Sri Lanka ended the ODI series on a high note with a 140-run victory over New Zealand in the third and final match.

The win was a much-needed morale boost for the visitors, who dominated the game with both bat and ball. 

The batting unit, led by a series-high score of 290, set the stage, while the bowlers, spearheaded by Asitha Fernando, ruthlessly dismantled New Zealand’s chase.

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Sri Lanka’s Batting: Setting a Competitive Target

Sri Lanka’s innings began with an aggressive approach as openers laid a solid foundation. Pathum Nissanka and his partner added a quickfire 69-run stand, putting the opposition on the back foot.

Nissanka, in particular, was the star of the top order, smashing a 42-ball 66 that included a flurry of boundaries.

After the dismissal of the openers, Kusal Mendis stepped up to keep the momentum going.

Mendis contributed a crucial 54, forming an 87-run partnership with Nissanka, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position. Although Nissanka fell at a critical juncture while attempting to accelerate, the middle-order batters took charge.

Janith Liyanage played a pivotal role in the latter half of the innings, scoring a composed 53. His half-century ensured Sri Lanka capitalized on the strong start, pushing their total to an imposing 290/8. Matt Henry stood out for New Zealand with the ball, claiming figures of 4 for 55.

Asitha Fernando’s Magic: New Zealand Stunned in the Powerplay

New Zealand’s chase began disastrously, with Matheesh Theekshana setting the tone in the first over by dismissing Will Young for a duck. 

The early blow opened the floodgates as Asitha Fernando wreaked havoc in the powerplay. Fernando’s fiery spell saw him pick up three wickets, reducing New Zealand to a dismal 21/5 within the first ten overs.

Ehsan Malinga also joined the party, further compounding the hosts’ woes. The collapse left New Zealand reeling with little hope of staging a comeback.

Mark Chapman’s Lone Fight in a Losing Cause

While most of New Zealand’s lineup crumbled under pressure, Mark Chapman showed resilience with a valiant knock.

The middle-order batter scored a gritty 81, more than half his team’s total. His innings included powerful strokes and provided brief entertainment for the home crowd.

However, Chapman’s heroics were in vain as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. New Zealand’s batting unit offered little support, and they eventually folded for 150 in under 30 overs.

A Tale of Contrasting Performances

The stark contrast between the two teams’ batting performances was evident throughout the match.

Sri Lanka’s top-order contributions and middle-order stability laid the groundwork for a commanding total, while New Zealand’s batting faltered under pressure, barring Chapman’s lone stand.

Key Performers

For Sri Lanka:

• Pathum Nissanka: 66 runs off 42 balls, anchoring the top order.
• Kusal Mendis: 54 runs, a vital partnership builder.
• Janith Liyanage: 53 runs, a steady finisher.
• Asitha Fernando: 3 for 26, devastating in the powerplay.

For New Zealand:

• Mark Chapman: 81 runs, a brave effort in a losing cause.
• Matt Henry: 4 for 55, spearheading the bowling attack.

Match Summary

• Sri Lanka: 290/8 in 50 overs
• (Pathum Nissanka 68, Kusal Mendis 54, Janith Liyanage 53; Matt Henry 4-55)
• New Zealand: 150 all out in 29.5 overs
• (Mark Chapman 81; Asitha Fernando 3-26)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 140 runs.

Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory in the final ODI gives them a much-needed boost of confidence as they look ahead to future challenges. The loss serves as a wake-up call for New Zealand to address their vulnerabilities in batting under pressure.

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