Kusal Perera entered the history books on Thursday as the veteran Sri Lankan batter became the first from the country to reach 2,000 T20I runs during the third game against New Zealand at the Saxton Oval in Nelson.
On the day, Perera also recorded the fastest ton by a Sri Lankan batter, which was also his first in the shortest format of the game as the visitors posted 218/5 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first.
Having already lost the three-match series, Sri Lanka were determined to put up a fight in the final game. Perera stood tall as the left-hander clobbered the New Zealand bowlers all over the park, making the most of his dropped chances at 15 and 60. Perera was finally caught by Rachin Ravindra off Daryl Mitchell in the 19th over.
During his time at the crease, Perera stitched partnerships of 41 with Avishka Fernando (17) and then 100 with Charith Asalanka (46 off 24 balls). In fact, Asalanka was brutal, too, as he smashed five sixes and a four to take Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark.
In reply, New Zealand fell short by seven runs, thus giving Sri Lanka a consolation win in the series. Chasing a 200-plus total for the first time in the series, New Zealand made a terrific start with Tim Robson (27) and Rachin Ravindra (69) putting on 81 runs for the opening wicket in just 7.2 overs.
However, wicket continued to tumble at regular intervals for New Zealand after the first wicket. Although Daryl Mitchell tried with a 35 in the middle order, but the right-hander lacked support.
In the end, New Zealand were restricted to 211/7 in 20 overs. Perera, who was named ‘Player of the Match’, stated he played his natural game. “It’s always a pleasure to score a 100,” Perera said.
“When I faced the first ball today, was like a wake-up call. You need to adjust to the extra bounce and conditions here. I always try to back myself and play my natural game. These conditions are helpful for the seamers, the last two games we did not get a start, once you get a start here you need to make it count. That’s what I tried to do,” he added.
