Sun Nov 17 12:15:14 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Wins Thrilling T20 Series Decider Against Sri Lanka
**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – New Zealand snatched a dramatic victory in the second and final T20I against Sri Lanka, winning by 5 runs to level the series 1-1. Sri Lanka, having won the first match, elected to field first after winning the toss.
New Zealand’s innings was a short one, bowled out for a paltry 108 runs in 19.3 overs. Wanindu Hasaranga starred for Sri Lanka with 4 wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana claimed 3. Will Young top-scored for New Zealand with 30 runs.
Chasing a modest 109 for victory, Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising, with Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a valiant 52. However, a stunning late-innings collapse, orchestrated by New Zealand’s bowlers, turned the tide. Michael Bracewell’s hat-trick and Glenn Phillips’s final-over heroics, including three wickets in the final over, proved decisive. Phillips conceded only 2 runs in the final over, dismissing the remaining Sri Lankan batsmen. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 103 in 19.5 overs.
Bracewell was named Player of the Match for his hat-trick, while Hasaranga took home the Player of the Series award. The thrilling final match provided a fitting end to a closely contested series.
First Piper 