In a topsy-turvy T20I match, New Zealand prevailed over Sri Lanka in the series decider at Dambulla, where bowlers created chaos on the pitch, and Lockie Ferguson became the hosts undoing, clinching his first T20I hat-trick and denying the Lankan Lions a clean sweep. Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips picked up crucial wickets in the final phase of the match, which helped New Zealand pull off a heist, win the second encounter by five runs, and level the series 1-1, all while defending their lowest-ever total in T20I. Lockie Ferguson Hat-Trick Video: Watch New Zealand Pacer Dismiss Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka During SL vs NZ 2nd T20I 2024.

New Zealand Clinch 2nd T20I To Level Series 1-1

 

Chasing 109, Sri Lanka kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, with only Nissanka providing some resistance in the middle. Lockie Ferguson's spell broke Sri Lanka back, where the speedster claimed a hat-trick for his side, while others such as Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips claimed five wickets between themselves. Phillips shone in the final over of the match defending eight runs and picking up three wickets, including Nissanka, who was batting on 52.  Nuwan Thushara Cleans Up Tim Robinson With A Perfect Yorker On First-Ball Of SL vs NZ 2nd T20I 2024 (Watch Video).

New Zealand batting first suffered the same fate as Sri Lanka and meandered to 108 runs, with contributions from Will Young and Josh Clarkson, who scored 30 and 24, respectively. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the stand-out bowler, claiming four wickets despite struggling with a hamstring issue, while Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara picked two wickets apiece.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2024 11:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).