In a low-scoring thriller at Dambulla, New Zealand clinched victory by five runs over Sri Lanka, levelling the two-match T20 series at 1-1. Defending a modest total of 108, New Zealand relied on Lockie Ferguson’s hat-trick and Glenn Phillips’ clutch three-wicket final over to hold off the hosts.
Sri Lanka needed just eight runs in the last over, but Phillips dismissed opener Pathum Nissanka, who had scored a steady 52 off 51 balls, with a catch at long-on on the second ball. He followed up by stumping Matheesha Pathirana on the next delivery and then had Maheesh Theekshana caught on the fifth ball, with six runs still required.
Earlier, Ferguson sparked the defence by removing Kusal Perera with his last ball of the first over. He then dismissed Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka at the start of his second, becoming the sixth New Zealander to achieve a T20 hat-trick. Ferguson ended with remarkable figures of 3-7 from two overs, while Phillips finished with 3-6 from 1.5 overs.
New Zealand’s 108 was the lowest total they’ve ever defended in men’s T20 cricket. Their batting lineup struggled, regularly losing wickets as Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took 4-17. Will Young top-scored with 30 off 32 balls, while Mitchell Santner and Josh Clarkson added 19 and 24 runs, respectively, to push the Black Caps past 100.
With the T20 series tied, the teams now look ahead to a three-match ODI series starting on Wednesday.