Sri Lanka finished the ODI series on a high, thrashing New Zealand by 140 runs in the final match in Auckland. After setting a solid target of 290, the visitors bowled out the hosts for just 150 in under 30 overs.
Asitha Fernando Rips Through New Zealand’s Top Order
New Zealand’s chase went off the rails early, thanks to a fiery spell from Asitha Fernando. The pacer struck three times in the powerplay, leaving New Zealand in big trouble. Matheesh Theekshana set things in motion by dismissing Will Young for a duck in the first over. Then Fernando and Ehsan Malinga joined the party, reducing New Zealand to a shocking 21/5 inside 10 overs.
Mark Chapman tried his best to keep New Zealand in the game. The left-hander scored a gritty 81 off 81 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six. But with wickets falling at the other end, he couldn’t do much on his own. New Zealand never got going, and their innings ended at 150.
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis Lead Sri Lanka’s Charge
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batters put up a solid show. Pathum Nissanka played a quick knock of 66 from 42 balls, setting the tone at the top. He partnered with Kusal Mendis (54) for an 87-run stand, putting Sri Lanka in control.
Nissanka’s innings had a bit of drama too. He reached his fifty off 31 balls but had to leave the field with a groin issue. He returned later to add a few more runs before getting out in the 37th over.
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Janith Liyanage stepped up in the second half of the innings, scoring 53 off 51 balls. His calm knock, along with some late hitting, pushed Sri Lanka to 290/8—their best score of the series.
Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 4/55. He caused problems for Sri Lanka’s batters throughout the innings, but his efforts weren’t enough to stop the visitors from putting up a big total.
Sri Lanka’s Consolation Win
New Zealand had already sealed the series with wins in the first two matches. But this win will give Sri Lanka some confidence after their struggles earlier in the series.
The batting finally clicked, and the bowlers did their job. Asitha Fernando’s deadly spell and Mark Chapman’s lone resistance were the key highlights of the game.
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