Lockie Ferguson Hat-Trick Stuns Sri Lanka To Level T20I Series For New Zealand

Lockie Ferguson unleashed a blistering spell of fast bowling, claiming a hat-trick to power New Zealand to a nail-biting five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 at Dambulla on Sunday. The win levelled the two-match series at 1-1, as New Zealand managed to defend a modest target in thrilling fashion. On a pitch where spinners were expected to thrive, Ferguson defied convention with sheer pace and precision, leaving the Sri Lankan batters helpless. His fiery spell silenced the packed crowd in Dambulla, who watched in dismay as the hosts struggled to counter his lethal deliveries.

Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay had an exceptional outing, completing six dismissals -- a record in T20I cricket.

Having missed the series opener due to calf stiffness, Ferguson returned to the lineup with a vengeance, bowling with impeccable control.

His first breakthrough came when he had Kusal Perera caught behind, and he followed up with a searing yorker that trapped Kamindu Mendis plumb in front.

With the hat-trick ball, Ferguson faced captain Charith Asalanka, who attempted to 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 said. "We struggled against the pace of Ferguson."

After just two overs of destruction, Ferguson left the field with a calf injury and didn't return, but he had already done the damage, setting up New Zealand's triumph.

Ferguson shrugged off the praise, saying the win was "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 grow.

In his previous outing at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, he