All-round New Zealand performed like a well-oiled machine to hammer Sri Lanka by 113 runs in the rain-hit 2nd ODI and take a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series in Hamilton. It was a complete performance from the home side, marking Mitchell Santner’s first ODI series win as a full-time limited-overs captain.
New Zealand managed to post a competitive 255 for 9 after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field in a 37-overs-per-side match in the rain-marred second ODI. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman anchored New Zealand’s innings with impressive half-centuries, forging a 112-run partnership for the second wicket that propelled the hosts to a competitive total. Ravindra’s scintillating 79 off 63 balls, combined with Chapman’s brisk 62 from 52 balls, laid the foundation for a challenging target in a match reduced to 37 overs per side due to rain interruptions.
Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana provided a late spark, becoming only the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick, dismissing Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry in quick succession across two overs. The match’s start was delayed by two hours due to showers and a damp outfield, prompting Sri Lanka to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch at Seddon Park.
Sri Lanka’s chase began disastrously, echoing their struggles in the first ODI. Both openers failed to make an impact, and Kusal Mendis fell cheaply, further compounding their troubles. A bizarre run-out dismissal of Charith Asalanka left the team floundering at 22/4 within the Powerplay. The Kiwi pacers made life difficult for Sri Lanka’s top order, exploiting swing, seam, and bounce to great effect. Kamindu Mendis led Sri Lanka’s fightback with a valiant 64 off 66 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.
He forged crucial partnerships, adding 57 runs for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage (22 off 31) and another 47 with Chamindu Wickramasinghe (17 off 27). Despite his efforts, Kamindu found little support, and wickets kept tumbling at the other end. He was dismissed in the 29th over, leaving Sri Lanka still 125 runs short of the target. William O’Rourke was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, claiming 3/31, while Jacob Duffy (2/30) made early inroads. Mitchell Santner (1/14), Matt Henry (1/19), and Nathan Smith chipped in with a wicket each to seal a dominant performance by the visitors.
