SL vs NZ: Lockie Ferguson's heroic hat-trick helps New Zealand defend 108-run total and beat Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I to level series 1-1

New Zealand rode on Lockie Ferguson's hat-trick to eke out a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I in Dambulla on November 10. With this New Zealand levelled the two-match T20I series 1-1. Batting first New Zealand posted a 108-run total. In reply, Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips ran through the Sri Lanka's batting line-up and restricted them to 103 runs to emerge victorious in the end. Notably it was Ferguson's second T20 hat-trick and first in international cricket.

Sri Lanka, chasing a modest target, struggled to maintain momentum in the middle overs. Ferguson's impressive bowling performance (3/7) dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, and Glenn Phillips finished the job with three wickets in the final over, securing a comfortable victory for New Zealand.

Sri Lanka's batters crumbled under pressure despite Pathum Nissanka's fifty

Sri Lanka lost early wicket of Kusal Mendis (2 off 7), but Pathum Nissanka (52 off 51) ensured that the hosts capitalised on the powerplay with a few boundaries. However, Ferguson soon took control, disrupting Sri Lanka's momentum. Kusal Perera (3 off 10) fell victim to Ferguson in the final over of the powerplay.

Sri Lanka managed to score 10 runs in the following over but faced a significant setback in the eighth over. Ferguson returned to the attack and dismissed Kamindu Mendis (1 off 5) LBW before removing the Sri Lankan captain, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.

Lockie Ferguson's hat-trick dismantles Sri Lanka batters

Ferguson, who previously claimed a hat-trick for Yorkshire in T20 cricket, joined an elite group of New Zealand bowlers by achieving this feat in international T20 cricket. He became the fifth New Zealander to take a T20I hat-trick, following in the footsteps of Jacob Oram, Tim Southee (twice), Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry. New Zealand now shares the record for the most T20I hat-tricks with Sri Lanka.

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After Ferguson's impressive spell, Pathum Nissanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (15 off 13) attempted to rebuild the innings. However, once their 29-run partnership was broken, New Zealand's spinners effectively dismantled the lower order.

Nissanka fought valiantly, and with seven wickets remaining, Sri Lanka needed just eight runs from the final over. However, Glenn Phillips dismissed Nissanka, triggering a collapse that led to a narrow five-run victory for New Zealand, leveling the series 1-1. Ferguson was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, while Hasaranga was awarded the Player of the Series. Both teams will now shift their focus to the upcoming ODI series, with the first match scheduled for November 13.