the third and final T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka witnessed enthralling cricket from both sides. In a high-scoring, last-over thriller, hosts New Zealand came out on top thanks to a blitz from Tim Seifert, who helped his team win the encounter at Queenstown and clinch the series 2-1 in the process.


Kusal Mendis powers SL to 182

image-lg7k7y3nKusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka added 73 runs [Source: Twitter]

Asked to bat first, Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave their side a rocketing start, helping them to 70 runs in just nine overs. Mendis did most of the scoring as Nissanka played second fiddle in the first-wicket stand of 76.

Their partnership was broken by Ish Sodhi, who got Nissanka for 25. 

Mendis completed his 12th T20I fifty in 37 balls, as he was joined by Kusal Perera. The duo added 46 runs in no time, however, Ben Lister halted Mendis' charge on 73.

Perera followed soon after, getting run out for 33. Cameos from Dhananjaya de Silva (20) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (15) lifted Sri Lanka's total to 182 for 6. 

Lister was the pick of the bowler picking two wickets, with Sodhi and Adam Milne claiming one apiece. 


Tim Seifert Blitz lifts NZ to victory

Much like Sri Lanka, Kiwi openers Chad Bowes and Tim Seifert got their side off to a flier, adding 50 runs in five overs. Lahiru Kumara got first blood for his side, getting the better of Bowes for 17.

Joined by skipper Tom Latham, Seifert exploded himself on the Lankan bowlers, bringing up his fifty in the ninth over.

Seifert scored his seventh T20I half-century in just 26 balls. The pair added 84 runs for the second wicket before Latham departed for 31 off Maheesh Theekshana. 

Pramod Madushan stopped Seifert (88) in his tracks, bringing Sri Lanka back into the game. 

Needing 10 from the final over, Kumara got wickets of Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell to keep the excitement intact. 

James Neesham got run out in between, trying to sneak a single off a wide. 

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra scored two on the penultimate delivery to ensure the Black Caps won the nail-bitter and thus claim the series 2-1.

Seifert was named 'Man of the Series' for scoring 167 runs across three T20Is. 


Brief Scores

Sri Lanka 182 - 6 (20)
Kusal Mendis 73 (48), Kusal Perera 33 (21);
Ben Lister 2-37 (4), Adam Milne 1-30 (4).


New Zealand 183 - 6 (19.5)
Tim Seifert 88 (48), Tom Latham 31 (23);
Lahiru Kumara 3-38 (3.5), Maheesh Theekshana 1-22 (4).

New Zealand won by four wickets