• Kusal Perera's explosive century of 101 runs off 46 balls propelled Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over New Zealand in T20I.

  • Perera was awarded the Player of the Match for his historic innings.

Twitter reactions: Kusal Perera’s brilliant ton seals victory for Sri Lanka in the thrilling final T20I against New Zealand
Kusal Perera's brilliant ton seals victory for Sri Lanka in the thrilling final T20I against New Zealand (Image source: X)

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In a gripping conclusion to the T20I series at Saxton Oval, Nelson, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against New Zealand by a narrow margin of seven runs. After losing the toss and being put to bat, the Sri Lankan team showcased their batting prowess, with Kusal Perera leading the charge with a spectacular century. This match, held on January 2, 2025, was not just a contest of skill but also a testament to resilience and determination from both sides.

Sri Lanka’s explosive innings

Sri Lanka capitalized on a pitch that offered good batting conditions. The innings began with a few hiccups as they lost early wickets, including Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. However, Perera’s explosive performance turned the tide for Sri Lanka. He scored an astonishing 101 runs off just 46 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and 4 sixes, which propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Kusal Perera smashes a historic century

Perera’s remarkable performance led Sri Lanka to a competitive total but also etched his name in the record books. Scoring his maiden T20I century, Perera became the third Sri Lankan to achieve this milestone in T20 internationals, joining the ranks of legends like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene.

Perera’s century was historic for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the first T20I century for Sri Lanka in over 14 years, showcasing a significant achievement for both him and the team. He reached his hundred in just 44 balls, making it the fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan batter. This performance not only reaffirmed his status as one of Sri Lanka’s premier batters but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, especially after his team had lost two early wickets. Perera was also adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Mitchell Hay, Jacob Duffy propel New Zealand to a series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I

New Zealand’s chase: A rollercoaster ride

Chasing a target of 219 runs, New Zealand started their innings with promise but quickly found themselves under pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Tim Robinson provided a solid start with 37 runs, but it was Rachin Ravindra who emerged as the backbone of the chase with his impressive knock of 69 runs off 39 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and four sixes, keeping New Zealand in contention as they raced towards the target.

However, the chase faltered as wickets continued to tumble. Daryl Mitchell attempted to revive the innings with an explosive cameo that included four consecutive sixes in one over against Charith Asalanka, scoring 35 runs off just 17 balls. Despite these efforts, New Zealand fell short of the target, finishing at 211/7 after their 20 overs.

While Perera’s batting was pivotal for Sri Lanka’s total, it was Asalanka’s bowling performance that played a crucial role in sealing the victory. He claimed three key wickets for 50 runs in his four overs, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order and putting them on the back foot during their chase. His ability to take wickets at critical junctures shifted momentum back towards Sri Lanka when it was most needed. The match concluded with Sri Lanka clinching victory by 7 runs, marking an exhilarating end to the T20I series where they salvaged pride after losing the first two matches.

Here’s how twitter reacted:

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Pathum Nissanka’s stellar knock in vain as Sri Lanka fall short against New Zealand in the 1st T20I

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.