Twitter Reactions: Lockie Ferguson’s hat-trick anchors New Zealand to come from behind, win against Sri Lanka

Lockie Ferguson. (Source – ICC)

Sri Lanka took on New Zealand in the second T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on November 10. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl, as they thought chasing would be ideal at the venue. Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thusara were on fire from the start and bowlers picked wickets for fun. Apart from Will Young’s 30 off 32 balls, the other five batters of top six consisting of Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Mitch Hay scored just nine runs combined.

Mitchell Santner (19 off 24) and Josh Clarkson (24 off 25) played some useful cameo down the order, as New Zealand were bundled out for just 108 runs 19.3 overs. For Sri Lanka, ace spinner, Hasaranga dazzled with four for 17 as Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with three for 11 runs. Thushara and Maheesh Theekshan chipped in with two and one wicket respectively.

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While chasing, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis as he score just two runs. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis followed suit scoring just three and one run as the hosts were reeling at 34 for three. Just when the Sri Lanka were hoping to build a partnership, Lockie Ferguson trouble their batters with some sheer pace and precise line length, also taking a hat-trick in his spell.

Glenn Phillips delivers a stunning last over

Sri Lanka skipper, Charith Asalanka was dismissed for duck and Bhanuka Rajapaksa could only contribute 15 off 13. The duo who could middle the ball and churn out some runs, Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage were also outdone as they departed scoring three and one run each. Pathum Nissanka was the lone warrior as he brought up his 13th half century in 48 balls.

With 8 needed off 5 balls, Santner handed the ball to Glenn Phillips, whereas Ferguson (2/7) had two overs left and left the field due to an injury. Phillips dismisses Nissanka on the second ball and Lankans needed 7 off 4 balls. Matheesha Pathirana was stumped on the subsequent ball and the hosts lost ninth wicket. He dismissed Theekshana on the fifth ball as New Zealand won by five runs.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka: