Mitchell Santner now collects the trophy gracefully and heads towards his teammates who await their skipper behind the winner's board. The entire New Zealand squad now poses for the commemorative photographs. The Kiwis have kicked off men's international cricketing calendar in 2025 with a victory. And that wraps up a thrilling three-match T20I series, with New Zealand emerging as deserving 2-1 winners. The focus now shifts to the 50-over format as both teams gear up for an intriguing three-match ODI series. The action moves to Basin Reserve, Wellington for the series opener on Sunday, January 5th, with the first delivery scheduled for 10 pm GMT on the previous day. Until we meet again, goodbye and take care!

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka says that it was a good win for them and throughout the series, they have played some good cricket but couldn't cross the line. On being asked about bringing himself to bowl, he says that he had the experience to bowl in home conditions, but didn't bowled a lot overseas. Also says that they had to try since they were a bowler short. About their approach for the ODI series, Asalanka mentions that it is a momentum shift for them with this win and they would be trying hard to adapt to the situation. Also congratulates their opponents and says that New Zealand has played fantastic cricket and he hopes that Sri Lanka will do better in the ODIs. On Perera's century, he says that he has no words to describe that knock and ends up saying that it is only after 2011 or so that they have got a T20I century, so it is really special for the team.

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner is up for a quick chat. He says the surface was tough on the bowlers and Sri Lanka did better. Mentions that it is great to see such a massive turnup from the crowd. Reckons that there are a lot of positives and despite a defeat in this contest they did not do much wrong here.

Jacob Duffy is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his impactful bowling performances throughout this T20I series. He says that it is a proud moment to represent the country and play in front of this fantastic crowd. Mentions that the ball did come out his hand well throughout the series and the backing from the management and the skipper has helped him a lot.

Kusal Perera is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his explosive knock of 101 runs off just 46 deliveries. He says that it's a pleasure whenever you score a hundred for your country. Says that when he went to bat, he copped a blow on the helmet and wasn't expecting that, but it kind of gave him a wake-up call. Mentions that normally subcontinent tracks are effective for spinners but fast bowlers dominate in this part of the world. Adds that they got starts in the last two matches but couldn't finish the game. Also mentions that their coach said once you get the start, try and finish the game and ends by saying that's what he tried to do in this game.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Earlier, Sri Lankan batters went on a rampage, with Kusal Perera leading the charge with his maiden T20I century. The visitors started cautiously but soon shifted gears, taking advantage of some wayward bowling and a poor fielding effort from the Kiwis. Perera's 101 was the highlight of the innings, with Charith Asalanka providing valuable support with a 46-run knock. Mendis, Avishka, and Pathum Nissanka got starts but couldn't carry on for long. The New Zealand bowling unit had an off-day, serving up too many 'hit-me' deliveries that the Sri Lankan batters gleefully accepted. Each of the Kiwi bowlers, including Duffy, Henry, Foulkes, Santner, and Mitchell, managed to take only one wicket each.

The Sri Lankan bowlers had a shaky start, with both spinners going for plenty in their initial spells. However, Charith Asalanka bowled exceptionally well, taking 3 wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga took 2 wickets in the final over of his spell while Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara also chipped in with a wicket each.

New Zealand's chase of a massive total got off to a flying start, with the opening pair adding 81 runs for the first wicket. The Kiwi openers were aggressive in the Powerplay, scoring 63 runs off the first 6 overs. However, the Kiwis lost their way in the middle phase, losing wickets in quick succession. Despite a valiant effort from Daryl Mitchell, who took the attack to Charith Asalanka in the 15th over, the Sri Lankan bowlers regained control and closed out the game. Rachin Ravindra top-scored for the Kiwis with 69, while Daryl Mitchell and Robinson played useful knocks, but ultimately, it was not enough.

Sri Lanka secured a thrilling 7-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I, but it is the Kiwis that take the silverware with a 2-1 series win.

Sri Lanka have been penalized as they couldn't complete these 20 overs in time. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the inner ring, with only 4 outside the circle. Binura Fernando to wrap things off.

With New Zealand requiring 36 runs, Nuwan Thushara to bowl the penultimate over. He is 3-0-20-1 so far.