SL in NZ: Top order pilots Sri Lanka to 8-wicket victory in third ODI

Sri Lanka’s top order clicked in time to give them a comeback to the ODI series after New Zealand were beaten by 8 wickets in the third game played at Nelson today (31).

Electing to bat, New Zealand posted 276-8 and Sri Lanka chased the target losing just two wickets with 22 deliveries to spare as the series becomes open 2-1. 

New Zealand were cruising along with their usual form after the two wins recorded earlier but they lost wickets at regular intervals. 

Kane Williamson top scored for the home side with a 73-abll 59 inclusive of seven fours while Tom Latham (42), Mitchell Santner (28), Martin Guptill (30), Doug Bracewell (30) and Henry Nicholls (20) chipped in with useful knocks. 

Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep and Jeffrey Vandersay claimed two wickets each as Mililnda Siriwardana picked up one. 

Sri Lanka made a sound start with openers Danushka Gunathilaka and TM Dilshan putting on 98.

This followed by partnerships of 111 runs for the second wicket from Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne and an unbroken stand for the third wicket from Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal. 

Gunathilaka smashed 65 off 45 deliveries inclusive of seven boundaries and four sixes as Dilshan faced 92 deliveries for his 92 which had nine fours. 

Thirimanne remained unbeaten on 87 off 103 balls and hit six boundaries and a six while Chandimal was on 27 not out off 39 deliveries with a four when Sri Lanka reached the winning target. 

Sri Lanka will have an opportunity to level the series when they take on New Zealand in the fourth game at Nelson on Saturday (January 2).  

New Zealand 276 for 8 wickets (50) (Martin Guptill 30, Tom Latham 42, Kane Williamson 59, Henry Nicholls 20, Mitchell Santner 38, Doug Bracewell 30, Adam Milne 17n.o, Tim Southee 18n.o, Dushmantha Chameera 2/38, Nuwan Pradeep 2/55, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/55)

Sri Lanka 277 for 2 wickets (46.2) (Danushka Gunathilaka 65, TM Dilshan 91, Lahiru Thirimanne 87n.o, Dinesh Chandimal 27n.o.)