Sri Lanka Crush New Zealand by 140 Runs in 3rd ODI to Avoid Whitewash

In a stunning display of dominance, Sri Lanka crushed New Zealand by 140 runs in the third and final ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, to avoid a whitewash in the three-match series. After suffering heavy defeats in the first two games, Sri Lanka bounced back in spectacular fashion, showcasing their strength with both bat and ball. The win was a much-needed confidence boost for the Sri Lankan team as they headed home with at least one victory to show for their efforts.

New Zealand, chasing a challenging target of 291 set by Sri Lanka, were dismantled by the visitors’ aggressive and disciplined bowling attack. The hosts’ hopes of chasing down the target quickly nosedived when they were reduced to a disastrous 21-5 inside the first seven overs. Sri Lanka’s seamers Asitha Fernando (3-26) and Eshan Malinga (3-29) were the architects of New Zealand’s collapse, making early breakthroughs and putting the home team on the back foot from the very start.

Fernando, in particular, was sensational with the new ball, taking the crucial wickets of New Zealand’s top order, including the dismissals of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Malinga continued the pressure, picking up key wickets, while spinner Maheesh Theekshana (3-35) mopped up the tail to seal the win for Sri Lanka. By the time New Zealand’s innings was over, they were all out for just 150 in 29.4 overs, leaving them a long way from the target.

The only bright spot for New Zealand was Mark Chapman, who played a lone hand with a gutsy knock of 81 off 81 balls. His knock was the highest score for New Zealand in the innings, and he displayed remarkable resilience amidst the collapse. However, his dismissal, when he was bowled by Theekshana, marked the end of New Zealand’s hopes of making a comeback.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers exploited the conditions at Eden Park expertly, with early swing and bounce aiding their seamers. The team was led by the experienced Fernando, who continued his strong form in the series, while Malinga’s wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs kept New Zealand on the defensive.

Earlier, Sri Lanka set a competitive total of 290-8 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by a solid batting performance. Injured opener Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, top-scoring with 66 off 42 balls. Nissanka had a blistering start to his innings, reaching 50 off just 31 balls before retiring hurt with a hip injury. Despite this, he returned to add another 16 runs, ensuring his team reached a competitive total.

There were also valuable contributions from Kusal Mendis (54 off 48) and Janith Liyanage (53 off 52), who helped stabilize the innings after early setbacks. Together, these three players guided Sri Lanka to a strong position, despite New Zealand’s efforts with the ball.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry had an excellent series, finishing with 4-55 in the final match, taking his tally to 150 ODI wickets. Captain Mitchell Santner also contributed with the ball, picking up 2-55.

Sri Lanka’s win in the final ODI was a much-needed morale booster, avoiding a series whitewash after two tough losses. The Sri Lankan team showed that they have the potential to compete at the highest level, with their bowlers and batsmen coming together to deliver an impressive all-round performance. Despite their loss in the series, New Zealand will be looking to bounce back in their next assignments, with lessons to be learned from this resounding defeat.

Reference from:-https://www.news18.com/cricket/sri-lanka-crush-new-zealand-by-140-runs-in-3rd-odi-to-avoid-whitewash-9185347.html