First ODI in between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in progress Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 It turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the hosts cruising to a comprehensive nine-wicket win at Basin Reserve.
Blackcap player Matt Henry creates chaos
Sri Lanka’s batting line-up struggled against a disciplined attack from the New Zealand bowlers after they were asked to bat first. The top order weakened early as Pathum Nissanka (9 off 18) and Kusal Mendis (2 off 8) failed to make a significant impact. Kamindu Mendis (3 off 9) and Charith Asalanka (0 off 5) complicated matters, leaving the visitors at 27/4 inside the first ten overs.
However, Avishka Fernando stood tall amid the early chaos, scoring a fighting 56 off 63 balls, interspersed with six fours and a six. He got support from Janith Liyanaga (36 off 54) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 from 42) in the middle overs. Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late flourish with an entertaining 35 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six.
Despite these efforts, the Sri Lankan innings lacked momentum and partnerships. Matt Henry was the best bowler for New Zealand, registering sensational figures of 4/19 in his 10 overs. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith chipped in with two wickets each, while captain Mitchell Santner also claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 178 in 43.4 overs, leaving their bowlers with the challenging task of defending a sub-par total.
Will Young smashes unbeaten half century for NZ
Chasing a modest target of 179, New Zealand’s top order made the task look easy. Will Young anchored the innings with a sublime knock, remaining unbeaten on 90 off 86 balls. His innings was decorated with 12 crisp boundaries as he dictated terms to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Rachin Ravindra gave New Zealand a flying start with a blistering 45 off 36 balls, smashing six fours and a six. The duo of Young and Ravindra added 93 runs for the opening wicket, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka. Ravindra eventually fell to Chamindu Wickramasinghe but Mark Chapman (29 not out from 36) ensured there were no more hiccups.
The Sri Lankan bowlers failed to make any significant impact on the flat surface. Wickramasinghe was the only bowler to take a wicket, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga remained wicketless and conceded runs.
ALSO READ: Fans go wild as Australia demolish India in Sydney Test for memorable 3-1 series win | Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
New Zealand easily hit the target in 26.2 overs, finishing on 180/1 to seal a dominant nine-wicket victory.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets
Results table: https://t.co/mOCONiiUTt#NZvSL #GO #cricket pic.twitter.com/ps0tp7xwPe
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2025
Player of the match
Matt Henry’s clinical performance with the ball earned him the man of the match award. His lethal spell up front and in the middle of the over destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, setting the tone for New Zealand’s convincing victory.
ALSO READ: Twitter Reactions: Kusal Perera’s brilliant ton seals Sri Lanka’s win in thrilling T20I final against New Zealand
