Kusal Perera’s record T20I century was pivotal in securing Sri Lanka’s victory. Delve into the details of this extraordinary achievement and its significance.
Introduction:
The thriller T20I swung like a pendulum as Sri Lanka won by seven runs off New Zealand in a hard-fought match. The match played at Nelson had all the ingredients of a classic: a record-breaking century, intense chases, and moments of brilliance from both sides. While the batting fireworks from Sri Lanka set the stage, it was New Zealand’s spirited chase that nearly stole the show.
Kusal Perera’s Record-Breaking Ton
The innings of Sri Lanka was stabilized by Kusal Perera’s maiden T20I century, which was an electrifying 100 off just 44 balls. It was not only a personal milestone but also a historic moment because it marked the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is. Perera’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting with 13 boundaries and four towering sixes.
See also: Mitchell and Bracewell Shine as New Zealand Triumphs in T20I Thriller

Perera’s 360-degree hitting was testimony to his ability, from delicate sweeps to monstrous hits over extra cover. The partnership with Charith Asalanka was equally crucial, as they added 100 runs in just 45 balls for the fourth wicket. Asalanka’s quickfire 46 off 24 provided the perfect foil to Perera’s onslaught, and Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 218.
New Zealand’s Spirited Response
Chasing 219 was never going to be an easy job, but New Zealand’s approach was far from timid. The openers Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra set the tone early as they targeted Sri Lanka’s pacers with aggressive intent. By the end of the powerplay, New Zealand had raced to 63 runs.

Ravindra’s sublime knock of 69 off 39 balls kept the chase going. But so did Daryl Mitchell alongside him, who unleashed a stunning display of power-hitting, like four consecutive sixes by Charith Asalanka in a 25-run over. By the 15th over, New Zealand seemed poised for a famous win with 51 runs required from the last 30 balls and six wickets in hand.
Asalanka’s All-Round Brilliance
Despite being on the receiving end of Mitchell’s assault, Charith Asalanka proved to be Sri Lanka’s trump card. With the ball, he broke crucial partnerships by dismissing Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Ravindra in quick succession. His third-over breakthrough, sliding one past Ravindra’s inside edge, was a pivotal moment that swung the momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Asalanka’s all-round contributions—46 runs, three wickets, and a stunning catch—made him a standout performer, even as Perera deservedly took the Player of the Match award.
Tight Bowling at the Death
The last few overs went in vain as the New Zealand batting collapsed under Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara’s disciplined bowling. Hasaranga’s double blow in the 16th over was crucial for New Zealand’s lower order to break down. Then, Thushara sent Mitchell back, who had threatened to take the game away single-handedly.

Even then, fiery hitting by Zachary Foulkes at least rattled the nerves of the final over. His efforts trimmed the equation to single figures; however, Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve to gain an appropriate consolation from this match.
A Match of Missed Opportunities
They were made to regret not taking their chances in the field, including a dropped catch off Perera who was on just 15. That proves very costly as Perera goes on to play one of the most explosive innings of his career.

Similarly, despite Jacob Duffy’s excellent bowling throughout the series, his solitary wicket in this match wasn’t enough to stem the tide. His economy rate of 7.50 was commendable, earning him the Player of the Series title, but the team fell just short of pulling off an extraordinary chase.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The game was full of unpredictability, and the fans were on the edge of their seats. Sri Lanka’s innings started with early setbacks, losing three of their top four batters within the first 10 overs. However, a blistering second half, led by Perera and Asalanka, ensured a record-breaking total.
New Zealand began like Sri Lanka in their innings, going strongly but faltering in the last overs. However, despite their best efforts, Ravindra, Mitchell, and Foulkes could not quite pull it off, making it one of the closest chases in the history of T20I.
Takeaways for Sri Lanka
This victory, though consolatory, had projected Sri Lanka as a serious force in the shortest format of the game. Resurgence as T20 powerhouse in Perera, versatility of Asalanka, and reliability of Hasaranga with the ball bode well for the future of this team.