New Zealand posted an underpar total in the rain-delayed second ODI at Pallekele despite being given the bat. Mark Chapman scored a resilient half century, assisted by Henry Nicholls who contributed effectively. They reached 209 runs after 47 overs with Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana both bowling well for Sri Lanka.
Ish Sodhi’s misfiring was costly for New Zealand; his pace was restricted by host spinners.
Sri Lanka Players
Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay
Sri Lanka have made just one change from their team that defeated New Zealand 2-0 in three-match ODI series earlier this month, as leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga returns from suspension, replacing Dilshan Madushanka in their three-match series that commences in Wellington on January 5th. Dunith Wellalage retains his ODI spot despite having been dropped from T20I squad; fast bowler Lahiru Kumara joins with medium pacer Eshan Malinga also returning in all three formats of play.
Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided Sri Lanka with a solid start, with their partnership producing a 61-run stand in just over nine overs to set them on their way. But after Nissanka was caught behind off Nathan Smith’s first ball of the second over, momentum for Sri Lanka started to diminish quickly and momentum began shifting away from them.
Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie built up West Indies innings by sharing an historic 100 run ninth wicket partnership that broke records and brought their side back into contention. Motie reached his maiden ODI fifty off 71 balls before being caught by Maheesh Theekshana off Hasaranga’s googly delivery for Maheesh Theekshana to be dismissed off an overthrow from Hasaranga.
But their efforts came too late, and the visitors were bowled out for just 189 in 40 overs. Hasaranga picked up three wickets while Janith Liyanage and Maheesh Theekshana claimed two each for the home side.
Sri Lanka now stand in sixth place on the ICC ODI rankings, one place below New Zealand who now top the table. These teams meet again for their series finale ODI match on January 11 with New Zealand having previously won by an innings and run. Furthermore, both will play two Test series starting February 5. Due to rain, today’s match was postponed for over 90 minutes.
New Zealand Players
Mitchell Santner, Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay, Henry Nicholls
New Zealand selectors have selected a 15-man squad that blends experienced players with newcomers to take on Sri Lanka in two T20Is and three ODIs starting November 9th. Mitchell Santner will serve as stand-in captain, while an official white ball captain will be named at a later date.
Santner, who has captained both an ODI and T20I since becoming captain in April 2016, leads a Black Caps team which includes all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batsman Mitch Hay in their maiden international calls-ups, following impressive domestic performances – Smith was awarded NZC domestic player of the year honors with 24 wickets across both white-ball competitions in March; Hay debuted for New Zealand A last season and later received Canterbury Male Player of the Year honours later that April.
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson has been left out as his team – Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway – gear up to face England in three tests back home this November. However, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will join Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway to tackle England.
Lockie Ferguson, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes will comprise the pace attack for West Indies; Ish Sodhi will lead their spin contingent. New-ball duo Dean Foxcroft and Iain Roy provide further impetus in the lower order while Henry Nicholls, Josh Clarkson, Mark Chapman Tim Robinson and Will Young offer options at bat.
Sam Whiteman was named to New Zealand’s squad this season despite suffering a knee injury, however this decision will only come into effect once they return from their three-Test tour of India. Additionally, spinners Ben Sears (back), Ben Lister (side strain) and Kyle Jamieson (knee) were dropped as well as fast bowler Adam Milne was called up as an injury replacement.
Final Score
Rain has once more taken their toll and forced Sri Lanka and New Zealand to cancel the third ODI between them, meaning both teams won’t get an opportunity to test out their bench strength and give fringe players an opportunity to shine – but alas it wasn’t to be.
As rain continued to deplete the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium of its facilities, both teams were reduced to 21 overs each after choosing to bat after winning the toss and selecting Tim Robinson to bat first, scoring boundaries against Dilshan Madhushanka within their opening over.
Sri Lanka bowlers Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay did well to restrict New Zealand to 209. In the end, Sri Lanka won the series 2-0 thanks to Kamindu Mendis scoring his century and Kusal Mendis and Chandimal notching fifty runs each.
Also Read: India National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
As a result of their win, Sri Lanka have moved up one spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 points table while New Zealand have fallen one position into fourth. Now both teams look forward to playing two final matches of this tournament in Sharjah.
Charith Asalanka led his Sri Lankan side to victory after their thrilling comeback in the shorter format tournament. A joyous Charith accepted their trophy before they posed for a group photo before celebrating together as champions.
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