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New Zealand Dominates Sri Lanka in Series Opener
Wellington, New Zealand - The New Zealand cricket team made a resounding statement in the first ODI of the series against Sri Lanka, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory at Wellington Regional Stadium.1
The hosts' bowlers set the tone for the match, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 178. Matt Henry emerged as the star with a brilliant spell of four wickets for just 19 runs, leaving the visitors reeling.2 While Avishka Fernando (56) and Janith Liyanage (36) offered some resistance, Sri Lanka's batting lineup failed to cope with the incisive bowling attack.
In response, New Zealand's chase was a picture of clinical efficiency. Will Young anchored the innings with an unbeaten 90, while Rachin Ravindra provided solid support with an unbeaten 44.3 The pair guided their side to the target with 142 balls to spare, showcasing their dominance and setting the stage for a potential series sweep.
Key Highlights:
- Matt Henry's Masterclass: The New Zealand pacer was unplayable, dismantling the Sri Lankan top order with his swing and seam movement.4 His four-wicket haul proved to be the turning point in the match.
- Clinical Chasing: New Zealand's openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, displayed exceptional composure and skill, chasing down the target with ease.
- Sri Lanka's Batting Woes: The visitors struggled to build partnerships and failed to capitalize on good starts. Their inability to cope with the New Zealand bowling attack proved to be their undoing.
Looking Ahead:
The series now shifts to Hamilton for the second ODI, with New Zealand brimming with confidence after their impressive performance. Sri Lanka will need to regroup and address their batting woes if they are to avoid a series whitewash. The match promises to be another exciting contest between these two teams.
Team Squads:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Will Young, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Scott Kuggeleijn
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne,5 Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
Match Details:
- Date: January 5, 2025
- Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
- Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets6
- Player of the Match: Matt Henry
Stay tuned for further updates on the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka ODI series.
