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Kusal Perera stole the show in the third T20I against New Zealand in Nelson with a sensational century. The left-hander hit a hundred in just 44 balls and set the record for the fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan.
Perera’s knock, studded with four sixes and 13 fours, helped Sri Lanka to a commanding 218-5. Despite losing the series, Sri Lanka saved pride with a thrilling seven-run win, keeping New Zealand at 211-7 in their chase.
“It was a wake-up call. I had to go back and play my normal game,” Perera said, reflecting on his incredible innings.
Riding luck, breaking records
Perera’s innings was not without luck. He was dismissed twice, on 15 and 60, before being dismissed in the penultimate over by Daryl Mitchell. But the southpaw made the most of his opportunities, breaking multiple records in the process.
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Kusal Perera’s century is now the first international century in the year 2025. Furthermore, Perera surpassed Kusal Mendis to claim the record for most 50+ scores by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, with 16 such innings to his name.
Partnerships boost Sri Lanka’s total
Perera was supported by his teammates, with Charith Asalanka playing a key role. The captain scored 46 off 24 balls, including five sixes, during a 100-run stand with Perera. Earlier, Avishka Fernando contributed 17 in a quick opening partnership of 41.
Sri Lanka’s decision to open Perera for the first time in the series paid off well. The team raced to 24 runs in three overs before Pathum Nissanka fell for 14 after an excellent boundary catch by New Zealand wicketkeeper Mitch Hay.
New Zealand’s lively chase falls short
New Zealand gave a spirited attempt to the chase, led by Rachin Ravindra’s impressive 69 off 39 balls. Tim Robinson added 37 off 21, while Daryl Mitchell smashed 35 off 17, including four sixes in the final over.
But part-time bowler Charith Asalanka turned the game around with figures of 3-50, including key breakthroughs in the mid overs. Their first three overs cost just 25 runs, creating pressure that New Zealand could not overcome in the end.
Asalanka: “We always believed we could win”
After the match, Asalanka expressed pride in the team’s performance despite the series loss.
“It’s a good victory for us. We played good cricket throughout the match but we couldn’t finish the matches. Finally we did it,” said the Sri Lankan skipper.
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