Another top-order collapse for Sri Lanka ensured they were constantly behind in the chase, and they were nowhere close to losing the ODI series 2-0.
New Zealand scored 255 for 9 in 37 overs, with Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman putting on a 112-run second wicket stand. Then Sri Lanka’s top order failed again. They were 4 for 22 after the first five overs, and their chances of tying the series were virtually completely gone. Kamindu Mendis tried to resuscitate the innings, but his 64 was insufficient. Sri Lanka fell by 113 runs, following a heavy defeat to New Zealand in the first ODI. New Zealand wins the series despite being substantially depleted by withdrawals and injuries.Sri Lanka are nearly at full strength, but the failure of their top five continues to haunt them, even in a rain-shortened encounter like this.
New Zealand had several stutters as well. They were modest in the end, as Maheesh Theekshana in particular was efficient, taking a hat-trick in his last two overs, as New Zealand could only generate 63 in the final ten overs, losing five wickets. However, they did not stumble severely enough to undo the Ravindra-Chapman stand. Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner made contributions in the middle.They also possessed confident seam bowlers who dominated even with the older ball. Will O’Rourke went 3 for 31, Jacob Duffy 2 for 30, and Matt Henry and Nathan Smith each got one wicket. The only semblance of a partnership had come from Kamindu and Janith Liyanage, who put up 57 for the fifth wicket. Aside from that, New Zealand worked their way through the batting order, eventually getting them all out in 31 overs.Sri Lanka’srequited rate was 6.92. Although this appears to be a massive undertaking, the pitch was good to bat on, and with rain delaying the start of play by two and a half hours, some bowlers were struggling with moist balls. However, Sri Lanka required a solid start to put some wind in the sails of this chase, and what they received was a collapse.
Pathum Nissanka holed out to mid-off in the second over after miscuing a lofted drive off Duffy. Kusal Mendis then edged behind in Duffy’s next over, but Avishka Fernando smashed a ball from Henry straight to point right away.v
