New Delhi: Pacer Lockie Ferguson claimed a hat-trick to guide New Zealand to a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 at Dambulla.
The right armer’s blistering spell of fast bowling on Sunday enabled the Black Caps to level the two-match series 1-1.
New Zealand were bowled out for 108 in 19.3 overs after being sent into bat but Sri Lanka couldn’t handle Ferguson’s venomous spell and were all out for 103 in 19.5 overs.
The spinners were expected to thrive on a typical low and slow Dambulla track but Ferguson proved the general convention wrong with his disconcerting pace and accuracy, which proved too much for the Sri Lankan batters.
Kiwi wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay also enjoyed a memorable outing, setting a T20I record with six dismissals.
But the star of the show was definitely Ferguson, who returned to the side after missing out the series opener with a calf stiffness.
Hat-trick! 🤯
Lockie Ferguson has just brought this game to life with a crazy couple of overs. 🔥#SLvNZonFanCode pic.twitter.com/8wcOpjpiLQ
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 10, 2024
New Zealand lost that match by four wickets and Ferguson returned to the team, displaying superb control over his line and length.
He broke the backbone of the home team’s batting, at first inducing and edge to Hay from Kusal Perera (3), then followed up with a yorker that trapped Kamindu Mendis (1) plumb in front.
On his the hat-trick ball, Ferguson had skipper Charith Asalanka (0) caught by Hay down the leg side.
Sri Lanka never recovered from the blows after being reduced to 34/4 in the eighth over, despite the best efforts of opener Pathum Nissanka (52).
After bowling New Zealand to victory, Ferguson said it was a full team effort, even as his reputation as T20 specialist continues to get enriched.
“It spun a lot and, as quicks, we were trying to hold things up from one end – and glad it all worked for us,” he said, as quoted by AFP.
“Lockie is a world class bowler. When he bowls thunderbolts like that it is not easy to bat,” team-mate Mitchell Santner said.
New Zealand were bowled out for 108 in 19.3 overs after being sent into bat but Sri Lanka couldn’t handle Lockie Ferguson’s venomous spell and were all out for 103 in 19.5 overs. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
