Twitter Reactions: Theekshana's hattrick in vain as New Zealand seal series with win over Sri Lanka in second ODI

Hosts New Zealand (NZ) continued their ongoing ODI series with Sri Lanka (SL). Both sides locked horns in the second ODI of the series at Seddon Park, in Hamilton, on Wednesday, January 8. The clash began with the home side coming in to bat first after losing the toss. 

After Will Young’s dismissal on a score of 16 runs, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman put in an excellent performance. Ravindra amassed 79 runs in 63 deliveries, with Mark Chapman adding 62 runs in 52 deliveries. Furthermore, Daryl Mitchell added 38 runs in just as many deliveries as well. 

Furthermore, after the top order's good showing, the rest of the batters could not amount to much. Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner added 22 and 20 runs on the board as New Zealand posted a total of 255 runs in the first innings of the game. As for Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana was the highest wicket-taker with four wickets to his name. Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets, with Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga taking one wicket each as well. 

Kamindu Mendis’ knock not enough to win the game for Sri Lanka

Aiming to chase down a target of 256 runs in the second innings, Sri Lanka opened their innings with Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando scoring 1 and 10 runs, respectively. Kusal Mendis departed on a score of two runs as well. With the top order departing early, Kamindu Mendis came out to bat and aimed at stabilising Sri Lanka’s innings.

Mendis scored 64 runs in 66 deliveries, but his knock was not enough to propel Sri Lanka towards a win. Sri Lanka were bundled out for a score of 142 as New Zealand won the game by 113 runs. Will O’Rourke was the highest wicket-taker in the second innings with three wickets to his name. Jacob Duffy took two wickets with Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Mitchell Santner striking once each. 

Here’s how X reacted to the second ODI between NZ-SL: