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The first ODI between new zealand i Sri Lanka in progress Tour Sri Lanka for New Zealand 2024-25 it proved to be a one-sided affair, with the hosts cruising to a comprehensive nine-wicket win 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 failed early as Pathum Nissanka (9 for 18) and Kusal Mendis (2 for 8) failed to make any significant impact. Kamindu Mendis (3 for 9) and Charith Asalanka (0 for 5) compounded the problems, leaving the visitors at 27/4 in the first ten overs.
However, Avishka Fernando stood tall amid the early chaos, scoring a fighting 56 off 63 balls, laced with six fours and a six. He found support from Janith Liyanage (36 off 54) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 of 42) at the half. Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late flourish with an entertaining 35 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six.
Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s innings lacked momentum and partnerships. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, posting sensational figures of 4/19 in his 10 overs. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith chipped in with two wickets each, while skipper Mitchell Santner also claimed a wicket.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 178 in 43.4 overs, leaving their players with an uphill task of defending a sub-par total.
Will Young blasts unbeaten half-century for NZ
Chasing a modest target of 179, New Zealand’s top order made the task look effortless. Will Young anchored the innings with 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 brisk 45 off 36 balls, smashing six fours and a six. The duo of Young and Ravindra added 93 runs for the opening cover, effectively blowing the game away from Sri Lanka. Ravindra eventually fell to Chamindu Wickramasinghe but Mark Chapman (29 not out off 36) ensured there were no more hiccups.
The Sri Lankan bowlers did not make any significant impact on a flat surface. Wickramasinghe was the only bowler to pick up a wicket, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga were wicketless and filtered out.
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New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in 26.2 overs, finishing on 180/1 and sealing a dominant nine-wicket win.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets
Scoreboard: https://t.co/mOCONiiUTt#NZvSL #HATE #cricket pic.twitter.com/ps0tp7xwPe
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2025
Player of the match
Matt Henry’s clinical performance on the ball earned him the Player 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 dominant victory.
