In an exciting encounter at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand claimed to dominate victory by 113 runs in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. The match, which was reduced to 37 overs per side due to rain, saw an outstanding performance from the field Nathan Smithwho took a sensational catch to discard Eshan Malinga during the Sri Lanka innings.
Amazing diving catch by Nathan Smith
One of the major highlights of the day came on the 29th when the New Zealand fast bowler William O’Rourke bowled by Malingi from Sri Lanka. Malinga, who was trying to take it over the goalkeeper’s head, could not get enough power to hit it. The ball flew off the hook of his bat and began to fall towards fine third man. Smith, set up at good third, made an incredible leap horizontally to his right, keeping his focus on the ball until the last second. His fully extended arms caught the ball cleanly, completing what could easily have been the catch of the series. Malinga’s innings was reduced to just 4 runs from 5 balls, thanks to Smith’s brilliant fielding.
Here is the video:
Nathan Smith! Seddon Park boundary shouter to dismiss Eshan Malinga 🔥 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/sQKm8aS07F
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2025
Despite having a few errors earlier in the day, Smith’s outstanding catch was the perfect redemption. His spectacular try seemed to energize the New Zealand side and it was a moment that will be remembered throughout the series. Smith’s contribution was not limited to the field, he also impressed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 34 runs from his 7 overs.
O’Rourke, a 23-year-old fast bowler, was another key player for New Zealand. His bowling was instrumental in breaking the Sri Lankan resistance, especially in the middle overs. O’Rourke took 3 wickets for just 31 runs in his 6.2 overs and one of those wickets came courtesy of Smith’s exceptional catch.
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Sri Lanka are struggling with the bat
Batting first after a rain delay, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9 in their allotted 37 overs. Rachin Ravindra he was the best batsman for the Kiwis, scoring a moderate 79 runs. Maheesh Theekshanabowler from Sri Lanka, was the pick of the bowlers for his team, taking 4 wickets and providing much-needed breakthroughs in the middle overs. In reply, Sri Lanka struggled to build a partnership and were bowled out for just 142 in 30.2 overs. Kaminda Mendis he was the only batsman to put up any resistance, scoring a valiant 64 runs, but he lacked support from the other end. Despite Mendis’s efforts, Sri Lanka fell well short of the required total, giving New Zealand a comfortable victory.
Also WATCH: Maheesh Theekshana lights up Seddon Park with brilliant hat-trick in Hamilton ODI | NZ vs. SL
