New Zealand Demolished Sri Lanka In 2nd ODI
Maheesh Theekshana’s hattrick proved futile as New Zealand clinched the three-match series against Sri Lanka with another significant 113-run win in a rain-interrupted second ODI in Hamilton. Following an extended rain delay, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) scored half-centuries, leading the hosts to a total of 255 for 9 while Theekshana contained the lower order effectively. However, apart from Kamindu Mendis, none of the Sri Lankan batsmen made an impact as the visitors collapsed for only 142 in their response.
After a bout of pre-match rain pushed back the start of the game, Sri Lanka chose to bowl first to capitalize on the favorable conditions. Unfortunately, the early dismissal of Will Young was the only success they found during the PowerPlay before the two half-centurions teamed up for a century partnership.
Both Ravindra and Chapman appeared strong at the crease throughout their 112-run stand for the second wicket. While both batters were aggressive, it was the opener who first reached fifty—with a six off Wanindu Hasaranga straight down the ground—after just 43 balls. Chapman quickly followed suit, hitting a maximum off Eshan Malinga as New Zealand comfortably advanced to 143 for 1 by the 20th over until Theekshana made his breakthrough on the final ball of that over.
This marked the beginning of a spin-driven late resurgence for the visitors as Ravindra couldn’t last much longer. He struck three boundaries in quick succession to help the hosts move past the 150-run mark before Hasaranga sent him back to the pavilion at the end of the 23rd over. Daryl Mitchell contributed a run-a-ball 38, paired well with captain Mitchell Santner’s brisk 20 off 15 balls—where he took Asitha Fernando to task—before Sri Lanka regrouped to curb their momentum.
Theekshana removed Santner in the next over, followed by dismissals of Nathan Smith and Matt Henry at the start of his subsequent and final over, completing his hattrick. He ended with impressive figures of 4 for 44 in eight overs, playing a crucial role alongside Hasaranga in limiting the hosts, who at one point seemed poised to score over 280.
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However, Sri Lanka’s problems at the top of the order persisted for a second successive match. They found themselves at 23 for 4 in the first ODI and 22 for 4 in this match due to Jacob Duffy’s early double strike and a run-out of their captain. Kamindu waged a solitary fight from that point on, forging two significant partnerships—a 57-run stand with Janith Liyanage (22 off 31) and a 47-run partnership with Chamindu Wickramasinghe (17 off 27). Nonetheless, the latter’s run-out at a vital moment dashed any remaining hopes.
Kamindu achieved his half-century in the 24th over, hitting consecutive fours off Daryl Mitchell. However, William O’Rourke dismissed him soon after, leaving him at 64 and finding Sri Lanka reduced to 131 for 8 as he single-handedly took care of the tail, finishing off the visitors within 31 overs and securing a commanding win.
