New Zealand wins rain-hit 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka

Shilpa Rajan January 15, 2025

New Zealand sealed the ODI series with a comfortable 113-run victory in the second match against Sri Lanka. The match had a delayed start due to weather conditions and was reduced to 37 overs per inning. Once the play started, the weather suited the playing conditions in Hamilton.

New Zealand asked to Bat First

The Kiwis were asked to bat in conditions that favored the bowlers. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra opened the innings for New Zealand. Young was sent back to the dugout on 16 runs by Asitha Fernando, leaving NZ on 31 for one.

Mark Chapman joined Ravindra in the middle. Both players were looking very confident with their stroke play. This led to a 100-run partnership between the two left-handed batsmen. Chapman was the aggressor and went on to score 62 runs from 52 balls. These two took the score to 143 runs inside 20 overs before Chapman was dismissed. Daryl Mitchell joined Ravindra in the middle.

Fightback by the Lankans

Sri Lankan bowlers needed a boost to stop the Kiwi batters. Maheesh Theekshana broke a big partnership to bring his team into the game. Hasaranga joined him in the party and got Ravindra out on 79 runs. The home team was reduced to 168 for three in 23 overs. With just 14 overs left and seven wickets in hand, New Zealand were eyeing at least 111-120 more runs.

The visitors had some other plans. They took regular wickets and ended New Zealand’s innings on 255 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Mitchell scored 38 runs and there were cameo performances from Glenn Phillips & Mitchell Santner.

Hat-trick hero Theekshana

Mahesh Theekshana was Lanka’s best bowler throughout the match. His first wicket was a crucial one as it broke a massive partnership. He was then given two overs towards the end. Theekshana managed to get a couple of wickets on the last two balls of the 35^th over. Maheesh got a hat-trick by getting a wicket on the very first ball of the last over. He finished with a figure of 4 for 44 in eight overs.

Early blow for the visitors

Sri Lanka had a tough start in their previous match. This match was similar to the last one and they were reduced to four for 22. Jacob Duffy started this downfall and soon Matt Henry joined him. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka were dismissed in single digit scores. Asalanka was run out when the team was down 22 runs for the loss of three wickets.

Kamindu Mendis was joined by Janith Liyanage in the middle. Both created a 50-run stand before Liyanage was dismissed. Mendis showed tremendous fighting spirit and scored 64 runs. However, his teammates were losing wickets on the other end. That ended more pressure on Mendis. The visitors were bowled out for 142 in 30.2 overs.

Will O’Rourke took three wickets for the Kiwis. Duffy added a couple of wickets to his name. This win ensured the series for New Zealand.