Lockie Ferguson’s hat-trick powers New Zealand to series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I

New Zealand emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest towards Sri Lanka, clinching the second T20I of their tour by a mere 5 runs on the Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium. In a recreation that noticed bowlers dominate, each groups struggled to place up important scores, making it a memorable low-scoring thriller for followers. Sri Lanka’s resolution to bowl first appeared promising, however New Zealand’s resilience with the ball in the end sealed the victory, leveling the sequence.

New Zealand stumbles with the bat

Batting first, New Zealand faltered from the onset as Sri Lankan bowlers utilized intense stress, proscribing them to 108 runs in 19.3 overs. Will Younger (30 off 32) supplied a short resistance, anchoring the innings alongside Josh Clarkson, who chipped in with a fast 24 off 25 balls, together with two sixes. Nonetheless, no different New Zealand batter managed to succeed in double figures other than Mitchell Santner (19 off 24), who provided a vital contribution within the center order. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga stood out, claiming a formidable 4 wickets for simply 17 runs in his 4 overs, whereas Matheesha Pathirana picked up 3 scalps for less than 11 runs, making certain a frightening job for the New Zealand lineup.

Additionally WATCH: SA vs IND – David Miller plucks a one-handed stunner to dismiss Tilak Varma in 2nd T20I

Sri Lanka’s collapse amidst a spirited bowling efficiency

Chasing a modest 109, Sri Lanka started cautiously however confronted an instantaneous setback with early wickets. Regardless of Pathum Nissanka’s valiant effort of 52 off 51 balls, together with six boundaries, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled beneath stress, failing to keep up partnerships. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (15 off 13) briefly raised hopes for a profitable chase, however as wickets continued to tumble, Sri Lanka discovered themselves in a precarious place. Glenn Phillips led New Zealand’s assault with a sensational spell, taking 3 wickets for simply 6 runs in 1.5 overs. Lockie Ferguson additionally contributed considerably with an excellent hat-trick in his 2 overs, conceding solely 7 runs, whereas Michael Bracewell and Santner every took key wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting order.

In a tense finale, Sri Lanka fell quick by 5 runs, with their final wicket falling within the penultimate ball of the innings at 103 runs. New Zealand’s disciplined and relentless bowling effort proved decisive in defending a low complete and securing a well-fought victory.