The third and final encounter of the ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended with the Islanders winning the match by 140 runs. A solid display from the visitors with the bat and a remarkable bowling show from Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana sealed the win for Sri Lanka. The trio took 3 wickets each proved too much for the home side in the end and stopped their run chase at just 150 runs in 29.4 overs.
The only flicker of hope for the Blackcaps was Mark Chapman. However, the dynamic opener couldn’t do much amidst little support from other New Zealand batters and failed to turn the tides for the Blackcaps. However, the win is only a constellation prize for Sri Lanka as the home side had already clinched a win in the ODI series by winning the first two matches.
A determined effort from Sri Lanka with the bat
Sri Lanka appeared confident ever since the beginning of the match. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved worthy as Pathum Nissanka and top-order batter Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka a solid start. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyange were next to stabilize the Sri Lankan innings. A dedicated knock from these Sri Lankan batters helped Sri Lanka put 290 runs on board in 50 overs.
Matt Henry starred for the New Zealand bowling unit. The ace Blackcaps pacer took 4 wickets for his team and achieved a historic milestone by completing 150 wickets in his ODI career.
A dreadful display from New Zealand batters
In response, the New Zealand batters put-up a horror show with the bat. It started with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra getting dismissed early, leaving the Blackcaps two wickets down on just 4 runs. The entire New Zealand middle order crashed completely adding more concern for the Blackcaps.
The New Zealand lower order tried to support Chapman who was the only traditional batter withstanding the incoming onslaught from the Sri Lankan pace attack. Chapman’s 81-run knock off 81 balls made him a knight in shining armour of the already de-railed New Zealand innings. However, even Chapman couldn’t save the home side from a historic humiliation as was the last batter to be dismissed by Sri Lankan pacers. This is the second largest margin of victory for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the ODI format, the largest being a 189-run win in Auckland in 2007.
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Here’s how Twitter reacted
I’m pretty sure that somehow a loss will be Chapman’s fault, and that Latham will escape scrutiny for yet another failure. I’m also sure we’ll leave Chapman and Hay out of the squad, because ‘experience’ … #nzvsl
— Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) January 11, 2025
If there was a league for winning dead rubbers, we’d be World Champions noh? 🇱🇰#NZvSL
— Kithmina Hewage (@khewage1) January 11, 2025
Largest margins of victory (in terms of runs) in ODIs by Sri Lanka v New Zealand:
189 – Auckland 2007
140 – Auckland 2025
112 – Mumbai 2011 (WC)
106 – Sharjah 2001
106 – Colombo (SSC) 2001#NZvSL— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) January 11, 2025
It’s a shame that Sri Lanka wouldn’t pe playing the Champions Trophy!! One of the most improved teams in the last 8 months!! On current performances they deserve to be there more than Bangladesh!! #ChampionsTrophy2025 #NZvSL
— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) January 11, 2025
Okay I have been a SL fan ever since I know cricket. And honestly with their history as a touring team overseas, I didn’t give them a chance this series expecting them to be rolled over 6-0 across formats. So I am extremely pleased with how they have performed.#NZvSL
— Riwaj (@ReiwazAdh) January 11, 2025
First ODI win for SL at NZ after 9 Years & after 10 Winless Games
Last Win was in 31 Dec 2015Asitha Fernando should be the MOTM
That Nissanka 50 off 31 in PP when ball was doing everything was spectacularly special #NZvSL— RENESSANN (@RENESSANN) January 11, 2025
Mark Chapman the last one to be dismissed for 81
New Zealand All out for 150
Sri Lanka win by 140 Runs, NZ win the series 2-1 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/HB8CKiTFb9
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) January 11, 2025
This is good recovery from #SriLanka This man, Sanath Jayasuriya is trying to bring the old the 90s Srilankan flavor to the team. #NZvsSL
— Harish Sridhar (@timelesscricket) January 11, 2025
Credit were credit is due so well done Sri Lanka on giving us a hiding tonight but @BLACKCAPS seriously…🤔🤔
— Brendon Corlett 🇳🇿 (@BrendonCorlett1) January 11, 2025
29* 62 & 81
What a performance by Mark Chapman leading run scorers this series. 🏅#NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/opqS6Hcn7B
— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐬 🇳🇿 (@Kiwiscricketfan) January 11, 2025
Also Read: Top 5 players with most runs for New Zealand in WTC 2023-25 cycle ft. Kane Williamson & Rachin Ravindra
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