In the first international match of 2025 on New Zealand’s soil, when the battle between bat and ball unfolded, what transpired can only be described as a “explosion” of cricketing action. The match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was nothing short of thrilling, filled with every element that can excite cricket fans. The contest went down to the last ball of the final over, and the entire match was an exhilarating roller-coaster. With a barrage of sixes, a mountain of runs, and an edge-of-the-seat finish, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a spectacular fashion.
Sri Lanka’s Explosive Innings
Sri Lanka batted first and managed to score a massive 218 runs in 20 overs, losing 5 wickets. The highlight of their innings was Kusal Perera, who made history by scoring the fastest T20I century for Sri Lanka. Perera reached his century in just 44 balls, smashing 13 fours and 4 sixes. He broke the previous record held by Tillakaratne Dilshan (55 balls) set back in 2011. Kusal Perera’s blistering knock of 101 runs off 45 balls was the foundation of Sri Lanka’s high score.
New Zealand’s Fierce Counterattack
In response, New Zealand also fought fiercely. Despite not having a centurion, they answered Sri Lanka’s challenge with great determination, hitting 13 sixes. The opening pair gave a blazing start, adding 81 runs to the total. The match saw a continuous barrage of boundaries, with New Zealand matching Sri Lanka’s aggression with a high number of sixes. Their total score was 211 runs in 20 overs, but they fell just 7 runs short of Sri Lanka’s target.
A Record-Breaking Match
In total, the match saw a combined total of 429 runs, making it the highest total runs ever in a T20 match between the two teams. This record-breaking clash featured 25 sixes—Sri Lanka hit 12 and New Zealand hit 13. Despite the high-scoring contest, the match ended with a nail-biting finish, where New Zealand, despite their valiant effort, came up short, and Sri Lanka secured a 7-run victory.
Sri Lanka’s Late Surge and New Zealand’s Lost Dream
With this victory, Sri Lanka won the final match of the 3-match T20 series, while New Zealand had already won the first two matches. The win prevented New Zealand from completing a clean sweep in the series. Even though New Zealand claimed the series 2-1, they were left disappointed with their failure to win the final match.
A Thrilling Encounter
This high-scoring thriller was a treat for cricket lovers, featuring explosive batting, high drama, and an unforgettable climax. Sri Lanka’s win, fueled by Kusal Perera’s record-breaking century, was a fitting conclusion to a match that will be remembered for its intense competition and record-breaking feats.
In the end, Sri Lanka’s bold batting and a nail-biting finish ensured that the game went down as a classic encounter in T20 history.
BY – KARTIK
