Lockie Ferguson’s fiery spell of fast bowling included a brilliant hat-trick that helped New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in a thrilling finish, with five runs to spare at Dambulla on Sunday. This victory leveled the two-match series 1-1 and saw New Zealand defend a modest target against the fighting Sri Lanka in a thrilling finale.
Ferguson Defies Conditions With Fiery Pace
On a pitch which has traditionally suited the spinners, Ferguson turned that on its head to deliver a raw pace- oriented game with pinpoint accuracy. The ferocity of the fast bowling by Ferguson left the Sri Lankan batters in disarray, and a packed crowd at Dambulla was stunned as New Zealand took charge of the game.
Mitchell Hay Record-Breaking Show Behind The Stumps
Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay scripted history as he finished six dismissals in the game-a new T20I record. His sharp keeping played a significant role in the team’s success, especially in Ferguson’s hat-trick spell.
Ferguson’s Strong Comeback
After being ruled out of the first game of the series due to a calf injury, Ferguson returned to the second game with a vengeance. He bowled in great control, to perfection, and so after taking his first wicket. Kusal Perera was caught behind. Then, that up came with a brilliant yorker that LBW stranded Kamindu Mendis. Ferguson sealed the hat-trick with a catch by Charith Asalanka, who, by way of a flick shot down the leg side, became the Sri Lankan captain.
Injury Halts Ferguson’s Rampage Over Spell
Adding to the woes of New Zealand, Ferguson was hobbling off with a calf strain within two overs, and never returned after that. But before that, he proved his presence as New Zealand took complete control due to his hat-trick.
Ferguson Wrecks Havoc
Ferguson, at Dambulla, has only added more sparkle to his reputation of being a T20 specialist. In the last T20 World Cup, he bowled four consecutive maidens as the opponent did not even manage to score a run against him and did not score more than three wickets. The brilliant performances have made him the sought-after player and particularly ahead of the IPL auction.
Also Read: WI Vs ENG, 2nd T20I: Jos Buttler’s Explosive 83 Powers England To Commanding Win
Nissanka’s Valient Fight Falls Short
Pathum Nissanka was the lone fighter for Sri Lanka, scoring a watchful 52 off 51 balls. The eighth-ranked T20 batter of ICC hit six boundaries and almost took Sri Lanka over the line. Nissanka tried to launch Glenn Phillips over the long-on boundary to just eight runs required off the final over, but the shot was caught to end a determined innings.
Sri Lanka did not bowl enough to win.
The Sri Lanka bowlers had done well to limit New Zealand to a sub-par total of 108 runs in 19.3 overs. Nuwan Thushara struck immediately and got his first two opponents out within his maiden two overs and four for Wanindu Hasaranga kept New Zealand on the back foot. Mathisha Pathirana mopped up the tail, finishing with three wickets. But Sri Lanka’s fielding proved to be costly, letting in 19 extras as 11 of them came in the shape of byes at the fag end.
Sri Lanka’s Extras Cost Them As They Narrowly Lose The Game
Though Sri Lanka bowled well, the fielding and more particularly the extras gave away New Zealand the win. Of those 19 extras some were misfields, some missed byes, and some overthrows which meant much for New Zealand during the low scoring game.
Upcoming ODI Series
The two sides will look forward to three ODI matches as they continue this series of white-ball cricket, tied at 1-1. Now both the team will be playing ODI series which will be starting from November 13.
