In the final Twenty20 International, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand, who had won the three-match series 2-1, by seven runs thanks to a brilliant innings from top order batsman Kusal Perera, who hit 101 off 46 balls.
With a cameo of 24 balls from captain Charith Asalanka, Perera reached the 100-mark in 44 balls and led Sri Lanka to a resounding 218-5.
After the Sri Lankan opener top-edged Matt Henry, Pathum Nissanka was dismissed by a spectacular catch by New Zealand wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay.
Hay took the catch close to the boundary rope after running backwards after the skyer. Hay threw the ball into the air and came back to finish the catch after realizing that his momentum was carrying him across the rope.
Prior to the hosts losing a large number of wickets, Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra provided New Zealand a solid start with an opening partnership of 81.
As Sri Lanka regained control of the game, Daryl Mitchell struck Asalanka for four consecutive sixes before falling in the 17th over.
Despite 21 not out off 13 balls from New Zealand number 11 Zakary Foulkes, the home team ultimately managed 211-7.
“Scoring a hundred is always special,” Perera said after claiming the player-of-the-match award.
“When I went in to bat, I got a wake-up call in the first ball and it was good to get on from there.”
Because of his eight wickets, New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy was named player of the series.
Sunday marks the start of the teams’ three-match ODI series in Wellington.
