Indian bowlers were frustrated with the dominant second wicket partnership for Sri Lanka, as the Lankans were seemed to be comfortably snatching the win in the dead rubber Super Fours match in the Asia Cup 2025. Finally, the Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy brought the crucial breakthrough for the Men in Blues by dismissing one of the dangerous batters, experienced Kusal Perera. 

Asia Cup 2025 (Super Fours), India vs Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera thrashed all Indian bowlers

Sri Lanka are chasing the 203-run target in the last game of the Super Fours in the Asia Cup 2025. Although India got an early wicket, as the opener Kusal Mendis was dismissed for a golden duck in the first over of the innings after Hardik Pandya took that wicket, another opener Pathum Nissanka and the no.3 batter Kusal Perera changed the atmosphere of the game with their powerful second-wicket partnership. These two Lankan batters spared none of the Indian bowlers.

In less than 12 overs of the second wicket partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, they added 127 runs. It was the record T20I partnership for Sri Lanka for any wicket against India, while their previous record against India was the 109-run second wicket partnership between Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga during the 2017 Indore T20I.

WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar makes funny stumble while talking about how Pakistan's best chance against India in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Varun Chakaravarthy broke the dangerous partnership

While Nissanka and Perera were both charging against the Indian bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav suddenly put a break in the 12th over, as the required run rate pressured the set Lankan partnership. It ultimately worked for the Indian team, as Varun Chakaravarthy produced the key wicket for India by dismissing Perera. Under pressure Perera went to attack the Indian spinner and came down the pitch, while the Lankan batter completely missed that ball, and the Indian keeper Sanju Samson comfortably stumped out Perera. Perera left the ground after scoring 58 runs off 32 balls with eight fours and one six, while Nissanka's presence still put the Lankan team in the upper hand in the game. 

Kusal Perera outfoxed and how! 🥵

Watch #INDvSL, Live now on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. pic.twitter.com/IycRY0Kneu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 26, 2025

The Pakistan team will be under pressure heading into this game. They lost to India in the last game by 6 wickets despite a strong show with the bat. The bowling attack struggled to contain the Indians and threw away the game. They failed to defend the target of 172 runs. 

On the other hand, it is a must-win game for the Sri Lankan team. The Sri Lankan skipper will be upset with the 4-wicket loss against Bangladesh in the last game. They failed to defend the target of 169 runs. 

PAK vs SL Match Details

Date: 23rd September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

PAK vs SL Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women ODI: PK-W vs SA-W Prediction– 3rd ODI Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters PAK vs SL

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) - 146 runs in this tournament 

• Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) - 132 runs in this tournament 

• Kusal Mendis (SL) - 122 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler PAK vs SL

• Nuwan Thushara (SL) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

• Saim Ayub (PAK) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

PAK vs SL Recent Performance

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 170-180 runs

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2- If the PAK bats first

• First Innings score prediction- PAK is expected to score 145-165 runs.

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 3 wickets 

PAK vs SL Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan (PAK) Playing XI 

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed

PAK vs SL Complete Squad

Sri Lanka - 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

Pakistan -

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Sri Lanka to win

We predict that Sri Lanka will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key players to watch out for.

Sri Lanka finished at the top of the Group B point table with 3 wins, and they have not lost a single game. Their net run rate stood at +1.278. Sri Lanka had a strong showing in the group stage, and they will be motivated to carry this momentum into the Super Four as well.

Bangladesh finished second in the Group B point table with two wins and a loss. Their single loss came against Sri Lanka, and that will be a point of discussion for the team before the match. Their net run rate stood at -0.270. They won their last group stage match against Afghanistan.

SL vs BAN Match Details

Date: 20th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Ground

Live Streaming: Fancode  

SL vs BAN Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: IRE vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 2nd T20I?

Top Batters SL vs BAN

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) - 124 runs in this tournament 

• Litton Das (BAN) - 96 runs in this tournament 

• Kusal Mendis (SL) - 88 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler SL vs BAN

• Nuwan Thushara (SL) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

• Rishad Hossain (BAN) - 4 wickets in this tournament 

• Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) - 4 wickets in this tournament 

SL vs BAN Recent Performance

SL vs BAN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 170-185 runs

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 30-40 runs

Scenario 2- If the BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 140-160 runs.

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 4 wickets 

SL vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara.

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI 

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (wk/c), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Narul Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman

SL vs BAN Complete Squad

Sri Lanka - 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

Bangladesh -

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

SL vs BAN Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Sri Lanka to win

We predict that Sri Lanka will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key players to watch out for.

Sri Lanka star Kusal Perera took a stunning catch right in front of the boundary rope. Using field awareness and reflections, Perera not only saved an over boundary but also completed the catch to dismiss Afghanistan middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli.

