Maheesh Theekshana’s impressive hat-trick proved futile as New Zealand clinched the three-match series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 113-run victory in a rain-affected second ODI held in Hamilton. Following an extended rain interruption, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) contributed significantly with their half-centuries, leading the home team to a total of 255 for 9, while Theekshana effectively contained the lower-order batsmen. Unfortunately, aside from Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, resulting in a disappointing total of just 142 in their response.
New Zealand scores big as rain reduces play overs to 37
Following pre-toss showers that postponed the commencement of the match, Sri Lanka chose to bowl first to capitalize on the prevailing conditions. However, they could only secure the early dismissal of Will Young during the PowerPlay, as the two half-centurions subsequently formed a formidable century partnership.
Ravindra and Chapman displayed exceptional skill at the crease, forging a 112-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batsmen exhibited aggressive intent, with the opener reaching his fifty first, hitting a six off Wanindu Hasaranga straight down the ground in just 43 balls. Chapman soon followed suit, also achieving his half-century with a maximum off Eshan Malinga, as New Zealand comfortably advanced to 143 for 1 by the 20th over, until Theekshana struck on the final delivery.
This marked the beginning of a spin-led resurgence for the visitors, as Ravindra’s innings came to an end shortly thereafter. He managed to hit three boundaries in quick succession, propelling the hosts past the 150-run mark, but was dismissed by Hasaranga at the conclusion of the 23rd over. Daryl Mitchell contributed a brisk 38 runs off 38 balls, while captain Mitchell Santner added a swift 20 runs from 15 deliveries, notably targeting Asitha Fernando, before Sri Lanka regained control.
Theekshana claimed Santner’s wicket in the subsequent over, followed by dismissals of Nathan Smith and Matt Henry at the start of his next and final over, achieving a hat-trick. He concluded with impressive figures of 4 for 44 in eight overs, playing a pivotal role alongside Hasaranga in limiting the hosts, who had appeared poised to exceed 280 runs at one stage.
Sri Lanka's batting order collapses at 142 as New Zealand embraces victory
Sri Lanka’s top-order difficulties persisted for the second consecutive match. They found themselves at 23 for 4 in the first ODI and 22 for 4 in the current game, largely due to Jacob Duffy’s two early wickets and a run-out involving their captain. Kamindu was left to shoulder the burden, forming two significant partnerships: one worth 57 runs with Janith Liyanage, who scored 22 off 31 balls, and another of 47 runs with Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who contributed 17 off 27. Unfortunately, the latter’s run-out occurred at a pivotal moment, extinguishing any remaining hopes.
Kamindu achieved his half-century in the 24th over, striking consecutive fours off Daryl Mitchell. However, he was dismissed shortly thereafter for 64 by William O’Rourke, marking him as the eighth wicket to fall and leaving Sri Lanka at 131 for 8. The tall pacer then proceeded to dismantle the lower order single-handedly, leading to the visitors’ collapse within 31 overs and securing a substantial victory.
In an unexpected move, New Zealand batter Martin Guptill announced his retirement from international cricket. This decision concludes a 13-year career (2009-2022) for the 38-year-old, during which he participated in 367 matches, including 198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, and 47 Tests. He retires as New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer with 3,531 runs and ranks third in ODIs for the nation with 7,346 runs, trailing only Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. Throughout his international career, he recorded 23 centuries (3 in Tests, 18 in ODIs, and 2 in T20Is) and made his final appearance for New Zealand in an ODI against Australia in September 2022.
SCORECARD: New Zealand 255/9 in 37 overs (Rachin Ravindra 79, Mark Chapman 62; Maheesh Theekshana 4-44) beat Sri Lanka 142 all out in 30.2 overs (Kamindu Mendis 64; William O’Rourke 3-32, Jacob Duffy 2-30) by 113 runs – match reduced to 37 over per side due to rain
 and Mark Chapman (62) contributed significantly with their half-centuries, leading the home team to a total of 255 for 9, while Theekshana effectively contained the lower-order batsmen. Unfortunately, aside from Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, resulting in a disappointing total of just 142 in their response.){kind=link}