Twitter Reactions: Theekshana’s hattrick in vain as New Zealand seal series with win vs Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka (SL) and hosts New Zealand (NZ) continued the ongoing ODI series. On Wednesday, January 8, the second ODI of the series took place in Hamilton’s Seddon Park. After losing the toss, the home team entered the game to bat first.

Following Will Young’s departure at a score of 16 runs, Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra played brilliantly. Mark Chapman added 62 runs in 52 deliveries, while Ravindra scored 79 runs in 63 deliveries. In addition, Daryl Mitchell scored 38 runs in the same number of deliveries.

Furthermore, the other batters were unable to contribute much following the strong performance of the top order. New Zealand scored 255 runs in the first innings of the match, with Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner contributing 22 and 20 runs, respectively. With four wickets to his credit, Maheesh Theekshana led Sri Lanka in wicket-taking. Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga each claimed one wicket, while Wanindu Hasaranga claimed two.

The knock from Kamindu Mendis was insufficient for Sri Lanka to win the match.

Sri Lanka began their innings with 1 and 10 runs from Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, respectively, with the goal of chasing down a target of 256 runs in the second innings. Additionally, Kusal Mendis left with a two-run score. After the top order left early, Kamindu Mendis took the pitch to try to steady Sri Lanka’s batting.

Even though Mendis amassed 64 runs in 66 deliveries, Sri Lanka was unable to win thanks to his knock. New Zealand won the match by 113 runs after Sri Lanka was bowled out for 142. With three wickets in the second innings, Will O’Rourke was the leading wicket-taker. Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Mitchell Santner each scored one run, while Jacob Duffy claimed two wickets.

Here’s how X reacted to the 2nd ODI between NZ-SL:

Catches win matches!#SLvsNZ
2nd ODI was won by Kiwis by 113 runs and took the series. Outplayed #SriLanka

Theekshana has taken a Hattrick otherwise, the total should have been much more. pic.twitter.com/yZ0IuAfuJa

— Asitha Kalinga (@akalinga) January 8, 2025

Lankan team would be dying to go back and bat on their road pitches. #SLvsNZ#NZvsSL

— shubham dhiman (@dhiman_cr7) January 8, 2025

BlackCaps Defeat SriLanka by 113 Runs in 2nd Odi in Hamilton & win the Series .#NZvsSL #NZvSL #Greenland pic.twitter.com/bCfZsm49t3

— Gurjinder Bal (@Gurjind56659796) January 8, 2025

What a catch by Nathan Smith!!! #NZvsSL.

— Abhishek Srivastava (@sriabh) January 8, 2025

Duffy and Henry are going to be very dangerous for the other teams on Pakistani pitches.#SLvsNZ

— साहेब (@Harsha9931) January 8, 2025

Sri Lanka is falling apart against New Zealand
3 wickets in 5 balls including a run out!!#NZvSL #NZvsSL #SLvNZ #SLvsNZ #CricketTwitter

— Palash Pansey (@PALASHPANSEY) January 8, 2025

This has been an embarrassing tour for Sri Lanka. It’s no wonder they can’t qualify for the Champions Trophy playing like this dross. Tough at home, but so, SO poor on the road. NZ haven’t even been great, but look great next to SL. Bring back Sanga and co! #NZvsSL

— Stuart Mills (@sjmills101) January 8, 2025