In an exhilarating second ODI match, New Zealand triumphed over Sri Lanka by 113 runs, marking their second consecutive victory in the series and establishing an unassailable 2-0 lead. This match, curtailed to 37 overs due to rain, showcased New Zealand’s dominance both with bat and ball. Batting first, the Kiwi team scored 255 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, while Sri Lanka crumbled for just 142 runs. Rachin Ravindra was the star performer, scoring an impressive 79 runs off 63 balls, earning him the Player of the Match title.
Outstanding Performance Across All Departments
New Zealand’s players displayed exceptional teamwork against Sri Lanka in the second ODI. From batting to bowling and fielding, the Kiwi team excelled in every department. After losing their first wicket at a mere score of 31, Rachin Ravindra partnered with Mark Chapman to build a formidable 112-run partnership. Rachin’s contribution was a quickfire 79, while Chapman supported with a solid 63 runs. However, New Zealand faced a brief collapse, losing three wickets in quick succession.
Darryl Mitchell added a valuable 38 runs, along with Glenn Phillips scoring 22 and captain Mitchell Santner contributing 20 runs, propelling the team to a respectable total of 255 runs. Following their impressive batting performance, New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a devastating assault on the Sri Lankan batting order. Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke were instrumental in dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order, which faltered under pressure. Sri Lanka found themselves at a dismal score of just 22 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, and by the time they reached 79, half of their team was already back in the pavilion.
Although Kamindu Mendis attempted to stage a fightback with a commendable 64 runs, he received little support from the other end, leading to Sri Lanka’s collapse after adding only 63 runs. O’Rourke emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 3 scalps, while Duffy claimed 2. Additionally, Henry, Nathan Smith, and Santner each contributed with one wicket. The Kiwi fielders were equally impressive, executing a series of remarkable catches that showcased their agility and skill.
Maheesh Theekshana’s Hat-Trick Performance
On a contrasting note, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana made headlines with his exceptional bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs, including a magnificent hat-trick. Theekshana’s hat-trick began with the dismissal of New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner, who scored 20 runs off 15 balls. In the very next delivery, he dismissed Nathan Smith and completed his hat-trick by bowling Matt Henry with the first ball of the following over. Despite Theekshana’s remarkable achievement, it ultimately did not alter the outcome of the match.
This victory emphasizes New Zealand’s strong form in ODI cricket, demonstrating their depth and versatility as a team. As the series progresses, both teams will aim to address their shortcomings and enhance their performances in the upcoming matches.