NEW DELHI: Paceman Lockie Ferguson was at his brutal best on Sunday as his fiery spell that included a hat-trick helped New Zealand defend their lowest target in men's T20I against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday.
After the Kiwis were shot out for 108, Ferguson delivered a perfect two-over spell to decisively swing the game in his side's favour.
The incredible Ferguson hat-trick was spread across two overs as the 33-year-old ran through the Lanka middle order in their chase of 109.
Ferguson first got rid of Kusal Perera on the final ball of the Powerplay after his quick yorker from round the wicket got the the outside edge of the bat with keeper Mitch Hay taking an excellent catch behind the stumps.
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Then in the following 8th over, Ferguson trapped Kamindu Mendis right in front of the stumps with a pacy 143kph delivery. Although Mendis did sent the decision upstairs but the on-field was held.
On the second ball of the over, Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka had a soft dismissal as he was caught down the leg side to hand the Kiwi quick a hat-trick.
With three wickets in three balls, Ferguson became the sixth Kiwi bowler to bag a hat-trick in T20Is.
Jacob Oram vs Sri Lanka in 2009
Tim Southee vs Pakistan in 2010
Michael Bracewell vs Ireland in 2022
Tim Southee vs India in 2022
Matt Henry vs Pakistan in 2023
Lockie Ferguson vs SRi Lanka in 2024
In the chase of 109, only three Lanka batters touched double-digit scores as New Zealand on the thriller by 5 runs.
Ferguson finished with incredible figures of 2-0-7-3.
Off-spinner Glenn Phillips also bagged a three-fer for the BlackCaps.
