In a stunning display of bowling brilliance, Asitha Fernando led Sri Lanka to a commanding 140-run victory against New Zealand in the third ODI at Eden Park, Auckland. This historic win ended Sri Lanka’s decade-long drought on New Zealand soil, their first ODI triumph since January 2015.
Despite losing the series, the visitors ended on a high note, showcasing an exceptional all-round performance.
Key Highlights:
Sri Lanka’s Dominant Batting Performance
Pathum Nissanka Sets the Tone
Opting to bat first, Pathum Nissanka gave Sri Lanka a flying start with a blistering 66 off 42 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six.
Middle-Order Contributions
- Kusal Mendis: Steadying the innings with a composed 54 off 48 balls.
- Janith Liyanage: Chipping in with a crucial 53 off 52 balls, building partnerships to anchor the middle overs.
Despite late strikes from New Zealand’s bowlers, Sri Lanka capitalized on Eden Park’s small boundaries to post a competitive 290/8 in 50 overs.
New Zealand’s Bowling Highlights
Matt Henry’s Standout Spell
Matt Henry continued his excellent form, claiming 4 wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs. His late strikes prevented Sri Lanka from posting an even larger total.
Support from Mitchell Santner and Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner: Contributed with 2/55, using spin effectively to restrict the middle order.
- Michael Bracewell: Delivered an economical spell, warming up for future assignments.
Asitha Fernando’s Match-Winning Spell
The second innings belonged to Asitha Fernando, who dismantled New Zealand’s top order with a devastating spell of 3/26 in 7 overs.
Early Breakthroughs
Fernando struck early, removing Will Young and following it up with two more quick wickets during the powerplay. New Zealand crumbled to 21/5 within the first 10 overs, a collapse that set the tone for the match.
Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga’s Impact
- Maheesh Theekshana: Finished with figures of 3/35, cleaning up the tail.
- Eshan Malinga: Matched Theekshana’s numbers with an equally impactful 3/35, showcasing control and precision.
New Zealand’s Lone Warrior: Mark Chapman
Amid the carnage, Mark Chapman stood tall, scoring a valiant 81 off 81 balls. His clean hitting and composure were the only bright spots for New Zealand, as their top six combined for just three runs.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Prowess
- Asitha Fernando: Cemented his place as a key bowler with a career-defining spell.
- Theekshana and Malinga: Demonstrated the depth of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
New Zealand’s Batting Collapse
The hosts’ inability to handle swing and precision bowling raises concerns ahead of their upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa
Sri Lanka’s 140-run victory against New Zealand wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Asitha Fernando’s heroics, combined with an all-round team performance, ended a decade-long drought and showcased the visitors’ potential ahead of future competitions.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the Champions Trophy, this match serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s resurgence on the global stage.
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