A quick-fire maiden T20 century for Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera set New Zealand the highest run chase in T20 internationals and the home side came close - but could not get over the line. Sri Lanka won the final game of the three-match series by seven runs after challenging New Zealand to chase 219 for victory. New Zealand 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 officers before the match following the death of long-serving Nelson police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming on Wednesday. A moment of silence was also held.
After winning the toss the New Zealand bowled first for the first time in the series and made a breakthrough in the third over with the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka for 14 off the bowling of Matt Henry 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 New Zealand 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 had a 100 run partnership with Perera for the fourth wicket. Foulkes was expensive, going for 52 r.
