Sri Lanka closes ODI series on a high with 140-run win against New Zealand
January 11, 2025 01:24 pm
Sri Lanka secured a 140-run victory in the third and the final match of the ODI series against New Zealand this afternoon (11) at the Eden Park, Auckland.
Sri Lanka has ended the ODI series on a high note, mirroring their path from the T20I series, however, the Kiwis have already sealed the series 2-1.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting unit, led by half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Janith Liyanage, helped post 290. Kamindu Mendis narrowly missed out on a half-century, falling four runs short.
Matt Henry’s four-wicket haul was the highlight of New Zealand’s bowling effort, with Mitchell Santner taking two wickets and Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell claiming one each.
Chasing down a big total the Kiwis never got going. The visiting Sri Lankans were all over the hosts and they picked wickets regularly and did not allow the batters to settle even for a moment.
Mark Chapman was the only one who showed some fight and managed to score 81 while the other just couldn’t do anything significant. It took the Kiwis to wait till the 8th wicket to see a 50-run stand which was knitted by Mark Chapman and Nathan Smith.
Sri Lanka’s bowling was exceptional, with the bowlers displaying outstanding discipline. They received superb support from the fielders, who were snatching every half-chance that came their way.
Asitha Fernando was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets at the top to leave the New Zealand batting unit reeling. Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana too took three each while Janith Liyanage took one as well.
