SL vs NZ 1st T20I: Kusal Perera Goes Past Tillakaratne Dilshan to Become Sri Lanka's Leading Run-Scorer in T20Is

Top-order batsman Kusal Perera on Saturday (November 9) etched his name in the record books, surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan to become Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals.

Perera achieved the feat with his quickfire 23 off 17 balls as Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets in the first T20I of the two-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

The 34-year-old, who returned to the T20I squad, has now amassed 1904 runs. His knock that included 2 fours and 1 six against New Zealand took him past Dilshan's tally of 1889 runs. In 72 innings, Perera has hit 15 fifties and has been striking at 132.22. Here is a look at the top run-scorers for Sri Lanka in T20Is:

Most Runs for Sri Lanka in T20I

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

Going by the above list, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka stay on-course to make strides in the coming years altough the duo failed to make any telling contribution in Sri Lanka's run chase of 136 on Saturday (November 9).

Chasing a modest 136, Sri Lanka's batsman struggled to capitalise against the second-string visiting team. But a crucial 38-run stand for the sixth wicket between skipper Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga steadied the ship and inched the team to victory.

Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten at 35 and 11 respectively to see Sri Lanka home with an over to spare after the latter had impressed with the ball earlier in the match.

Wellalage picked three wickets in his 3.3 overs, while Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Tushara also chipped in with two wickets each as Mitchell Santner-led side were bundled out for 135.

Zakary Foulkes and Michael Bracewell were the joint top run-getters for the visitors, having scored 27 runs each as the new-look side struggled to come to terms in Dambulla.