NZ demolish SL despite Theekshana’s hattrick

NZ demolish SL despite Theekshana's hattrick

New Zealand sealed the three-match series against Sri Lanka with a 113-run victory in a rain-curtailed second ODI in Hamilton.

Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) hit half-centuries to propel the hosts to 255 for 9. Maheesh Theekshana took 4 for 44, tying up the lower-order. Sri Lanka folded for just 142 in reply.

After pre-toss showers delayed the start, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first. Will Young was dismissed early, but Ravindra and Chapman combined for a century stand.

Both Ravindra and Chapman looked flawless, hitting their fifties with sixes. New Zealand cruised to 143 for 1 in the 20th over.

Theekshana sparked a late comeback, dismissing Ravindra and Mitchell Santner. He then completed a hattrick, removing Nathan Smith and Matt Henry.

Sri Lanka's top-order struggled again, reduced to 22 for 4. Kamindu Mendis fought a lone battle, reaching his half-century but was dismissed on 64.

William O'Rourke cleaned up the tail, securing a big win for New Zealand.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 255/9 in 37 overs (Rachin Ravindra 79, Mark Chapman 62; Maheesh Theekshana 4-44) beat Sri Lanka 142 all out in 30.2 overs (Kamindu Mendis 64; William O'Rourke 3-32, Jacob Duffy 2-30) by 113 runs – match reduced to 37 over per side due to rain