Kusal Perera creates a World Record for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Sri Lanka's top order batter Kusal Perera created a new record during the first T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla. Perera walked in to bat at No. 3 with Sri Lanka chasing a target of 136 runs to win the match.

During his knock, Perera went past Sri Lankan legend Tillakaratne Dilshan to become the highest run-scorer in T20Is for Sri Lanka. Although his innings was short-lived, Perera achieved a historic milestone in his career.

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Kusal Perera goes past Tillakaratne Dilshan to become the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera scored 23 off 17 balls and struck 2 fours and 1 six during his knock. The left-hander looked in good form but missed an arm ball from the offspinner Michael Bracewell to be trapped right in front of the stumps.

During this brief knock, he went past Tillakaratne Dilshan to become Sri Lanka's highest run-scorer in T20I cricket. Kusal Perera now has 1904 runs in 73 T20Is at an average of 27.59 and a strike rate of 132.22.

On the other hand, Dilshan has scored 1889 runs in 80 T20Is at an average of 28.19 and a strike rate of 120.54. Dilshan is still regarded as one of the best openers to have played for Sri Lanka so far.

Kusal Perera is now the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka in men's T20Is 🔝 pic.twitter.com/AsIbuXgBS1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 9, 2024

Other players on the list

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, opener Pathum Nissanka, and the legendary batter Mahela Jayawardene make up the top five in the list. Mendis has scored 1840 runs, Nissanka has scored 1541 runs while Jayawardene has 1493 runs to his name.

Kusal Perera made his T20I debut way back in 2013 but has been in and out of the side. Known for his huge amount of talent, Perera's career has been badly affected due to injuries and poor form.

Ha has also played Test and ODI cricket for his country but hasn't been able to cement his place in the team. Currently, he is only a part of Sri Lanka's T20I team. He is also known to have the shades of Sanath Jayasuriya in his batting style.

Sri Lanka takes a 1-0 lead in the series

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka won a thriller by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series. Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first on a tricky batting surface.

They lost three wickets in the powerplay as Tim Robinson, Will Young, and Mark Chapman failed to score big. However, crucial knocks from Michael Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes took them to a competitive 135.

Chasing a modest target to win, Sri Lanka did not start well either. They lost Kusal Mendis in the second over of the innings. The home team looked in trouble at one stage but skipper Charith Asalanka played a captain's knock to remain unbeaten on 35 off 28 balls.

Sri Lanka chased down the target in 19 overs with Zakary Foulkes finishing with 3-20 in 3 overs. Captain Charith Asalanka was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning unbeaten knock.