New Zealand's batting collapsed like a pack of cards at Eden Park, Auckland in the third and final ODI of the series against Sri Lanka. In the run chase of 291, New Zealand lost half the side for 21 in the seventh over and even Mark Chapman's 81 could not get them back on track. Sri Lanka won the third ODI by 140 runs, their third-largest ODI win against New Zealand. The hosts could not complete a series whitewash as Sri Lanka registered a consolation win.
Henry's four-fer, 3 fifties help Sri Lanka post 290
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first. While Avishka Fernando took his time, Pathum Nissanka got off to a blazing start. Nissanka got to his half-century from 31 balls. He got retired hurt and left the field after 10th over. In the 12th over, Nathan Smith dismissed Avishka Fernando who scored 17 runs from 33 balls. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis' partnership was broken by skipper Mitchell Santner. Kusal scored 54 runs from 48 balls. Asalanka fialed to make a mark and fell to Michael Bracewell for a five-ball duck.
Matt Henry came back into the attack and dismissed Kamindu. He scored 46 runs from 71 balls. Nissanka came back to bat. In the 37th over, the opener fell to Santner. He scored 66 runs from 42 balls including six fours and five sixes. Chamindu Wickramasinghe could not accelerate in slog overs and became Henry's second victim. In his next over, Henry knocked over Wanindu Hasaranga. In the penultimate over, Janith Liyanage reached hs fifty from 51 balls. Liyanage became Henry's 150th ODI victim. His half-century helped Sri Lanka post 290/8.
Massive collapse against new ball
Asalanka handed Maheesh Theekshana the ball from the other end. He was dismissed Will Young for an eight-ball duck. In the next over, Asitha Fernando knocked over Rachin Ravindra. In the sixth over, Eshan Malinga got the wicket of Daryl Mitchell. In the seventh over, Fernando got rid of Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips for ducks. Bracewell and Chapman looked to stabilise the innings. In the 13th over, Liyanage dismissed Bracewell. He scored 13 runs from 20 balls. Skipper Santner could not make an impact either. He fell to Theekshana for a single-digit score.
Chapman's knock in vain
Chapman looked to attack and reached his fifty with a six off Hasaranga. New Zealand got to the 100-run mark in the 21st over. In the 27th over, Malinga broke the partnership with Smith's wicket. He scored 17 runs from 29 balls. Henry got off the mark with a six in the same over. In Malinga's next over, Henry returned to the pavillion as well. In the 30th over, Theekshana wrapped up the innings with Chapman's wicket. His run-a-ball 81 included 10 fours and a six. Asitha, Theekshana and Malinga bagged three wickets each to help their side wrap up the innings early.
New Zealand, Sri Lanka's next games before Champions Trophy
Now, New Zealand will head to Pakistan for tri-series involving South Africa next month. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will play just one ODI at home against Australia to prepare for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.