Kusal Perera Surpasses Tillakaratne Dilshan To Become Sri Lanka's Leading T20I Run-Scorer

Kusal Perera made history on November 9 by becoming Sri Lanka's top run-scorer in T20 Internationals, surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan. This achievement came during Sri Lanka's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I of their two-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Perera's quick 23 runs off 17 balls helped him reach a total of 1904 runs in T20Is, overtaking Dilshan's 1889 runs. In his career spanning 72 innings, Perera has scored 15 fifties with a strike rate of 132.22. His performance against New Zealand included two fours and one six.

• Kusal Perera: 1904 runs in 72 innings
• Tillakaratne Dilshan: 1889 runs in 79 innings
• Kusal Mendis: 1840 runs in 74 innings
• Pathum Nissanka: 1541 runs in 57 innings
• Mahela Jayawardene: 1493 runs in 55 innings

Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka are expected to continue making progress, although they did not significantly contribute to Sri Lanka's chase of a modest target of 136 against New Zealand on November 9.

Sri Lanka faced challenges while chasing the target set by New Zealand's second-string team. However, a vital partnership of 38 runs for the sixth wicket between Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga was crucial for their win.

Asalanka remained unbeaten with a score of 35, while Dunith Wellalage contributed an unbeaten 11 to secure the victory with an over remaining. Wellalage had earlier impressed with his bowling, taking three wickets in his spell.

The bowling attack was supported by Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Tushara, who each claimed two wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for just 135 under Mitchell Santner's leadership.

Zakary Foulkes and Michael Bracewell emerged as the top scorers for New Zealand with each scoring 27 runs. The visiting team struggled to adapt to the conditions in Dambulla.