Sri Lanka won T20I series against NZ with 2-1

Nelson: The Srlianken team clinched a 7-run closer win against New Zealand in the Third T20I match of the series at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday and have won the series with a defeat of h 2-1.  In third T20I New Zealand after winning the toss decided to field first after which the Sri.

Nelson: The Srlianken team clinched a 7-run closer win against New Zealand in the Third T20I match of the series at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday and have won the series with a defeat of h 2-1. 

In third T20I New Zealand after winning the toss decided to field first after which the Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka (14 runs from 12 balls, 1 four and 1 six) and Kusal Mendis (22 runs from 16 balls, 2 fours and 1 six) helped Lnakans to score 218 in 20 overs. 

However, the  lankan middle order batters Kusal Perera (101 runs from 46 balls, 13 fours and 4 sixes) and Asalanka (46 runs from 24 balls, 1 four and 5 sixes) displayed stupendous form in the first inning.  

Perera and Asalanka cemented a stand of 100 runs which helped Sri Lanka clinch a consolation win in the final match of the series.

The Kiwi bowling attack was sloppy in the first inning, they failed to pick up early wickets in the first inning. Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Henry picked one wicket each in their respective spells.

During the run chase, Rachin Ravindra (69 runs from 39 balls, 5 fours and 4 sixes) opened for the Kiwis and played a stunning knock. However, his lone performance was not enough to help the Kiwis clinch a win in the final match of the series.

Tim Robinson (37 runs from 21 balls, 2 fours and 2 sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (35 runs from 17 balls, 1 four and 4 sixes) were the second-highest run-getter for the Kiwis in the second inning.

The hosts tried their best to reach the given target but failed short of just seven runs. Kusal Perera was named the ‘Player of the Match’ following his fiery knock with the bat. Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy received the ‘Player of the Series’ award.