New Zealand, already trailing in the series, wanted to make a statement against Sri Lanka. They are a team you can never count out of the fight, believing until the last ball of the game. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka had no hesitation in choosing to field first after winning the toss, sending New Zealand out to bat.
With the bat in hand, New Zealand continued to struggle, lacking momentum throughout their innings. To make things worse, Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice in an over, even while nursing a hamstring strain. Things looked bleak for New Zealand as they found themselves at 52-6.
The man in form, Will Young, scored 30 runs and, with fine support from Mitchell Santner and batter Tic Tac Tootie, helped push New Zealand towards a total of over 100. Though it didn’t look like enough on this pitch, New Zealand believed in their bowlers, and they delivered.
Mitchell Santner opened the bowling for New Zealand, with the ball seeming to do all the talking. Both Sri Lankan openers appeared surprised and a bit confused as to what was about to unfold. In his second over, Santner sent back Kusal Mendis with an absolute beauty of a delivery.
New Zealand didn’t have to wait long for further breakthroughs as pacer Lockie Ferguson took a stunning hat-trick, putting New Zealand firmly ahead in the game. Although Sri Lanka kept chipping away at the target, New Zealand’s spinners, especially Michael Bracewell, provided crucial breakthroughs.
As Sri Lanka’s innings progressed, a target of 109 began to look like a monumental challenge. However, Sri Lanka still held hope, particularly with Pathum Nissanka at the crease, as they needed just 16 runs in the last two overs.
Historically, New Zealand had never lost a bilateral T20I series to Sri Lanka, and they were determined to keep that record intact. With eight runs to defend in the final over, the ball was handed to Glenn Phillips, a man with the golden arm.
On the second ball of the over, Phillips dismissed the well-set Pathum Nissanka, dealing a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s hopes. From there, New Zealand secured a rock-solid win, ultimately bowling out Sri Lanka for 103 runs.
