[Watch] Lockie Ferguson claims hat-trick in SL vs NZ 2024 2nd T20I
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the second innings of the second T20I on Sunday in Dambulla. The right-arm fast bowler dismissed Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis for the first hat-trick of his career in the format.
The dismissals started in the sixth over of the innings as Ferguson nailed the yorker and Perera had to walk back after the Black Caps reviewed for a caught-behind decision. Mendis was trapped lbw on the first ball of Ferguson's next over, followed by Asalanka being caught behind off the next delivery.
The 33-year-old became the fifth Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat in T20Is after Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry.
The Kiwis were bowled out for 108 after the home side opted to field first in Dambulla as they attempted to seal the series after winning the first game convincingly. Only Will Young (30) and Josh Clarkson (24) scored above 20 runs as Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana shared seven wickets between them. Nuwan Thushara claimed two scalps, while Maheesh Theekshana took one.
New Zealand successfully defend 108 despite Lockie Ferguson bowling only two overs
Despite having outstanding figures of 2-0-7-3, the Auckland-born speedster did not bowl another over, leaving the field due to a calf strain. Despite that, Sri Lanka couldn't pull off a win as Glenn Phillips emerged as the hero for New Zealand.
With the Kiwis defending eight off the final six balls, Phillips dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Pathirana, and Theekshana to fashion a five-run victory for his team. Michael Bracewell also took two scalps, while Mitchell Santner and Zakary Foulkes snared one apiece.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka will now compete in a three-game ODI series, beginning on November 13 at the same venue.