During the 3rd ball of the 11th over of the first innings, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera delivered an outside off-stump delivery with some extra bounce. The right-handed batter played a cut shot over the point region to find the fence. The ball was about to fly over Perera, but he stretched his body and grabbed the ball, with one foot on the ground. He had to throw the ball up to regain his balance. After throwing the ball up,

Perera went outside the boundary rope and then returned back inside the rope to complete the catch. The third umpire checked the inside, and it was absolutely fine to declare that out. Afghanistan fans present in the gallery were stunned, and there was immense joy for the Sri Lankan cricket fans. 

Read More: Zaheer Khan parts ways with LSG ahead of IPL 2026

Kushal Perera lost his balance but took the catch cleanly 

Watch the stunning catch here 

A stunner from Kusal Perera to send Darwish Rasooli packing 🚶

Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/92tcWhs8dC

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025

The first innings of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 match was a rollercoaster ride for both of the teams. Afghanistan started the first innings well, but Sri Lanka bowlers quickly captured the momentum and did not allow them to score runs freely in the middle overs. But in the closing moments of the innings, Mohammad Nabi's stormy innings pushed Afghanistan's total to 169. He smashed 5 sixes back to back and made the match more interesting. 

The first innings of the game contains multiple remarkable moments, including the stunning catch of Kusal Perera. 

In the 11th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka will meet their newly built rivals, Afghanistan. SL vs AFG is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The two teams have met on 8 occasions in the past, and Sri Lanka holds an advantage with 5 wins against Afghanistan.

After struggling for more than a decade, Sri Lanka is finally witnessing an uprising and an improvement in their quality of cricket. They currently stand at the top of the Group B point table with 2 wins, and their net run rate stands at +1.546. A win will guarantee Sri Lanka a confirmed spot in the next round. 

SL vs AFG Match Details

Date: 18th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

SL vs AFG Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 11th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters SL vs AFG

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) - 118 runs in this tournament 

• Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) - 83 runs in this tournament 

• Sediqullah Atal (AFG) - 73 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler SL vs AFG

• Noor Ahmad (AFG) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Dushmantha Chameera (SL) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Rashid Khan (AFG) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

SL vs AFG Recent Performance

SL vs AFG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 150-165 runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 5-10 runs

Scenario 2- If the SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 135-145 runs.

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 4 wickets 

SL vs AFG Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka (PAK) Playing XI 

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

SL vs AFG Complete Squad

Sri Lanka - 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

Afghanistan -

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

SL vs AFG Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Rashid Khan, Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai will be key players to watch out for.

Sri Lanka has started their campaign with a win against their arch-rivals, Bangladesh. It was a comfortable win for the team, where their batters played an important role while chasing the score. Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 50 runs off 34 balls. 

On the other hand, Hong Kong has been part of 2 fixtures in the tournament, and unfortunately, they have not won a single game. It has been a failure on the part of the players, and now the team has bleak chances to reach the next round in the tournament. 

SL vs HK Match Details

Date: 15th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

SL vs HK Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: UAE vs OMN Today Match Prediction– 7th Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters SL vs HK

• Babar Hayat (HK) - 53 runs in this tournament 

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) - 50 runs in this tournament 

• Kamil Mishara (SL) - 46 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler SL vs HK

• Ayush Shukla (HK) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Ateeq Iqbal (HK) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

SL vs HK Recent Performance

SL vs HK Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 155-170 runs

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 20-35 runs

Scenario 2- If the HK bats first

• First Innings score prediction- HK is expected to score 125-140 runs.

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 4 wickets 

SL vs HK Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.

Hong Kong (HK) Playing XI 

Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal.

SL vs HK Complete Squad

Sri Lanka - 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

Hong Kong -

Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed, Ehsan Khan.

SL vs HK Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Sri Lanka to win

We predict that Sri Lanka will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key players to watch out for.

Bangladesh had an excellent start to the tournament, winning their opening match by seven wickets against Hong Kong. They successfully chased down the target of 144 runs. Captain Litton Das was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 59 runs off 39 balls. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain took two wickets in the bowling department.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s recent form in T20 cricket has been far from steady, with just two wins in their last five matches. They lost a home series 1-2 against Bangladesh and even suffered a shock defeat to Zimbabwe earlier this month, bowled out for just 80.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Date: 13th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

BAN vs SL Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: T20 Blast 2025: LAN vs SOM Prediction– 1st Semi-Final, Who will win today?

Top Batters BAN vs SL

• Litton Das (BAN) - 59 runs in this tournament 

• Towhid Hridoy (BAN) - 35 runs in this tournament 

• Parvez Hossain (BAN) - 19 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler BAN vs SL

• Rishad Hossain (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Taskin Ahmed (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Tanzim Hasan (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

BAN vs SL Recent Performance

BAN vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 170-180 runs

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 15-20 runs

Scenario 2- If the BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 145-155 runs.

