January 2, 2025: A stunning all-round performance from Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka clinch a 7-run win over New Zealand in the third T20I of the series, but despite the victory, Sri Lanka lost the series 2-1.
After New Zealand won the toss and opted to field, Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka (14 runs off 12 balls) and Kusal Mendis (22 runs off 16 balls), could only manage a modest 24-run partnership. Their failure to provide a strong start left Sri Lanka with some work to do in the middle overs.
However, the middle-order duo of Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka turned the game around in spectacular fashion. Perera played a blistering knock of 101 runs off 46 balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes, while Asalanka contributed a fiery 46 runs off 24 balls, including 5 sixes. Their 100-run stand was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s innings, and together, they powered Sri Lanka to a massive 218/5 in 20 overs.
The New Zealand bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batting attack. The Kiwi bowlers — Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Henry — all claimed a wicket each, but their collective efforts were not enough to stop the onslaught.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase was largely built around a brilliant knock from Rachin Ravindra, who scored 69 runs off 39 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive batting kept New Zealand in the hunt, but he lacked consistent support from the other end.
Tim Robinson (37 runs off 21 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (35 runs off 17 balls) were the second-highest run-scorers for the Kiwis. However, despite their best efforts, New Zealand fell short of the target, finishing at 211/7 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Charith Asalanka, who took 3 wickets for 50 runs in his four overs. Wanindu Hasaranga supported him well with 2 wickets, while Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando took one wicket each. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept their composure in the final overs to ensure the Kiwis fell just 7 runs short
While Sri Lanka earned a well-deserved consolation win, New Zealand emerged as the T20I series winners with a 2-1 victory.
