Spinners weave magic as Sri Lanka dominate New Zealand

Rex Clementine
at Pallekele

Sri Lanka’s spin duo, Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana, delivered a masterclass at Pallekele, sharing six wickets to dismiss New Zealand for 209 in just 45.1 overs during the rain-affected second ODI on Sunday.

The match, reduced to 47 overs due to intermittent showers, saw the visitors struggle to cope with Sri Lanka’s spinners from the outset. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage made an immediate impact, clean-bowling opener Tim Robinson in the second over with a delivery that left New Zealand’s top order in tatters.

Mark Chapman provided the only substantial resistance for the Kiwis. The left-hander played a defiant knock, scoring 76 off 81 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. His innings was the linchpin of New Zealand’s total, but it ended in dramatic fashion as Avishka Fernando pulled off a brilliant diving catch, showcasing exceptional athleticism.

Chapman’s efforts included a crucial 75-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay for the fifth wicket. Hay batted with grit and composure but fell agonizingly short of his maiden ODI half-century, dismissed for 49 as the last wicket.

Sri Lanka’s fielding oscillated between brilliance and sloppiness. While there were a few dropped chances and lapses, moments of sheer brilliance stood out. Avishka Fernando was the standout performer, completing three spectacular catches under pressure. Pathum Nissanka added to the highlights with a remarkable sprinting catch from long-on to dismiss Mitchell Santner, who was deceived by Vandersay’s clever googly.

The hosts made one change to their winning combination from the first ODI in Dambulla, bringing in Wellalage for left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka. New Zealand, on the other hand, retained their lineup, hoping for a better show with the bat.

With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Sri Lanka are poised for a series-clinching victory.

The two-match T20I series ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Buoyed by their spinners’ dominance and some electric moments in the field, Sri Lanka now stand on the brink of a memorable series win which will propel them to number five rank in ICC ODI Rankings.