Sri Lanka bowlers skittle New Zealand in 140-run victory

In Auckland, New Zealand, Sri Lanka managed to secure a significant victory in the third one-day international on January 12, 2025. After struggling in the previous two matches of the series, Sri Lanka posted an impressive total of 290-8, led by Pathum Nissanka's notable innings, which saw him score 66 runs despite suffering an injury mid-game. His performance, combined with contributions from Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage, established a challenging target for the New Zealand team. As New Zealand began their chase, they faced an immediate setback with Asitha Fernando's exceptional bowling, which quickly dismantled their top order, leaving them in a precarious position of 21-5 within the first seven overs. Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana also played crucial roles, each taking three wickets and contributing to the collapse of the New Zealand lineup. Importantly, Mark Chapman’s resilience at the crease saw him score 81 runs, but no other New Zealand batsman was able to support him effectively, resulting in a total of only 150 runs. This match was pivotal for Sri Lanka, allowing them to salvage a win in a series that had seen them suffer defeats previously. Despite this victory, New Zealand ultimately claimed the series 2-1, as Sri Lanka aimed to build on this performance ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The bowlers' strong showing emphasized the need for renewed strategy and focus for the Sri Lankan squad, which has faced challenges throughout the series. The match served as a confidence booster, reinforcing the need to capitalize on their bowling strengths and improve their overall play going forward. The encounter at Eden Park marked a critical juncture for both teams, with New Zealand looking to solidify their home dominance and Sri Lanka eager to gain momentum after a rough start in the ODI series. With the ICC Champions Trophy looming, both teams have to assess their performances and prepare accordingly for the challenges ahead.