Ferguson Hat-trick Turns Series on its Head

Lockie Ferguson stunned Sri Lanka with a hat-trick while Glenn Phillips picked three wickets in the 20th over to secure a thrilling 5-run win for New Zealand. The victory gave the visitors a chance to level the series.

Sri Lanka's star bowler Wanindu Hasaranga nearly dismantled the New Zealand lineup with 4-17 in four overs. Matthew Pathirana backed him with 3-11 in three overs to bowl out New Zealand for 108. Half-centurion Pathum Nissanka gave the hosts a glimmer of hope but Glenn Phillips defended eight runs in the final over to send Sri Lanka back.

In the first innings, Nuwan Thusara sent New Zealand into a tailspin with two early wickets. Hasaranga outfoxed Will Young with a googly, and Michael Bracewell was undone by a leg spinner, leaving New Zealand at 45 for 5. Hasaranga finished with a 4-wicket haul.

New Zealand's comeback was brief as Matthew Pathirana picked up where Hasaranga left off. The hosts managed to stay afloat, but their hopes were dashed when Glenn Phillips bowled three wickets in the death overs to seal the match.

In the second innings, Lockie Ferguson set the tone with a hat-trick. Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka gave them hope with 52 runs, but Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten with 3-6 and had Matheesha Pathirana stumped on the penultimate ball to seal the victory.

Brief Scores

• New Zealand: 108 in 19.3 overs
• Sri Lanka: 109 (Pathum Nissanka 52; Lockie Ferguson 3-7, Glenn Phillips 3-6)