New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) of their series on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Eden Park in Auckland. New Zealand enters this match with a commanding 2-0 lead, having dominated the first two games of the series. A win for New Zealand will secure a 3-0 clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will be eager to avoid a whitewash and end their tour on a high note.
In the second ODI held in Hamilton, New Zealand capitalized on Sri Lanka’s struggling batting lineup to secure a convincing victory in a rain-affected contest. Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued from the first game, where they collapsed under pressure. Kamindu Mendis was a standout performer, scoring 64 off 66 balls, but his efforts were in vain as he received little support from his teammates. A promising partnership with Chamindu Wickramasinghe ended abruptly due to a costly run-out. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and William O’Rourke, dismantled the lower order, with fielding brilliance from Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith sealing the 113-run win.
In the rain-shortened second match, New Zealand’s innings were powered by a 112-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, both of whom scored crucial fifties. Contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner added to the total. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Maheesh Theekshana, provided a late fightback. Theekshana’s stunning hat-trick and wickets from Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga restricted New Zealand from setting an unassailable total.
Sri Lanka’s chase started disastrously, losing key wickets during the Powerplay. Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry delivered fiery spells, dismantling the top order. Despite a 57-run partnership between Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka could not recover from the early setbacks.
With Mitchell Santner celebrating his first ODI series win as captain, New Zealand’s confidence is high. However, Sri Lanka will aim to regroup and challenge the hosts in the final ODI. The outcome will decide whether New Zealand achieves a dominant clean sweep or Sri Lanka salvages a consolation victory to regain some pride.