The first international cricket match of 2025 saw Sri Lanka claim a thrilling 7-run victory over New Zealand in Nelson, thanks to a record-breaking century by Kusal Perera. Despite having already lost the three-match T20I series after losing the first two games, Sri Lanka salvaged pride with this win. Notably, this was Sri Lanka’s first T20I victory on New Zealand soil since 2006.
Kusal Perera smashed a scintillating century off just 44 balls, making it the fastest T20I hundred by a Sri Lankan. He broke Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 55-ball century record set against Australia in Pallekele in 2011. Perera’s maiden T20I ton also made him the first Sri Lankan to score a century in this format in under 50 balls.
During his 46-ball 101, studded with 13 fours and 4 sixes, Perera crossed another milestone—becoming the first Sri Lankan to reach 2,000 runs in T20I cricket. Contributions from captain Charith Asalanka (46 off 24, including five sixes) and opener Kusal Mendis (22 off 16) helped Sri Lanka post a formidable total of 218/5.
In response, New Zealand got off to a flying start with Tim Robinson (37 off 21) and Rachin Ravindra (69 off 39) adding 81 runs in just 7.2 overs. However, Binura Fernando dismissed Robinson, and the Kiwi innings lost momentum as the required run rate soared.
Daryl Mitchell’s quick 35 off 17 and a late cameo from No. 9 batter Zachary Fuchs (21 off 12) kept New Zealand in the hunt. With 22 needed off the final over, Fuchs hit a six off the fourth ball, reducing the equation to 10 from 2 balls. However, New Zealand managed only two runs from the last two deliveries, finishing at 211/7.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka: 218/5 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 101, Asalanka 46, Kusal Mendis 22; Mitchell 1/6)
- New Zealand: 211/7 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 69, Tim Robinson 37, Daryl Mitchell 35, Fuchs 21*; Asalanka 3/50, Hasaranga 2/38)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs.
Series: New Zealand won the 3-match series 2-1.
Player of the Match: Kusal Perera.
Player of the Series: Jacob Duffy.
