New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Hamilton, winning by 113 runs. This win gives them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman were instrumental in New Zealand’s success. Their 112-run partnership for the second wicket laid the foundation for a strong total.
Ravindra scored 79 runs off 63 balls, while Chapman contributed 62 runs from 52 deliveries. New Zealand posted 255-9 in their allotted 37 overs after rain interrupted play.
Maheesh Theekshana achieved a hat-trick for Sri Lanka, dismissing Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry in consecutive deliveries. This makes him the seventh Sri Lankan bowler to achieve this feat in ODIs.
Despite this late surge from Theekshana, Sri Lanka struggled in their chase. They were reduced to 22-4 early in their innings.
Kamindu Mendis played a valiant knock, scoring a career-best 64. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from being bowled out for 142 in 30.2 overs.
Mendis formed crucial partnerships with Janith Liyanage (22) and Chamidu Wickramasinghe (17), adding 57 and 47 runs respectively. Two run-outs further hampered Sri Lanka’s chase.
Sri Lanka struggled against the pace and bounce of the New Zealand bowlers. The required run rate climbed steadily, reaching almost 15 an over towards the end of their innings.
Rain caused a two-hour delay to the start of the match. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first on a greenish pitch at Seddon Park. The decision was influenced by the overcast conditions and the possibility of further rain interruptions.
New Zealand lost Will Young early, leaving them at 31-1. Chapman then joined Ravindra at the crease, and together they built a solid partnership.
Their 50-partnership came from 44 balls, and they reached their century stand in just 79 deliveries. The pair rotated the strike effectively, frequently targeting the on-side where there were gaps in the field.
Ravindra’s early straight drive exemplified his good form. He continued to build his innings, showcasing his timing and shot selection.
“I think it’s a nice natural tempo to go out there and play cricket shots, even in the shortened game,” Ravindra said. “I do enjoy the ODI format, although you don’t see many matches happening any more.
“It’s a format I grew up watching and I think it suits the way I bat.”
Ravindra’s recent performances suggest he is finding his rhythm. He scored 69 from 38 balls in the third T20 against Sri Lanka. He followed that with 45 from 36 balls in the first ODI.
In this match, he struck nine fours and one six during his innings. Chapman also played with increasing confidence at number three, hitting five fours and two sixes.
Both batters reached their half-centuries with sixes. Ravindra’s six came off Wanindu Hasaranga‘s bowling, while Chapman cleared the ropes against Eshan Malinga.
New Zealand’s momentum slowed after the dismissals of Ravindra and Chapman. Daryl Mitchell (38), Glenn Phillips (22), and Santner (20) made contributions. However, they couldn’t maintain the same scoring rate.
The third and final ODI will take place on Saturday in Auckland.