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 3 wickets 

BAN vs SL Predicted Playing XI

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI 

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera.

BAN vs SL Complete Squad

Bangladesh - 

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

Sri Lanka -

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

BAN vs SL Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Sri Lanka to win

We predict that Sri Lanka will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key players to watch out for.

In the dynamic world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), speed is crucial when it comes to runs. The fastest fifties are among the most exciting achievements in the game. Reaching a fifty in record time is incredibly demoralizing for the opposition, and enthusiasm is contagious when the batting side is showing speed. Scoring the ball in national conditions requires courage and intent, impeccable timing, and, of course, complete confidence.

Throughout the years, there have been many players, and a select few have achieved incredible striking speeds, managing to grab a place in the history books by completing half-centuries in no time. These players certainly bring a new level of scratch to the way we play ODIs in the modern era. Here are the top six fastest fifties in ODI history; each time the batsman surprised the cricketing world with their powerful hitting.

AB de Villiers – 16 Balls vs West Indies, 2015

South African batter AB de Villiers is also the holder of the record for the fastest ODI fifty, scored in just 16 balls. What made this resulting innings so iconic was the fact it came against the West Indies in Johannesburg and the relentless pace of his innings. In some few short minutes he plundered 8 sixes and 4 fours, taking on the West Indies bowlers erratically.

De Villiers' pyrotechnics, along with trembling heart rates, made for a performance that we will remember for years to come. He managed to score 149 off 44 balls, with 31 of those balls being the fastest ODI hundred. It is not an understatement to say this is considered one of the greatest ever exhibitions of batting within the ODI format.

Matthew Forde—16 Balls vs Ireland, 2025

On May 23, 2025, West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde shocked the cricketing world with a stunning 16-ball fifty against Ireland at Castle Avenue, Dublin. Coming in at number eight, Forde went on a rampage, scoring 58 off just 19 balls, which included two fours and eight sixes, all the while equaling AB de Villiers' record for the fastest ODI fifty. His late strike pushed West Indies to 352/8. Forde's explosive batting changed the game and showed his ability to transform it in a matter of minutes. This knock was his entry on the global stage, and he arrived in style.

Sanath Jayasuriya—17 Balls vs Pakistan, 1996

You would have to go as far back as Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya to observe batting of that nature in quite possibly ODI cricket history. Jayasuriya was known for swinging hard and hitting for distance. During this innings against Pakistan, we saw 17 balls hammered for 5 fours and 3 sixes in Singapore. By any measure, the degree of aggressive batting in the early overs was unheard of in 1996, which is why Jayasuriya is known as a pioneer of this style of batting.

His power and sentiment helped dictate the future successful batting performances of Sri Lanka throughout the mid-90s era. Jayasuriya's innings and attitude at the top of this batting also helped shape the way ODIs were played in the future and changed batting. His style of aggressive batting has shaped how younger generations have also played.

Also Read: IRE vs WI: West Indies’ Matthew Forde smashes joint-fastest fifty in ODI history

Kusal Perera – 17 Balls vs Bangladesh, 2014

Kusal Perera, another dynamic left-handed Sri Lankan batsman, achieved a record of his own by equalling Jayasuriya's feat of also scoring a fifty in 17 balls vs. Bangladesh. Opening the innings, Kusal operated from his first ball and put pressure on the bowlers. Kusal struck 9 fours and 1 six in explosive innings. This inning further confirmed his dominance early in the innings and set up the Sri Lankans in what was a big win that day.

He has often received comparisons in the past two due to each of their fearless approaches to the game. Kusal has also continued his dominance early in the innings for Sri Lankan cricket, where he continues to be a big player for the limited-overs format.

Liam Livingstone—17 Balls v Netherlands, 2022

England's Liam Livingstone joined this elite group by scoring a fifty in 17 balls against the Netherlands in 2022, hitting the ball with power and confidence all around the wicket, indulging in all forms of explosive power-hitting. Livingstone's innings included 6 sixes to show an incredible amount of strength and timing, as the wickets made no difference.

His innings allowed England to reach a world record ODI score of 498 runs. Unsurprisingly, Livingstone is known for his fearless approach to the game and personifies the more dynamic and aggressive format that England has moved towards in recent years. I thought his fast fifty was a great example of the aggressive attitude modern-day cricket demands.

Kusal Perera's Record-Breaking Century Shines in Consolation Victory

In a game where New Zealand had already clinched the series, Kusal Perera played very well in the final T20 match in Nelson with an amazing 101 runs off just 46 deliveries against New Zealand. The man was doing amazingly well, hitting 13 fours and 4 sixes, and he raced to his hundred in only 44 balls, which is the fastest ever by a Sri Lankan in T20s.

Thanks to Perera, Sri Lanka achieved a strikingly large score of 218/5. Charith Asalanka, the team leader, also played a vitally important role and scored a quick 46 from 24 balls, which included hitting the ball very far five times. Perera's amazing play wasn't simply about the runs  it showed that Sri Lanka wasn't giving up without a fight.

Perera was very fortunate he didn't get out two times, first when he had only 15 runs and later when he hit 60. Despite those close calls, he kept going and ended up playing a very special game in T20 for Sri Lanka. He teamed up with Avishka Fernando for a wonderful 41 runs and then went on to add over a hundred runs with Asalanka, helping their team post a solid score.

However, just before the match was about to end, in the second-last over, Perera's time at the crease was cut short when Rachin Ravindra caught him out from Daryl Mitchell's delivery.

🚨 FIRST CENTURION OF 2025. 🚨

- Kusal Perera smashed 101 (46) with 13 fours and 4 sixes Vs New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/xKIFN9MdHy

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 2, 2025

Sri Lanka's Sparkling Start and New Zealand's Fielding Brilliance

In the game, Sri Lanka decided to be the first to bat, which was a first for them in the series. They began very well, getting 24 in just the first three overs. Then, something spectacular happened. Mitchell Hay pulled off an amazing play in the field. Hay ran after a ball that flew high towards the edge, jumped to catch it, threw it in play before he went out of bounds, and then caught it again.

Because of Hay's amazing catch, Pathum Nissanka had to leave the game with only 14 runs.

Perera dominated, making it utterly hard or difficult for New Zealand to catch up. Even though Kusal Mendis got out quickly after scoring 22 in 16 balls because Michael Bracewell caught him very nicely off Mitch Santner's play, it didn't throw off Sri Lanka. They remained calm, mostly thanks to Perera's amazing performance.

This win was a morale booster for Sri Lanka, showcasing their potential and resilience, even in the face of a lost series.

ALSO READ:Rohit's Place or Gill's Form: India’s Tough Call for Sydney Test

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on December 30, 2024, Sri Lanka had a strong chance to level the series and create history. Chasing 187, they were 69 runs away from victory with seven wickets in hand after 14 overs, a scenario that was quite promising. Kusal Perera’s brilliant batting gave Sri Lanka hope as they aimed to pull off a thrilling win, which would have tied the series at 1-1. At that stage, the Sri Lankan team seemed confident of chasing down the target.

It's all on at Bay Oval! How things stand with six overs remaining in the Sri Lanka chase. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/7h7R8dYvTv 📲 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GNJmHYttUx

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 30, 2024

Kusal Perera's exceptional knock of 48 from 35 balls gave the team a solid chance to pull off an historic victory.He tackled New Zealand’s bowlers with ease, delivering boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. With him at the crease, Sri Lanka seemed to be building a solid platform to chase down New Zealand's total. His resilience was evident as he played through some challenging moments and looked set to guide his team to victory.

The Turning Point: Perera’s Dismissal

However, things took a sharp turn when Perera was dismissed. His departure marked the start of Sri Lanka’s collapse, and momentum quickly shifted in favor of New Zealand. Jacob Duffy, a standout performer for the BlackCaps, claimed 4/15, continuing his excellent form. Sri Lanka, once in control, lost wickets rapidly, and the chase unraveled. New Zealand’s bowlers seized on Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities, maintaining pressure with every over, ultimately guiding their team to victory as the match slipped away from Sri Lanka.

After Perera’s wicket, the Sri Lankan middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships, and the required run rate started to climb. Despite a valiant effort from other batsmen, the task proved too difficult. New Zealand's bowlers bowled with precision, and the fielding was sharp, making it increasingly hard for Sri Lanka to get back on track. In the end, Sri Lanka’s hopes were dashed, and they lost the match, leaving New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge Ahead

This defeat leaves Sri Lanka with a tough task in the final match of the series.they will need to put in a complete performance. While Kusal Perera’s innings was the bright spot for Sri Lanka, the collapse afterward highlights the fragile nature of their batting lineup. The team will need to regroup and find a way to sustain pressure throughout the entire innings in the upcoming match.

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New Zealand’s Upper Hand in the Series

For New Zealand, this victory strengthens their position in the series and gives them the upper hand. Their bowling attack, especially after Perera's dismissal, showed their depth and ability to recover under pressure. The Kiwis will look to maintain their momentum in the final match to secure a clean sweep series win, while Sri Lanka will be hoping to bounce back with a more complete performance.