New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson (second left) celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket. — AFP

Lockie Ferguson delivered a fiery spell of fast bowling, securing a hat trick to propel New Zealand to a thrilling five-run win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 at Dambulla on Sunday. This victory tied the two-match series at 1-1, as New Zealand successfully defended a modest target in an exhilarating finish. On a pitch where spinners were anticipated to dominate, Ferguson defied expectations with his sheer pace and accuracy, leaving the Sri Lankan batters struggling to cope. His blistering performance silenced the packed crowd in Dambulla, who watched in dismay as the hosts found it difficult to counter his lethal deliveries.

Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay had a remarkable game, recording six dismissals—a record in T20I cricket. Ferguson, who had missed the series opener due to calf stiffness, returned with a vengeance, bowling with impeccable control. His first breakthrough came when he dismissed Kusal Perera, and he followed up with a searing yorker that trapped Kamindu Mendis. With the hat trick ball, Ferguson faced captain Charith Asalanka, who attempted a flick but was caught by the keeper down the leg side.

"It was a case of good bowling and good fielding by New Zealand," Asalanka acknowledged. "We struggled against the pace of Ferguson." After just two overs of destruction, Ferguson left the field with a calf injury and did not return, but his impact was already made, setting the stage for New Zealand's triumph. Ferguson modestly attributed the win to "a full team effort." "It spun a lot and, as quicks, we were trying to hold things up from one end—and glad it all worked for us," he said.

Ferguson's reputation as a T20 specialist continues to soar. In his previous appearance at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, he bowled four consecutive maidens, capturing three wickets without conceding a run. His heroics in Dambulla will undoubtedly make him a sought-after player in the upcoming IPL auction. "Lockie is a world-class bowler," said teammate Mitchell Santner. "When he bowls thunderbolts like that, it's not easy to bat."

For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka fought valiantly. Ranked eighth among T20 batters in the ICC rankings, he scored his 13th half-century, nearly guiding Sri Lanka to victory. With just eight runs needed off the final over, Nissanka faced Glenn Phillips, but his shot failed to clear the long-on fielder, ending his valiant 52 off 51 balls, which included six boundaries.

Earlier, Sri Lanka's bowlers had restricted New Zealand to 108 runs in 19.3 overs. Nuwan Thushara provided a sensational start, claiming two wickets in his opening two overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga dominated the middle order, picking up four scalps. Matheesha Pathirana then mopped up the tail, finishing with three wickets. However, Sri Lanka's fielding faltered, conceding 19 extras, including 11 byes, which proved decisive.

Sri Lanka had won the first game on Saturday by four wickets. The two teams will now turn their attention to a three-match ODI series, starting with the first game at Dambulla on Wednesday, before moving to Pallekele.

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