On Saturday, January 11 at Eden Park in Auckland, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 140 runs thanks to an incredible all-around performance.
After declaring his intention to bat first, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka discussed the significance of ending on a high note at the toss, given that his team has already lost the series. With 66 off 42 balls, Pathum Nissanka played a brilliant knock at the top. Taking his time in the middle, Avishka Fernando managed to get a start but was unable to exploit.
However, Sri Lanka was in a strong position as Kusal Mendis played a fluid knock of 54 off just 48 balls.
Kamindu Mendis (46) provided him with solid assistance as they stitched an 87-run stand off 98 balls for the third wicket.
In the middle overs, the tourists lost a couple wickets as New Zealand began to rally. Janith Liyanage, however, kept Sri Lanka afloat with a brilliant 53 off 52 balls. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga made significant cameos to help their team reach 290/8 in 50 overs.
Will Young was dropped by Asalanka in the opening over, giving New Zealand an early reprieve. But in the next over, the right-handed batter left without causing any damage to the Asian side. To ruin the Kiwi innings, Asitha Fernando took three wickets during the powerplay. Five batsmen in the top six in New Zealand went out for single-figure scores.
Mark Chapman scored 81 runs off of a single hand. Still, he had no help from the other end. Nathan Smith, who scored 17, was the second-highest scorer in the New Zealand innings. In 29.4 overs, Eshan Malinga swept off the tail and bowled the Blackcaps out for 150. Asitha, Theekshana, and Malinga each took three wickets, and Liyanage contributed by taking Michael Bracewell’s lone wicket.
Because the BlackCaps had already clinched the series with consecutive victories in the first two ODIs, the Lankan Lions finished the match in their favour and with a consolation victory. Prior to the eagerly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, the Kiwis will travel to Pakistan for the tri-nation series, while Sri Lanka will host Australia for a two-Test series.
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