Ferguson Hat-Trick Guides New Zealand to Dramatic 5-Run Win Over Sri Lanka in Dambulla
Lockie Ferguson’s stunning hat-trick and a match-winning final over from Glenn Phillips helped New Zealand defend a modest total of 108, securing a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Dambulla. The win leveled the series 1-1, after Sri Lanka’s comfortable victory in the opening game.
New Zealand’s total was built on a gritty 30 from Will Young, 24 from Josh Clarkson, and a crucial 19 from Mitchell Santner, but it looked far from enough when Sri Lanka reduced them to 52 for 6 in the 11th over. Despite the low total, New Zealand’s bowlers produced one of the most remarkable T20I victories, with Ferguson leading the charge.
After returning to the XI following a hamstring injury, Ferguson delivered a breathtaking spell, taking 3 for 7 from two overs. His spell began with a brilliant swinging delivery to Kusal Perera, edging to Mitchell Hay before he rattled Kamindu Mendis with a yorker. In the next over, Ferguson completed his hat-trick when Charith Asalanka, edging a full delivery down the leg side, was caught behind. Sri Lanka were suddenly 34 for 4, and their chase was in tatters.
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Although Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul had earlier pegged New Zealand back, and Sri Lanka looked poised to chase down the target with Pathum Nissanka’s 52 anchoring their response, Ferguson’s intervention turned the game.
As the game neared its conclusion, Phillips stepped in to bowl the final over with Sri Lanka needing eight runs to win. He first dismissed Nissanka, who was caught at long-on, before having Matheesha Pathirana stumped and finally bowling Maheesh Theekshana out with a top-edged slog. Phillips’ death-bowling heroics sealed the win and left Sri Lanka stunned.
Earlier, Hasaranga had put Sri Lanka in the driver’s seat with a spell of 4 for 17, showing his skill despite battling through an injury. His efforts were critical in dismantling New Zealand’s top order, but the visitors’ bowlers, led by Ferguson and Phillips, held their nerve to complete a remarkable victory.
With this win, New Zealand achieved their first-ever T20I victory while defending a total as low as 108, underscoring their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
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