Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera was pleased with his performance as he hit a career-best 101 to secure a consolation victory in the final T20I of their tour of New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday.

New Zealand had already wrapped up the series, having won the first two matches, but couldn't prevent Sri Lanka here as the visitors scored 218-5 in their 20 overs compared to 211-7 from the hosts.

But Perera managed four sixes and 13 fours as he registered the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, though he had been initially shaken by the first ball from Zak Foulkes, which was edged towards third man.

"It was a wake-up call, so I had to back myself and try to execute my normal game," Perera said.

"The coach had said 'once you get a start you have to finish the game', so that's why I was trying to do my best."

No other batter for the visitors managed to top 50, although captain Charith Asalanka (46) was next-highest, having held a 100-run partnership with Perera.

Aslanka said after the victory that he always felt his side were capable of beating New Zealand, despite losing the opening two matches.

"It's a good win for us. Throughout the series we have played good cricket but couldn't manage to get a win and finally we got it," he said.

Sri Lanka take the win in the final KFC T20I. Rachin Ravindra (69), Tim Robinson (37) and Daryl Mitchell (35) contributing to a close chase in Nelson. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/UzJ3jpZKSC #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/6Qj7PyCUpb
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 2, 2025

New Zealand were able to maintain the required 11-an-over run rate, with Rachin Ravindra hitting 69 off 39 balls. Part-time bowler Asalanka also claimed 3-25 off his first three overs before finishing with 3-50.

Ultimately, the home side fell short, despite Tim Robinson adding 37 off 21 deliveries and Daryl Mitchell hammering 35 off 17, including four sixes, in the final over by Asalanka.

Sri Lanka were able to hold on for only their second victory in their last 10 T20Is in Oceania, having last beaten Afghanistan in Brisbane in 2022.

Following the match, New Zealand bowler and Man of the Series Jacob Duffy spoke about being pleased to contribute to the series win, having not played more than four T20Is in a year until 2024.

"I think it's just nice to be able to contribute towards the New Zealand team," he said.

"I've sort of been around a while now, doing little bits here and there without probably really any genuine and match-winning contributions. To have that sort of impact on a game and a series is pretty special and hopefully more to come.

"I guess in my role, sitting behind Tim [Southee] for a long time, you might get a game here or two games here. You just don't quite get the comfort at an international level.

"So to get a whole series and go out and perform and start feeling a little bit more at home, that's got a huge sort of mental positive for me. So hopefully more of that to come in ODI series. I'm just hungry for more international cricket."