Within the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on January 11, 2025, Kiwi pacer Matt Henry showcased his bowling prowess with a rare supply that left Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga shocked. This second not solely highlighted Henry’s ability but additionally marked a pivotal level within the match as Sri Lanka struggled to set a aggressive whole.
Matt Henry strikes Wanindu Hasranga with a jaffa
The dismissal of Hasaranga got here within the forty eighth over, a vital juncture for Sri Lanka as they sought to bolster their innings. Coming in at No. 8, Hasaranga aimed to speed up the scoring after a gradual partnership. Nonetheless, Henry’s unplayable yorker crashed into the off stump, sending Hasaranga again to the pavilion after he managed to attain simply 15 runs off 9 balls. The sound of timber echoed via the stadium, eliciting a roar from the gang because it marked Henry’s third wicket of the day and additional diminished Sri Lanka’s hopes of crossing the 300-run mark. Finally, they completed with a complete of 290/8 of their allotted overs.
Additionally WATCH: Nathan Smith plucks a screamer to dismiss Eshan Malinga in NZ vs SL 2nd ODI
Right here’s the video:
A magnificence from Matt Henry to account for Wanindu Hasaranga! Full and straight and Henry has his third. Comply with play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ DUKE, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/KFGTmtSGa0
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025
Matt Henry’s historic achievement
Henry’s efficiency was not nearly taking wickets; it was historic. With figures of 4/52, he reached the milestone of 150 ODI wickets, changing into the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to realize this feat in males’s ODIs. His potential to ship beneath strain was evident as he persistently troubled the Sri Lankan batters together with his tempo and precision. Alongside him, Mitchell Santner contributed considerably with two wickets, whereas Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell every chipped in with one wicket.
Sri Lanka’s struggles with batting depth
Sri Lanka started their innings positively after successful the toss and opting to bat first. Pathum Nissanka seemed promising, scoring a brisk half-century off simply 31 balls earlier than retiring damage because of a hamstring challenge. Nonetheless, as wickets fell at common intervals, the strain mounted on the decrease order. Avishka Fernando struggled for runs and managed solely 17 earlier than being dismissed. The Mendis duo, Kusal and Kamindu, tried to stabilize the innings with an 87-run partnership for the third wicket, however their efforts weren’t sufficient to safe a robust end.
Janith Liyanage’s composed knock of 53 runs offered some stability in direction of the top of the innings, however lower-order contributions had been important for setting a difficult goal. With Hasaranga’s dismissal, Sri Lanka’s tailenders couldn’t capitalize on their earlier momentum.
Dismal New Zealand batting efficiency within the 3rd ODI
New Zealand’s batting efficiency within the third ODI in opposition to Sri Lanka was disappointing, culminating in a complete of simply 150 runs, leading to a 140-run defeat. This match marked the top of the collection, the place New Zealand have beforehand secured a commanding 2-0 lead.
The innings began poorly for New Zealand, shedding their first 5 wickets for a mere 21 runs inside the first six overs. Will Younger and Rachin Ravindra fell early, contributing only a single run between them. Mark Chapman was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 81 runs off 81 balls, together with ten fours and one six, however he lacked help from his teammates.
Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips all failed to attain, whereas Bracewell and Santner might solely muster 13 and a pair of runs, respectively. Smith added 17 runs earlier than being dismissed, and regardless of a quick cameo from Henry with 12 runs off six balls, New Zealand had been bowled out in simply 29.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers had been relentless, with Maheesh Theekshana claiming three wickets and Asitha Fernando additionally making important contributions. This outcome not solely handed Sri Lanka a much-needed victory but additionally highlighted New Zealand’s batting vulnerabilities as they put together for future challenges.
