After 2006, Sri Lanka sealed their first T20I win in New Zealand, powered by Kusal Perara's maiden century in this format. The 7-run victory against the guest came after 17 long years. With this, Sri Lanka saved a whitewash, as New Zealand won the series by 2-1. Coming to bat first, Sri Lanka scored 218 runs, losing 5 wickets. Perera scored the bulk of the runs, playing a 46-ball, 101-run inning, hitting 13 boundaries and four sixers. Captain Charith Asalanka (46) has been the second highest run getter, narrowly missing his half century. Notably, Perera, with the century, set a record as the fastest T20I hundred by a Sri Lankan. On getting the man-of-the-match award, he said, "It's always a pleasure to score a 100. When I faced the first ball today, was like a wake-up call. You need to adjust to the extra bounce and conditions here. I always try to back myself and play my natural game. These conditions are helpful for the seamers, the last two games we did not get a start, once you get a start here you need to make it count. That's what I tried to do." Read also: Pat Cummins may miss Sri Lanka tour 81-run partnership in vain due to fumbled Kiwi lower order Coming to chase 219, New Zealand had a great start. Opener Tim Robinson (37) and Rachin Ravindra (69) made an 81-run partnership. Following Robinson's departure, March Chapman and Glenn Phillips left quickly, having Rachin as the sole fighter. After Rachin's departure, Daryll Mitchell tried to give a fight but got dismissed at 35. Captain Asalanka from Sri Lanka took 3 wickets but was heavily smashed by the Kiwi batters. Wahnindu Hasaranga took 2 wickets, while Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thusara had to settle with one wicket each.