Kusal Perera capitalized on fortunate circumstances to set multiple records, scoring a career-high 101 runs off just 46 deliveries, leading Sri Lanka to a narrow seven-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday. The left-handed batsman achieved the fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan, reaching the milestone in only 44 balls, and surpassed Kusal Mendis' record for the most 50-plus scores in T20Is by a Sri Lankan player. This innings marked Perera's 16th score of 50 or more in the shortest format. His explosive batting performance was instrumental in Sri Lanka accumulating 218 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, New Zealand, aiming to achieve their highest-ever run chase for a clean sweep, finished with a total of 211 runs for seven wickets.

New Zealand had already secured the series by winning the first two matches by margins of eight and 45 runs, respectively, as the Sri Lankan middle order struggled. However, Perera was resolute in demonstrating the visitors' competitive spirit, striking four sixes and 13 fours in a remarkable exhibition of batting prowess.

His innings was aided by two dropped catches at scores of 15 and 60 before he was eventually dismissed, caught at point by Rachin Ravindra off Daryl Mitchell in the penultimate over. Additionally, he faced a challenging start when he edged the first ball from Zak Foulkes towards third man.

'Needed a wake-up call to back myself': Kusal Perera

Perera remarked, "It served as a wake-up call, prompting me to rely on my abilities and strive to play my usual game." He noted that the coach had emphasized the importance of finishing strong once a player gains momentum, which motivated him to perform at his best.

Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, expressed his belief in his team's potential to overcome New Zealand, despite suffering two initial defeats. 

"This victory is significant for us. Throughout the series, we have demonstrated good cricket, but we struggled to secure a win until now," he stated.

Perera contributed to partnerships of 41 runs with Avishka Fernando, who scored 17, and a substantial 100-run partnership with Asalanka, who aggressively scored 46 runs off just 24 balls, including five sixes and one four.

In their first innings of the series, Sri Lanka quickly amassed 24 runs within three overs before Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 14, thanks to an outstanding catch by Mitchell Hay.

Wicketkeeper Hay made a remarkable play, sprinting to the boundary to catch a top-edge, tossing the ball in the air as he stepped over the boundary, and then re-entering the field to complete the catch.

New Zealand successfully maintained the required run rate of 11 runs per over through the first 15 overs, led by Ravindra's impressive 69 runs off 39 balls.

Tim Robinson contributed 37 runs off 21 balls, while Daryl Mitchell hit 35 runs off 17 balls, including four sixes in the final over bowled by Asalanka.

Asalanka, who also bowled part-time, recorded figures of 3 wickets for 25 runs in his first three overs, concluding with 3 wickets for 50 runs.

The first of three one-day internationals between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Sunday.

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