NZ vs. SL [WATCH]: Matt Henry pulled off an incredible catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka in the 3rd ODI
The third and final ODI in between New Zealand and Sri Lanka had its own set of thriller-defining moments. While Sri Lanka put in a solid display with the bat amidst the onslaught of Blackcaps bowlers. A special moment in the match happened when Matt Henry pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka on the duck.
Matt Henry’s heroics stunned Charith Asalanka
New Zealand consolidated control of the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka with a brilliant fielding performance highlighted by Michael Bracewellhis smart bowling and Henry’s athleticism. In the 29th over, Bracewell dismissed Sri Lankan captain Asalanka with a well-executed delivery. Asalanka attempted a high shot towards distance, where Henry completed an outstanding catch.
Running to his right, Henry took the catch close to the boundary, threw the ball in the air as he approached the pads, then came back to the field to complete the catch at the second attempt. It was a crucial wicket as Asalanka fell for a duck after being awarded five balls, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble.
Here’s the video
🗣️”Matt Henry got the Ripper!”
Outstanding boundary work from Canterbury Quick and Sri Lanka’s third wicket falls LIVE and free in New Zealand on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+. #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/7elOufEY6H
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
Also WATCH: Nathan Smith catches a screamer to dismiss Eshan Malinga in NZ vs SL 2nd ODI
Sri Lanka made a respectable total
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Their decision proved valuable Pathum Nissanka giving the visitors a flying start, smashing 66 runs off just 42 balls, including six fours and five sixes. However, the goalkeepers fell for the visitors at regular intervals. Avishka Fernandostruggling for fluidity, he scored 17 off 33 balls before being caught Mark Chapman turned off Nathan Smith. Sri Lanka’s innings, which started brightly, lost momentum as the match wore on.
Kusal Mendis played a vital knock of 54 off 48 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, but his dismissal Mitchell Santner derailed Sri Lanka’s progress. Kamindu Mendis he tried to stabilize the innings with 46 runs off 71 deliveries, but his slow strike rate put further pressure on the middle order. He eventually fell to Henry, who proved to be the star bowler for New Zealand with four wickets.
Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order showed a glimmer of resistance. Janith Liyanage scored a valuable 53 off 52 balls, including three fours and two sixes, but his dismissal came at a critical time. With Liyange’s dismissal, Matt Henry reached 150 wickets in the ODI format becoming the second fastest bowler from New Zealand to reach the milestone, just behind Trent Boultwho did it in 81 innings. Henry managed this remarkable individual achievement in 83 innings for the Blackcaps.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Wanindu Hasaranga they chipped in with 19 and 15 runs respectively, before Henry returned to clean them up. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten at the end of the innings. Sri Lanka made 290/8 in their 50 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Henry’s four-wicket haul, played a key role in restricting Sri Lanka after a blistering top-order start. Santner and Bracewell supported him well, taking two wickets each.
Also WATCH: Maheesh Theekshana lights up Seddon Park with brilliant hat-trick in Hamilton ODI
