New Zealand Defends Just 108 Against Sri Lanka in Thrilling T20I Victory

New Zealand pulled off an incredible win by defending just 108 runs against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. Even though the pitch wasn’t easy, no one expected such a low score to be enough. New Zealand’s star bowler, Lockie Ferguson, managed to make a huge impact before leaving the field with an injury, setting the stage for this unlikely victory.

Ferguson’s Hat-Trick Changes the Game

Ferguson bowled just two overs but delivered a game-changing hat-trick, taking out three Sri Lankan batters in quick succession. His sharp, accurate deliveries dismissed Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka, bringing Sri Lanka to 34 for 4. This early collapse put the pressure back on Sri Lanka’s lineup.

Phillips Seals the Win with a Clutch Final Over

With Ferguson out due to a calf injury, Glenn Phillips stepped up to bowl the crucial final over. Sri Lanka needed only eight runs to win, and Pathum Nissanka was batting confidently with 52 runs. Phillips, however, held his nerve, removing Nissanka with a catch at long-on. He then stumped Matheesha Pathirana on the next ball. Sri Lanka’s last hope, Maheesh Theekshana, tried to score but only managed a top-edge that wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay caught, sealing New Zealand’s victory.

Hasaranga Shines for Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga was the hero with the ball for Sri Lanka, taking wickets while struggling with a leg injury. His sharp deliveries took out key New Zealand batters, making it hard for them to score runs. Despite his impressive performance, Sri Lanka couldn’t capitalize.

Historic Win for New Zealand

This victory marked New Zealand’s lowest total defended in T20 history. Even though New Zealand’s batters struggled, their bowlers fought hard to achieve this amazing win, tying the series 1-1 and setting up a thrilling final match.