NZ vs SL (2nd ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the exciting second ODI between SL and NZ, held on November 17, 2024, at Pallekele. This closely contested match was part of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka and witnessed dramatic moments as both teams fought hard under the DLS-adjusted conditions. With Sri Lanka chasing a revised target of 210 in 47 overs, the game went down to the wire, showcasing skill, determination, and thrilling cricket action. Let’s delve into the match highlights and key performances that shaped this nail-biting encounter.
Chasing a revised target of 210 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka overcame early setbacks with steady performances from their middle and lower order. Despite losing 7 wickets, they held their nerve to clinch the victory in the penultimate over, sealing the series advantage.
In their innings of 209 all out in 45.1 overs, NZ faced a challenging Sri Lankan bowling attack. The innings started with early setbacks, as Tim Robinson was dismissed for just 4, and Henry Nicholls soon followed, bowled by Theekshana for 8. However, Mark Chapman anchored the middle order with a solid 76 off 81 balls, adding much-needed stability.
Mitchell Hay played a useful knock of 49, and Glenn Phillips made a start with 15 before being dismissed by Asalanka. The lower order crumbled as Mitchell Santner (6), Nathan Smith (0), and Michael Bracewell (0) fell cheaply. Ish Sodhi contributed 9, and Jacob Duffy remained unbeaten on 4 as New Zealand finished their innings at 209.
Key bowlers for Sri Lanka included Maheesh Theekshana, who took 3 wickets for 31 runs, and Jeffrey Vandersay, who also bagged 3 wickets for 46. Asitha Fernando and Charith Asalanka were also crucial in restricting the New Zealand side, with Fernando taking 2 wickets for 37 runs, and Asalanka claiming 1 wicket for 29.
New Zealand’s innings was marked by an excellent partnership between Chapman and Hay, but their efforts were undermined by the collapse of the lower order as Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept up the pressure.
In response to New Zealand’s total of 209, SL chased down the target of 210 runs with 6 balls to spare, finishing at 210/7 in 46 overs. The chase began with Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, but both were dismissed early. Nissanka fell for 28, caught by Chapman off Bracewell, while Fernando was dismissed for 5, caught by Nicholls off Santner.
Sri Lanka’s middle order saw a valiant knock from Kusal Mendis who remained not out on 74 off 102 balls, anchoring the chase. However, there was a series of wickets falling at crucial moments, with Kamindu Mendis (0), Charith Asalanka (13), and Sadeera Samarawickrama (8) being dismissed cheaply.
Janith Liyanage contributed 22 before being caught by Hay off Smith, and Dunith Wellalage added 18 before being dismissed by Bracewell. With Sri Lanka at 163/7, Maheesh Theekshana provided some resistance, scoring 27 not out, and helped take Sri Lanka over the line.
The key bowler for New Zealand was Michael Bracewell, who claimed 4 wickets for 36 runs. Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith also contributed with wickets, while Glenn Phillips provided a crucial breakthrough. Despite the wickets falling, Sri Lanka’s solid performance with Mendis at the crease ensured they successfully chased down the target.
Sri Lanka was in trouble at 41/2 and later 65/4, but Kusal Mendis played a match-winning knock of 74* off 102 balls, anchoring the chase. Michael Bracewell claimed 4 wickets, but Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order, led by Mendis, guided the team to victory, reaching 210/7 in 46 overs. Mendis was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, including 2 stumpings behind the wickets.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard
New Zealand– 209 (45.1/47)
Sri Lanka– 210/7 (46/47)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) (DLS method)
Player of the Match – Kusal Mendis
NZ vs SL Playing XI
New Zealand
Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana. Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando