Nelson [New Zealand], January 2: Captain Charith Asalanka played a pivotal role with both bat and ball to lead Sri Lanka to a 7-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday. Despite the win, Sri Lanka conceded a 2-1 series defeat to the hosts.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first. Sri Lanka’s opening duo, Pathum Nissanka (14 off 12 balls) and Kusal Mendis (22 off 16 balls), managed only a modest 24-run partnership. However, a brilliant middle-order display by Kusal Perera (101 off 46 balls) and Charith Asalanka (46 off 24 balls) lifted Sri Lanka to a total of 218/5 in their 20 overs. The pair put on a dominant 100-run stand, with Perera’s fiery century leading the charge.
The Kiwi bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs, with Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Henry each picking up a wicket.
In reply, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra led the charge with a superb knock of 69 from 39 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes. Tim Robinson (37 from 21 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (35 from 17 balls) also contributed, but New Zealand fell just short of the target, finishing at 211/7.
Asalanka starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 50 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga took 2 wickets. Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando also took a wicket each to help restrict the hosts.
Kusal Perera was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his explosive innings, while Jacob Duffy earned the ‘Player of the Series’ award for his consistent performances throughout the series.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka: 218/5 (Kusal Perera 101, Charith Asalanka 46; Jacob Duffy 1/30)
New Zealand: 211/7 (Rachin Ravindra 69, Daryl Mitchell 35; Charith Asalanka 3/50)