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In a thrilling encounter at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the stakes were high New Zealand faced Sri Lanka in the second ODI of their three-game series. with new zealand leading 1-0 after an emphatic win in the first match, Sri Lanka they needed a win to keep their series hopes alive. The match was set against a backdrop of overcast skies and the anticipation of rain, which added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings.
A tough start for New Zealand
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, hoping to exploit the conditions early. New Zealand’s innings started on shaky ground as they lost Will Young in only the fifth more. That first setback could have derailed his momentum, though Rachin Ravindra i Mark Chapman stepped up to stabilize the innings with a remarkable partnership of 112 runs. His partnership was crucial as it allowed New Zealand to bounce back from a shaky start and build the foundations for a competitive total.
Ravindra showed his talent with the bat, bringing up his half-century with a stunning six that reverberated across the ground. As he continued to dominate the bowling attack, he looked set to reach his hundred, which would have significantly increased New Zealand’s chances of setting a formidable target.
READ also: Matt Henry and Will Young shine in New Zealand’s emphatic win over Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI
Charith Asalanka takes a blinder to end Rachin Ravindra’s innings
However, cricket is often defined by moments of brilliance, and this match was no exception. On the last ball of the 23rd, Wanindu Hasaranga he bowled a deceptive pitch which Ravindra tried to cut through the offside. The ball shot up into the air, apparently destined for safety. However, in an impressive display of athleticism and timing, the Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka he leapt into the air at cover and executed a stunning catch that left the spectators in awe.
This spectacular dismissal not only brought Ravindra back to the pavilion but also swung the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. By then, it was clear that Ravindra’s potential threat with 79 runs had been neutralized, and Sri Lanka took this opportunity to tighten their grip on the match.
Here is the video:
A catch 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 to dismiss a player 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍! ✨👌#SonySportsNetwork #NZvSL #HATE pic.twitter.com/nQJfY3xtz6
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) January 8, 2025
Implications for both teams
As Ravindra walked off with disappointment etched on his face, his dismissal marked a turning point in the match. The loss of such a key player allowed Sri Lanka to regain confidence and assert themselves more effectively on the field. Asalanka’s capture was not just the dismissal of a player; it symbolized Sri Lanka’s determination to fight back after their earlier defeat.
New Zealand’s innings slumped after Ravindra’s departure, leading to a series of quick dismissals that eventually restricted them to a lower total than they had hoped for. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be chasing a target of 256 in 37 overs.
