Sri Lanka Clinches Series Against New Zealand Despite Rain in Final ODI

No result was achieved in the third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Pallekele last night due to heavy rain. However, Sri Lanka secured the series win with victories in the first two ODIs. Prior to the match being abandoned due to rain, New Zealand had scored 112 for 1 in 21 overs.

The rain ultimately claimed the final ODI, but Sri Lanka had already wrapped up the series with their earlier wins. In the first match, Sri Lanka won by 45 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method. In the second ODI, they triumphed by 3 wickets, securing the series victory. This series win marks Sri Lanka’s first over New Zealand in ODI cricket since 2012.

In the washed-out third ODI, New Zealand lost their opener Tim Robinson early. However, opener Will Young, along with number three batsman Henry Nicholls, built a solid 88-run partnership. Unfortunately, persistent rain stopped further play, and after 21 overs, the match was officially declared abandoned by the umpires at 7:45 PM local time.

Player of the Series: Kusal Mendis, who had played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victories in the first two ODIs with scores of 143 in the first match and a crucial 74 in the second ODI, was named the Player of the Series.

This series win was especially significant for Sri Lanka as it was their first ODI series victory over New Zealand in 12 years.