Sri Lanka ended the ODI series against New Zealand on a high note with a commanding 140-run victory, driven by blistering half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Janith Liyanage, and a devastating new-ball spell from Asitha Fernando. After setting a target of 291, Sri Lanka’s bowlers tore through New Zealand’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 150 in under 30 overs.
Batting first, Sri Lanka capitalized on an aggressive start from Nissanka, who hammered 66 off 42 balls, including five sixes and six fours. He took the attack to New Zealand’s bowlers, especially punishing short-pitched deliveries. However, his innings was cut short when he pulled a hamstring and retired hurt in the 10th over, leaving Sri Lanka in a strong position at 79 for 1.
Kusal Mendis then took over, steadying the innings with 54 off 48 balls, including two sixes and five boundaries. His composed knock came at a crucial time as Sri Lanka looked to build momentum after losing early wickets. Mendis’s runs kept the scoreboard ticking even after the fielding restrictions ended, maintaining pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.
Later in the innings, Janith Liyanage played a pivotal role with a measured 53 off 52 balls. His knock helped Sri Lanka recover after a mid-innings slowdown. Liyanage expertly guided the lower-middle order and ensured Sri Lanka batted through their full 50 overs, finishing with a competitive 290 for 8. His innings featured two sixes and three fours, providing much-needed stability.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry, did well to limit the damage in the middle and death overs. Henry’s figures of 4 for 55 included key wickets at critical moments, while Mitchell Santner bowled economically, taking 2 for 55 and playing a central role in Sri Lanka’s middle-overs slowdown.
New Zealand’s chase began disastrously. Asitha Fernando unleashed a fiery opening spell, swinging the ball prodigiously to dismantle the top order. In just five overs, he took 3 for 17, including the prized wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips. Ravindra’s dismissal stood out—a late-swinging delivery breached his defenses to rattle the leg stump. By the seventh over, New Zealand were teetering at 22 for 5, their chase in shambles.
Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga joined the onslaught, picking up three wickets each. Theekshana utilized the turning pitch to great effect, while Malinga maintained tight lines, making it nearly impossible for New Zealand to recover. Together, they wrapped up the innings with figures of 3 for 35 apiece. Despite a valiant effort from Mark Chapman, who fought hard for his run-a-ball 81, New Zealand never got close to the target. Chapman’s knock included ten boundaries, but with no support from the other end, the innings folded in the 30th over.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Asitha, were unplayable in the early stages. His spell ensured the opposition had no chance to recover, while Theekshana and Malinga cleaned up the middle and lower order efficiently. The victory highlighted Sri Lanka’s ability to seize early momentum with both bat and ball, as they wrapped up the series with a consolation win.
This emphatic performance will boost Sri Lanka’s confidence as they prepare for upcoming challenges, showcasing their potential when both their batting and bowling units click in unison.
