Sat Jan 04 22:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Claims Consolation Victory in Final T20I Against New Zealand
**Wellington, New Zealand** – Sri Lanka ended their T20I series against New Zealand on a high note, securing a consolation win in the final match despite losing the overall series. Kusal Perera’s stunning century (100*) anchored Sri Lanka’s victory, overcoming a strong start by New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell who hit four consecutive sixes in a late-innings surge.
New Zealand, who had already clinched the series, put up a fight but ultimately fell short, with quick wickets and tight bowling from Sri Lanka’s Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara proving decisive in the final stages. Fernando and Thushara’s death bowling stifled New Zealand’s late-game attempt at a comeback. Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, also contributed significantly with three crucial wickets.
Perera’s masterful innings, his first T20I century since 2013, was hailed as the match-winning performance. He expertly adapted to the challenging conditions, capitalizing on a good start to build a substantial score. Despite the loss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised his team’s performance throughout the series, highlighting the positive contributions of younger players. Jacob Duffy, named Player of the Series, expressed his delight at the overall series win against a strong Sri Lankan team.
The T20I series concludes with a New Zealand victory, but Sri Lanka’s win in the final match provides momentum heading into the upcoming ODI series, which begins on January 4th (5th in India).
First Piper 