In a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting, Kusal Perera scripted history by hitting the fastest T20 century by a Sri Lankan in an enthralling encounter against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. His scintillating 105 off just 40 balls, studded with 12 fours and 7 sixes, paved the way for Sri Lanka's emphatic 13-run victory in a high-octane clash.

Sri Lanka’s Fiery Start

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka aimed to capitalize on Eden Park's batter-friendly pitch. Opening the innings, Kusal Perera wasted no time as he unleashed an onslaught on the New Zealand bowlers. With elegant drives, powerful pulls, and towering sixes, Perera reached his fifty in just 18 balls, leaving the opposition stunned.

Pathum Nissanka played the perfect foil with a steady 48 off 30 balls, rotating the strike effectively while Perera took charge. Together, the duo stitched a 98-run partnership in just 8.2 overs, setting the foundation for a massive total.

Perera’s most destructive phase came in the 10th over, where he clobbered Ish Sodhi for three consecutive sixes, bringing up his century off just 40 balls. The crowd erupted in applause as Perera surpassed Mahela Jayawardene’s previous record of 45 balls for the fastest T20 century by a Sri Lankan.

Though Lockie Ferguson eventually dismissed Perera, Sri Lanka rode on his heroics to post an imposing 218/5 in their 20 overs. Contributions from Dasun Shanaka (25 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (20 off 10) ensured the momentum never dipped.

New Zealand’s Chase: A Spirited Fight That Fell Short

Chasing 219, New Zealand faced an early setback as Finn Allen departed in the second over, bowled by Maheesh Theekshana. However, Devon Conway (65 off 41) and Glenn Phillips (52 off 28) counterattacked brilliantly, keeping the hosts in the game with a 90-run partnership for the third wicket.

Conway’s calculated aggression and Phillips’ fearless hitting brought New Zealand back into the contest, with the required run rate well within reach. The turning point came in the 15th over when Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice, dismissing Phillips and Daryl Mitchell in quick succession.

Despite a valiant effort from James Neesham, who smashed a quickfire 30 off 15 balls, New Zealand fell short, ending their innings at 205/8. Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, sealing a memorable win.

Sri Lanka’s Bowling Heroes

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga (3/34) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/28), played a crucial role in defending the massive target. Hasaranga’s variations deceived the New Zealand middle order, while Theekshana’s early breakthroughs ensured the hosts never got off to a flying start.

Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Kumara also chipped in with crucial wickets, applying pressure in the latter stages of the innings.

Key Moments of the Match

• Kusal Perera’s Century: Fastest T20 century by a Sri Lankan (40 balls), redefining T20 batting excellence.
• Massive Total: Sri Lanka’s 218/5 was their highest T20 score against New Zealand.
• Conway-Phillips Partnership: A fighting 90-run stand that briefly tilted the match in New Zealand’s favor.
• Hasaranga’s Double Strike: A game-changing over that broke New Zealand’s backbone.

Reactions from Players and Fans

The cricketing world welcomed Kusal Perera with the shower of words for his marvelous knock. T20 cricket produced one of its best innings courtesy Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka, skipper.

“Kusal's innings was out of the ordinary. It actually set the tone for our victory, and his fearless approach inspired the entire team.”

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson lauded Perera's brilliance while acknowledging his team's fightback:

“We tried our best, but Kusal’s innings was something special. It’s hard to stop a player in that kind of form.”

A Historic Win for Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera’s record-breaking century not only secured a thrilling victory for Sri Lanka but also reaffirmed their prowess in T20 cricket. His knock, characterized by fearless strokeplay and unmatched confidence, will be remembered as one of the finest individual performances in the format’s history.

Sri Lanka’s emphatic win sets the tone for a promising year in cricket, with the team showcasing both batting firepower and bowling depth. For fans, January 2, 2025, will forever be etched in memory as the day Kusal Perera lit up Eden Park and redefined T20 batting brilliance.