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The first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in the course Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 It turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the hosts claiming a comprehensive nine-wicket victory at Basin Reserve.
Black Caps pacer Matt Henry wreaks havoc
Sri Lanka’s batting line-up struggled to cope with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack after being asked to bat first. The top order faltered from the start as Pathum Nissanka (9 off 18) and Kusal Mendis (2 off 8) failed to make any significant impact. Kamindu Mendis (3 for 9) and Charith Asalanka (0 for 5) compounded the problems, leaving the visitors reeling at 27/4 in the first ten overs.
However, Avishka Fernando stood tall amid the early chaos, scoring 56 off 63 balls, combined with six fours and a six. He found some support in Janith Liyanage (36 of 54) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 of 42) in the middle. Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late touch with an entertaining 35 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six.
Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s innings lacked momentum and partnership. Matt Henry was the standout player for New Zealand, recording sensational figures of 4/19 in his 10 overs. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith contributed two wickets each, while captain Mitchell Santner also got a wicket.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 178 in 43.4 overs, leaving their bowlers with the difficult task of defending a below-average total.
Will Young smashes unbeaten half-century for New Zealand
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 conditions to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Rachin Ravindra gave New Zealand a good start with a spirited 36-ball 45, smashing six fours and a six. The duo of Young and Ravindra added 93 runs for the first wicket, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka. Ravindra eventually fell to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, but Mark Chapman (29 not out off 36) ensured there were no further setbacks.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers failed to make any significant impact on a flat surface. Wickramasinghe was the only bowler to take a wicket, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga all went wicketless and leaked runs.
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New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in 26.2 overs, finishing at 180/1 and sealing a dominant nine-wicket victory.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets
Dashboard: https://t.co/mOCONiiUTt#NZvSL #ODI #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 dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, setting the tone for New Zealand’s resounding victory.
