In the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on January 11, 2025, Kiwi pacer Matt Henry showcased his bowling prowess with an extraordinary delivery that left Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga stunned. This moment not only highlighted Henry’s skill but also marked a pivotal point in the match as Sri Lanka struggled to set a competitive total.
Matt Henry strikes Wanindu Hasranga with a jaffa
The dismissal of Hasaranga came in the 48th over, a crucial juncture for Sri Lanka as they sought to bolster their innings. Coming in at No. 8, Hasaranga aimed to accelerate the scoring after a steady partnership. However, Henry’s unplayable yorker crashed into the off stump, sending Hasaranga back to the pavilion after he managed to score just 15 runs off 9 balls. The sound of timber echoed through the stadium, eliciting a roar from the crowd as it marked Henry’s third wicket of the day and further diminished Sri Lanka’s hopes of crossing the 300-run mark. Ultimately, they finished with a total of 290/8 in their allotted overs.
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Here’s the video:
A beauty from Matt Henry to account for Wanindu Hasaranga! Full and straight and Henry has his third. Follow 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 performance was not just about taking wickets; it was historic. With figures of 4/52, he reached the milestone of 150 ODI wickets, becoming the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to achieve this feat in men’s ODIs. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident as he consistently troubled the Sri Lankan batters with his pace and precision. Alongside him, Mitchell Santner contributed significantly with two wickets, while Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell each chipped in with one wicket.
Sri Lanka’s struggles with batting depth
Sri Lanka began their innings positively after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Pathum Nissanka looked promising, scoring a brisk half-century off just 31 balls before retiring hurt due to a hamstring issue. However, as wickets fell at regular intervals, the pressure mounted on the lower order. Avishka Fernando struggled for runs and managed only 17 before being dismissed. The Mendis duo, Kusal and Kamindu, attempted to stabilize the innings with an 87-run partnership for the third wicket, but their efforts were not enough to secure a strong finish.
Janith Liyanage’s composed knock of 53 runs provided some stability towards the end of the innings, but lower-order contributions were essential for setting a challenging target. With Hasaranga’s dismissal, Sri Lanka’s tailenders could not capitalize on their earlier momentum.
Dismal New Zealand batting performance in the 3rd ODI
New Zealand’s batting performance in the third ODI against Sri Lanka was disappointing, culminating in a total of just 150 runs, resulting in a 140-run defeat. This match marked the end of the series, where New Zealand have previously secured a commanding 2-0 lead.
The innings started poorly for New Zealand, losing their first five wickets for a mere 21 runs within the first six overs. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra fell early, contributing just a single run between them. Mark Chapman was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 81 runs off 81 balls, including ten fours and one six, but he lacked support from his teammates.
Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips all failed to score, while Bracewell and Santner could only muster 13 and 2 runs, respectively. Smith added 17 runs before being dismissed, and despite a brief cameo from Henry with 12 runs off six balls, New Zealand were bowled out in just 29.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless, with Maheesh Theekshana claiming three wickets and Asitha Fernando also making significant contributions. This result not only handed Sri Lanka a much-needed victory but also highlighted New Zealand’s batting vulnerabilities as they prepare for future challenges.
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