Sri Lanka ended the ODI series on a high as they defeated New Zealand by 140 runs in the final in Auckland. After setting a solid target of 290 runs, the visitors managed to beat the home team by just 150 runs in 30 overs.

Asitha Fernando breaks New Zealand’s top order

new zealand The chase is derailed early on thanks to Asitha Fernando’s fiery spell. The pacers struck three times in the powerplay to put New Zealand in big trouble. Matheesh Theekshana got the game going by removing Will Young for a duck in the first over. Fernando and Ehsan Malinga later joined the team, reducing New Zealand to a staggering 21/5 in 10 overs.

Mark Chapman did his best to keep New Zealand in the game. The left-handed bowler struck 81 off 81 balls, including 10 fours and a six. But there was nothing he could do himself as wickets fell at the other end. New Zealand never got anywhere and their innings ended at 150.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis lead Sri Lanka charge

earlier, Sri Lankan The batsmen performed well. Pathum Nissanka’s 66 off 42 balls set the tone for the top spot. His 87-run partnership with Kusal Mendis (54) put Sri Lanka in control.

Nissanka’s innings also had some drama. He scored 50 off 31 balls but had to leave the game with a groin injury. He later came back to add a few more runs before getting out in the 37th inning.

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Janith Liyanage was brilliant in the second half of the innings, scoring 53 runs off 51 balls. His calm knock, coupled with some late knocks, pushed Sri Lanka to 290/8 – their best score in the series.

Matt Henry was New Zealand’s best bowler with 4/55 votes. He troubled Sri Lanka’s batsmen throughout the innings but his efforts were not enough to prevent the visitors from scoring a big score.

Sri Lanka’s consolation win

New Zealand had already sealed the series with wins in the first two games. But the win will give Sri Lanka some confidence after struggling earlier in the series.

The batting finally came through and the bowlers did their job. Asisha Fernando’s killer spell and Mark Chapman’s lone resistance were the key highlights of the match.

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