• Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the third and final ODI by 140 runs.

  • Mark Chapman tried to save the Black Caps innings but ultimately succumbed to the onslaught from Sri Lankan bowlers.

Twitter reactions: Clinical Sri Lanka thrash New Zealand in the 3rd ODI to avoid a series whitewash
NZ vs SL 3rd ODI (Image Source: X)

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The third and final encounter of the ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended with the Islanders winning the match by 140 runs. A solid display from the visitors with the bat and a remarkable bowling show from Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana sealed the win for Sri Lanka. The trio took 3 wickets each proved too much for the home side in the end and stopped their run chase at just 150 runs in 29.4 overs.

The only flicker of hope for the Blackcaps was Mark Chapman. However, the dynamic opener couldn’t do much amidst little support from other New Zealand batters and failed to turn the tides for the Blackcaps. However, the win is only a constellation prize for Sri Lanka as the home side had already clinched a win in the ODI series by winning the first two matches.

A determined effort from Sri Lanka with the bat

Sri Lanka appeared confident ever since the beginning of the match. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved worthy as Pathum Nissanka and top-order batter Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka a solid start. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyange were next to stabilize the Sri Lankan innings. A dedicated knock from these Sri Lankan batters helped Sri Lanka put 290 runs on board in 50 overs.

Matt Henry starred for the New Zealand bowling unit. The ace Blackcaps pacer took 4 wickets for his team and achieved a historic milestone by completing 150 wickets in his ODI career.

A dreadful display from New Zealand batters

In response, the New Zealand batters put-up a horror show with the bat. It started with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra getting dismissed early, leaving the Blackcaps two wickets down on just 4 runs. The entire New Zealand middle order crashed completely adding more concern for the Blackcaps.

The New Zealand lower order tried to support Chapman who was the only traditional batter withstanding the incoming onslaught from the Sri Lankan pace attack. Chapman’s 81-run knock off 81 balls made him a knight in shining armour of the already de-railed New Zealand innings. However, even Chapman couldn’t save the home side from a historic humiliation as was the last batter to be dismissed by Sri Lankan pacers. This is the second largest margin of victory for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the ODI format, the largest being a 189-run win in Auckland in 2007.

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Here’s how Twitter reacted

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About the Author:
PRANJAL MISHRA
Pranjal is a postgraduate in Journalism with a lifelong passion for cricket. From a young age, cricket has been an integral part of his life, creating some of his most cherished memories. His enthusiasm for the sport continues to drive his writing. Pranjal began his professional journey as a writer for radio and television before transitioning to full-time sports journalism in 2021. Over the years, he has covered a wide variety of sports, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Cricket remains his foremost passion, both as a fan and a journalist.You can connect with Pranjal on LinkedIn and follow him on X (Twitter) or write to him at pranjal.mishra@crickettimes.com.