Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana took six wickets combined, leading Sri Lanka to bowl out New Zealand for just 150 runs in 29.4 overs. This secured a 140-run victory for Sri Lanka in the third one-day international at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday. Fernando recorded figures of 3 for 26, while Theekshana contributed 3 for 35, effectively dismantling the New Zealand batting order as they chased a target of 291 runs. Eshan Fernando also chipped in with 3 for 35, helping Sri Lanka achieve a comprehensive win. Earlier in the match, Pathum Nissanka scored 66 runs in an innings that featured two phases, allowing Sri Lanka to set a total of 290 for 8 after opting to bat first. New Zealand’s innings faltered dramatically, as they found themselves at 21 for 5 within just seven overs, with Fernando playing a crucial role in dismantling their top order. Despite the loss, New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1, marking their final home matches before the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place next month in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
