Matt Henry sensationally catches the baton and turns away Charith Asalanka in the NZ-SL clash
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry produced a remarkable effort on the boundary line to take a remarkable catch during the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park, Auckland. The ball was headed for the six-yard box, but Henry kept his balance and headed the post out of nowhere.
It was a ball thrown by outfielder Michael Bracewell. Batsman Charith Asalanka tried to hit the ball towards the short boundary in long position. However, it didn’t come together well which didn’t give it the height it needed.
Matt Henry ran down his right from a long ball and caught the ball cleanly inside the boundary line. He threw the ball into the air as soon as he realized it was going over the boundary rope. The fast bowler finally completed the baton catch after re-entering the field.
Watch: Matt Henry puts in a super athletic effort on the line
🗣️”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
It was a sharp catch from Matt Henry just inside the boundary line as New Zealand took a big wicket at a crucial stage of the game. Henry timed the catch to perfection and ensured it stayed right inside the boundary ropes. He had dropped a catch earlier, but this time he made no mistake.
Charith Asalanka cheaply dismissed
This resulted in a big wicket as Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka was dismissed for a five-ball duck. The captain tried to transfer the attack to the opponent on a good surface after a great start. However, it was not his day and he had to return to the pavilion.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka had won the toss and elected to bat first on a good batting surface. They got off to a good start before Pathum Nissanka retired injured. Avishka Fernando was dismissed soon after but Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis steadied the innings.
Both the batsmen formed a solid partnership of 87 runs to take Sri Lanka to a comfortable position. While Kusal was more aggressive and tried to counter the bowlers, Kamindu wanted to take his time before seizing the opportunity.
Sri Lanka posted a competitive total
Both batsmen, along with captain Charith Asalanka, were dismissed in quick succession as the hosts found their way. Pathum Nissanka came back, but was clearly not fit enough to run. However, he struck a couple of powerful shots before NZ captain Mitchell Santner took his wicket smartly.
Janith Liyanage scored a vital 53 off 52 balls to take Sri Lanka to a competitive 290-8 in 50 overs. Nissanka top scored for Sri Lanka with 66 off 42 balls while Kusal Mendis scored 48-54.
Kamindu Mendis also scored a crucial 46 off 71 balls. Matt Henry also excelled with the ball and was New Zealand’s most successful bowler. He took four wickets as he finished with 4-55 in 10 overs.
