Sun Nov 17 11:55:07 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Wins Thriller Against Sri Lanka, Ferguson’s Hat-Trick Seals Victory

**Dambulla, Sri Lanka (November 11, 2024):** New Zealand leveled their two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling five-run victory in Dambulla on Sunday. The match was decided by a stunning hat-trick from Lockie Ferguson, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s triumph.

Chasing a modest 109, Sri Lanka looked poised at 50-3. However, Ferguson’s remarkable spell across the sixth and eighth overs completely changed the game’s momentum. He dismissed Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka in consecutive balls, a hat-trick spanning two overs, reducing Sri Lanka to a precarious 34 for 4.

Despite a calf injury limiting him to just two overs, Ferguson finished with impressive figures of 3 for 7. Other key contributors for New Zealand were Mitchell Santner (1-2), Michael Bracewell (2-16), Glenn Phillips (3-17), and Zakary Foulkes (1-3), who combined to restrict Sri Lanka to 103 all out in 19.5 overs. Pathum Nissanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with a valiant 52 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted a challenging 108/10 in their allotted overs, thanks to contributions from Will Young (30) and Josh Clarkson (24). However, it was New Zealand’s exceptional bowling performance, spearheaded by Ferguson’s hat-trick, that sealed the victory and tied the series.

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