Kusal Perera hits another boundary in Nelson for a career-best 101 off 46 balls and first T20 century. Photo: Getty Images Sri Lanka won the final game of the three-match series by seven runs after challenging the Black Caps to chase 219 for victory. The hosts had already wrapped up the series with two wins in the first two games in Mt Maunganui.
Overnight rain delayed the start of play in the third match by half an hour in Nelson today. A commemorative photo was taken with players and police before the match following the death of long-serving Nelson officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, killed when a struck by a vehicle while on duty early on New Year's Day. A moment of silence was also held.
After winning the toss, the Black Caps bowled first for the first time in the series. They made a breakthrough in the third over, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 14, off the bowling of Matt Henry and caught by wicketkeeper Mitch Hay who raced down to boundary to take the catch. Yet another front foot no-ball for Zak Foulkes cost New Zealand when he had Kusal Mendis out for 10 but the batter was recalled.
Captain Mitch Santner did get Mendis for 22 in the fifth over. Jacob Duffy took the third wicket after the Kiwis successfully reviewed a not out LBW decision and had Avishka Fernando out for 17. Foulkes eventually ended captain Charith Asalanka's innings on 46 after he enjoyed a 100-run partnership with Perera for the fourth wicket.
Foulkes was expensive, going for 52 runs off his four o.