#NZvsSL

NZ vs SL: New Zealand proved unstoppable in Hamilton, dominating Sri Lanka by 113 runs in a rain-affected encounter at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

NZ vs SL 2nd ODI: Due to a rain delay, the match was shortened to 37 overs per side at Seddon Park.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Black Caps had the upper hand, having claimed a dominant 9-wicket victory in the first match of the series.

New Zealand opener Will Young (16 off 18) went for the Pavilion early. Despite the Black Caps lost Will Young early, openers Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman forged a brilliant 112-run partnership, giving New Zealand a strong start. Mark Chapman smashed (62 off 52) with the help of 2 fiery sixes and 5 fours, alongside his partner Rachin Ravindra, who played a stunning inning of (79 off 63) balls, including 1 six and nine fours.

New Zealand looked set to surpass 255, but the spin masterclass of Maheesh Theeskana (4-44) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-39) clawed Sri Lanka back into the game with timely breakthroughs in the latter stages. Theekshana made history in the second ODI against New Zealand, claiming his first-ever ODI hat-trick in a sensational spell within two overs.

Despite Spin Masterclass, Kiwis set a total of 255-9 in their 37 overs.

Chasing 255, Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled in a dramatic collapse at Seddon Park. They lost back-to-back wickets as Sri Lanka was on 22-4, leaving themselves in trouble. Kamindu Mendis stood firm for Sri Lanka and played a needed inning of (64 off 66 balls). He was the only batter to surpass 50 runs.

A 57-run stand between Kamindu Mendis and Liyanage for the fifth wicket provided much-needed stability for their team. But Sri Lanka’s hopes faded when Kamindu Mendis fell victim to Will O’Rourke’s cunning delivery. Janith Liyanage and Chamindu Wickramasinghe offered support to Mendis but couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowling attack.

Consequently, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 142, losing all ten wickets in 30.2 overs.

• Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra (79 off 63).

New Zealand has asserted its dominance over Sri Lanka in T20Is, clinching victories in two of the three-match series.

NZ vs SL T20I Series 3 of 3, New Zealand leads (2-0).

The third clash between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is Scheduled on Wednesday, 2nd January 2025 in Saxton Oval. New Zealand will aim for a series whitewash as they take on Sri Lanka in the final match at Saxton Oval.

Black Caps has won the first two matches of the series. They snatched the first match from Sri Lanka, who were aiming to chase 172, but Jacob Duffy’s brilliant bowling performance (3-21) kept them from securing the win.

In the 2nd T20I, New Zealand claimed a victory by 45 runs. Mitchell Hay (41 off 19) with the bat and Jacob Duffy (4-15) with the ball played key roles in securing the victory over Sri Lanka. They lost their all wickets for 141-10 in 19.1 overs.

Live Stream Details:

The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I will be streaming live on the SonyLiv app and website. It will be telecasted by Sony Sports Network.

SQUADS

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (C), Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry.

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwan Thushara, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga.