Kusal Perera surpasses Tillakaratne Dilshan to become Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in T20Is

Kusal Perera has overtaken former opener Tillakaratne Dilshan to become Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in T20Is. The 34-year-old achieved this milestone during the opening match of the two-game T20I series against New Zealand on Saturday (Nov. 9), at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

Coming in at No. 3, Perera scored 23 off 17 balls, including two boundaries and a six. In the process, he surpassed Dilshan’s record of 1,889 runs to become Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in T20Is, amassing 1,904 runs in 73 matches, with 15 fifties to his name.

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Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis holds third place with 1,840 runs, while Pathum Nissanka is fourth with 1,541 runs. Former captain Mahela Jayawardene completes the top five with 1,493 runs.

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I

The Black Caps won the toss and opted to bat first, but they did not get off to a good start, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Tim Robinson (3), Will Young (19) and Mark Chapman (1) all failed to make an impact.

Glenn Phillips contributed a run-a-ball 13, while Michael Bracewell added 27 off 24 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Captain Mitchell Santner scored 16, and later in the innings, Zakary Foulkes remained unbeaten on 27 off 16 balls. Despite these efforts, the visitors were bowled out for 135 in 19.3 overs.

Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana each claimed two wickets.

In reply, Santner dismissed Kusal Mendis for a duck off five balls. Pathum Nissanka made 19, while Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs each. Captain Charith Asalanka, alongside Hasaranga (22), put together a vital 38-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Asalanka remained unbeaten on 35 off 28 balls, leading his team to a four-wicket victory with six balls to spare.