Lockie Ferguson unleashed a blistering spell of quick bowling, claiming a hat-trick to energy New Zealand to a nail-biting five-run victory over Sri Lanka within the second T20 at Dambulla on Sunday.
The win levelled the two-match collection at 1-1, as New Zealand managed to defend a modest goal in thrilling vogue.
On a pitch the place spinners had been anticipated to thrive, Ferguson defied conference with sheer tempo and precision, leaving the Sri Lankan batters helpless.
His fiery spell silenced the packed crowd in Dambulla, who watched in dismay because the hosts struggled to counter his deadly deliveries.
Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay had an distinctive outing, finishing six dismissals — a document in T20I cricket.
Having missed the collection opener attributable to calf stiffness, Ferguson returned to the lineup with a vengeance, bowling with impeccable management.
His first breakthrough got here when he had Kusal Perera caught behind, and he adopted up with a searing yorker that trapped Kamindu Mendis plumb in entrance.
With the hat-trick ball, Ferguson confronted captain Charith Asalanka, who tried to flick however was caught by the keeper down the leg aspect.
After simply two overs of destruction, Ferguson left the sphere with a calf harm and did not return, however he had already executed the injury, establishing New Zealand’s triumph.
Ferguson’s popularity as a T20 specialist continues to develop.
In his earlier outing on the T20 World Cup within the Caribbean, he bowled 4 consecutive maidens, capturing three wickets with out conceding a single run.
His heroics in Dambulla will undoubtedly make him a coveted participant within the upcoming IPL public sale.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka fought a lone battle.
Ranked eighth amongst T20 batters within the ICC rankings, he scored his 13th half-century, virtually guiding Sri Lanka to victory.
With simply eight runs wanted off the ultimate over, Nissanka took on Glenn Phillips, however his shot did not clear the long-on fielder, ending his valiant 52 off 51 balls, studded with six boundaries.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers had restricted New Zealand to 108 runs in 19.three overs.
Nuwan Thushara offered a sensational begin, claiming two wickets in his opening two overs, whereas Wanindu Hasaranga wreaked havoc within the center order, selecting up 4 scalps.
Matheesha Pathirana then mopped up the tail, ending with three wickets.
Nonetheless, Sri Lanka’s fielding allow them to down, conceding 19 extras, together with 11 byes. That in the end proved decisive.
Sri Lanka had received the primary recreation on Saturday by 4 wickets.
The 2 groups will now shift focus to a three-match ODI collection, starting with the primary recreation at Dambulla on Wednesday, earlier than shifting to Pallekele.
