Kusal Perera fireworks gives Sri Lanka an auspicious start to 2025. New Zealand take T20 series 2-1 but face resurgent Lankans in one-dayers. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Kusal Perera breathed new life to a dismal Sri Lanka and put an end to the disappointment of 2024, by gaining solace to a lost series with an explosive century that started the New year with a win.
New Zealand refused to be overawed by the task set them and made a gallant effort to chase it down. Chasing a mammoth 218, it looked within reach for most of it, but clever bowling by death bowlers Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando ensured Sri Lanka get over the line.
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While Rachin Ravindra 69 from 39 and Mitchell 35 off 15 balls were at the wicket, the game swung swiftly in New Zealand’s favour. Ravindra in full flight, fell to part time spinner skipper Charith Asalanka who clean bowled him. Mitchell’s departure soon after made it even harder.
Sri Lanka, two down in the three-match series, looked down and out, losing two quick wickets on a small ground in Nelson before Perera joined skipper Charith Asalanka, 46 off 24 to smash New Zealand’s attack to all parts as they notched up a 100 run partnership in just 44 balls.
Perera was in devastating form spraying New Zealand’s bowlers at will as he raced to 101 off only 46 balls with 4 sixers and 13 fours, giving Sri Lanka a winning total of 218 for five in their allotment. The quick departure of Asalanka and Perera saw the tempo drop off but it would have taken a record chase to overhaul it. New Zealand took it down to the wire before going down by 7 runs.
His magnificent knock was supported by skipper Charith Asalanka who lived a charmed life as New Zealand’s usually sharp work in the field disintegrated to a shocking level with several spilled catches. Both Perera on 15 and Asalanka twice benefited from New Zealand’s fielding lapses.
Perera’s return to form earned him player -of- the -match.
New Zealand openers Robinson and Rachin Ravindra began the run chase like men on a mission. They raced after the target in cavalier style helped by untidy Sri Lanka fielding, but Binura Fernando grabbed the wicket of Robinson and skipper Charith Asalanka got rid of Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra to put the brakes on.
It was a suspenseful end as New Zealand refused to throw in the towel but Sri Lanka held their composure to stave off defeat.
The three-match one-dayers follows and Sri Lanka then return to prepare to host the Aussies at home.
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