Sri Lanka’s bowlers, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Eshan Malinga, delivered exceptional performances to deny New Zealand a clean sweep in the third and final ODI at Eden Park on Saturday. The Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka team triumphed by 140 runs, although New Zealand claimed the series 2-1. Fernando’s impressive bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, while Matt Henry of New Zealand was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performances throughout the series.
New Zealand, chasing 291, was bowled out for just 150 runs in 29.4 overs. Their total included contributions from Mark Chapman (81 runs off 81 balls), Nathan Smith (17), Michael Bracewell (13), Matt Henry (12), and 21 extras (18 wides, 2 leg byes, 1 no ball). For Sri Lanka, Fernando (3/26 in 7 overs), Theekshana (3/35 in 7.4 overs), and Malinga (3/35 in 7 overs) were the key bowlers, with Janith Liyange adding one wicket (1/16 in 3 overs).
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 290/8 in 50 overs. Top scorers included Pathum Nissanka (66 from 42 balls), Kusal Mendis (54 from 48 balls), Janith Liyange (53 from 52 balls), and Kamindu Mendis (46 from 71 balls). Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand with figures of 4/55 from 10 overs, while Mitchell Santner claimed two wickets and Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell each took one.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 290/8 in 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 66, Kusal Mendis 54, Matt Henry 4/55)
New Zealand 150 all out in 29.4 overs (Mark Chapman 81, Nathan Smith 17, Asitha Fernando 3/26).
