Sri Lanka would feel slightly better as they ended the New Zealand tour with a convincing 140-run win in the inconsequential third and final ODI of the series, which the hosts won 2-1, in Auckland on Saturday.
The visitors had lost the T20I series 2-1 as well before the ODI leg of the white-ball tour, which is part of both the teams’ preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy next month in Pakistan and Dubai.
At Eden Park, New Zealand’s pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 290 for 8 fell apart dramatically when they slumped to 21 for 5, ultimately being bowled out for 150 in 29.4 overs.
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The Sri Lankan bowling attack was led by three-wicket hauls each by Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana. Fernando displayed exceptional skill with the new ball, recording figures of 3 for 26 as New Zealand lost their first five batsmen within the opening seven overs.
Mark Chapman’s resilient innings of 81 from 81 deliveries prevented an even larger defeat margin. The New Zealand number three was the final wicket to fall, bowled by Theekshana, who finished with 3 for 35.
Only one NZ batter managed to surpass the 20-run mark, with five of their top six batters being dismissed for two runs or fewer.
Sri Lanka’s innings featured Pathum Nissanka as the leading run-scorer, contributing 66 runs from 42 deliveries.
Nissanka had reached his half-century, scoring 50 from 31 balls, before retiring due to possibly a groin injury. His initial stay on the crease helped Sri Lanka reach 66 without losing any wickets in 10 overs.
Upon returning in the 34th over, Nissanka added 16 more runs to his tally, with his innings featuring 6 fours and 5 sixes.
The Sri Lankan batting display showed significant improvement, with Kusal Mendis scoring 54 from 48 deliveries and Janith Liyanage contributing 53 from 52 balls.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry delivered another strong performance, securing 4 for 55 and reaching the milestone of 150 ODI wickets. The skipper Mitchell Santner supported with his spin bowling, taking 2 for 55.
