Perera, Dilshan propel Sri Lanka

Half-centuries from Kusal Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan powered Sri Lanka to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International in Pallekele on Thursday (November 21). Sri Lanka secured a 1-0 series win after the first T20I was abandoned due to rain.

Sri Lanka overhauled New Zealand's 142 for 7 with 13 balls to spare, with Perera slamming a 37-ball 57 and Dilshan remaining unbeaten on 59 off 49 balls.

Mahela Jayawardene fell leg before to Mitchell McClenaghan for three in the second over before Dilshan and Perera put on a 96-run stand for the second wicket. Dilshan hit eight boundaries while Perera's knock was studded with six fours and two sixes.

Luke Ronchi's cameo of 34 from 25 balls helped New Zealand, sent in to bat by Sri Lanka, recover from 62 for 4 in the 11th over to post 142.

Ronchi added 31 alongside Colin Munro (17) for the fifth wicket and another 45 for the sixth wicket with Nathan McCullum.

McCullum struck three boundaries in his 16-ball 26 while Ronchi's knock included three fours and a six.

The loss concluded New Zealand's limited-overs tour. The three-match One-Day International series ended in a 1-1 draw after rain washed out the first ODI.