Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, NZ in SL, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full score card

That's it! Sri Lanka win the game by 45 runs (DLS)! A very convincing win for the hosts! Dilshan Madushanka digs it in short and over off, Jacob Duffy fails to ramp it over and the ball goes past to the keeper.

Full, at the stumps, Jacob Duffy jams it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Anticlimactic! Dilshan Madushanka goes full and looks to sneak this through too but ends up bowling a very low full toss, on off, Jacob Duffy gets his bat low and wrists it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Jacob Duffy is the last man to walk out for New Zealand!

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Dilshan Madushanka hits the leg stump this time! In came Ish Sodhi and walks back for a golden duck. Dilshan Madushanka on a hattrick! Fires this full too, angling it in, on middle and leg, pace on, Ish Sodhi looks to play at it across the line but misses. The ball zips off the deck and hits the leg stump.

Ish Sodhi walks out to bat next!

OUT! TIMBER! Dilshan Madushanka cleans Smith up! Fired in full and on off, coming straight on, skidding through a bit, Nathan Smith has a wild swing across the line but misses. The ball goes under the bat and rattles the off stump.

Comes from over the wicket and hurls it full, on middle, Michael Bracewell clubs it to long off for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Asitha Fernando bowls a full toss, on off, Nathan Smith whips it well and gets it through the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary.

Another full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell carves it away to deep point for one.

Keeps it full and on off, Nathan Smith steps out, collects it on the full and hits it to long on for one.

Serves it on a fuller length, outside off, Michael Bracewell jams it to deep point for a single.

Full and on middle and leg, Nathan Smith tries to flick but misses. The ball goes to short third off his shoe and they collect a leg bye!

A low full toss, on leg, Nathan Smith is caught off-guard and is late on his shot. The ball clips his pad and goes to the off side.

Short and outside off, Nathan Smith punches it to deep point for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Nathan Smith turns it around to long on for a couple of runs.

Full and on leg, Michael Bracewell looks to sweep but misses. The ball goes off his pads to short leg and the batters collect a leg bye.

Full, on middle, Nathan Smith tucks it to square leg for a single and gets off the mark.

Full, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell misses on his heave and collect s a leg bye off his pads.

Nathan Smith walks in next!

OUT! RUN OUT! Mitchell Santner has to walk back and Maheesh Theekshana has done really well to get a hand to it. Fired in full, on middle and off, Michael Bracewell drills it straight back at the stumps at the bowling end. Maheesh Theekshana on his follow through gets his left hand out and manages to get a finger on it as the ball shatters the stumps. Mitchell Santner is long way down the crease and has to walk back!

FOUR! Flicked with ease! Too full, outside off, Mitchell Santner gets across and with his bottom hands wrists it square of the wicket on the leg side for a boundary. They need more of these now! 65 more runs needed off 18 balls!

Full and outside off, Michael Bracewell premediates and shuffles across looking to sweep it across but misses. The ball goes off his pads and they collect a leg bye.

Continues to keep it full and outside off, Michael Bracewell fails to get any bat on it.

Full and outside off, with pace off the delivery, Mitchell Santner gets closer to the line and works it away to point for a single.

A low full toss, just outside off, Mitchell Santner hits hard but straight to cover.

Comes from over the wicket and dishes it out full, at off, Michael Bracewell digs it out to cover for a single. This brings the 150 runs for New Zealand!

Another solid over from Maheesh Theekshana! Just 4 runs off it! This is darted full, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell jams it out to mid on and gets one. New Zealand need 72 more runs off 24 balls.

A full toss on off, Michael Bracewell reverse sweeps it straight to short third.

On a nagging length, on off, Michael Bracewell looks to cut but misses and chops it down the deck.

Tossed up, on middle, Mitchell Santner hits it to long off for one.

Full, on middle, Mitchell Santner makes room and pushes it to cover who collects the ball and throws hard at the bowling end. Maheesh Theekshana fails to collect it cleanly allowing the batters the second run.

Short and outside off, Mitchell Santner misses out and slaps it straight to cover.

End of Powerplay 2! Sri Lanka can now have up to 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

A low full toss at the stumps, Michael Bracewell whips it aerially but short of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 13 runs come off that over and New Zealand now need 76 more off 30 balls.

FOUR! Two-in-two and Michael Bracewell is holding the chase by a string and is pulling it back well. Short and on off, Michael Bracewell swings across and gets an outside edge over short third.

FOUR! Good shot! Much-needed too! A bit too full, on off, with no pace, Michael Bracewell waits on and lofts his shot well beating long on to his right.

Good length, in and around off, Mitchell Santner guides it to backward point.

Mitchell Santner walks out to bat next!

OUT! CAUGHT! The softest of dismissals and the bowling change worked right for Sri Lanka! Dilshan Madushanka serves this on a back of a length, on middle, Mitchell Hay premediates and shuffles across looking to ramp it over the keeper. Gets a bit too early on the shot and scoops it straight down the throat of Asitha Fernando at short fine leg. Sri Lanka are all over New Zealand now!

Back of a length, over off, Mitchell Hay dabs it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Five dots in the over from Maheesh Theekshana! Superb stuff! Tossed up, on middle and off, Michael Bracewell leans ahead and blocks it down the deck. New Zealand need 89 off 36 balls.

Three dots on the trot now! Fired in full at the stumps, Michael Bracewell punches it to cover.

Full and at the stumps, Michael Bracewell drives it straight back to the bowler.

Full and on off, Michael Bracewell looks to reverse sweep again but gets an inside edge off his pads and to short third.

FOUR! Glided away! Sliding down leg, fuller as well, Michael Bracewell gets low and squeezes his sweep fine to beat short fine to his right.

Comes back into the attack and lands this on a fuller length, on middle and off, Michael Bracewell looks to reverse sweep but misses.

Short and on off, Hay punches it back to the bowler. The equation is now 93 runs off 42 balls

Full and on middle and leg, Mitchell Hay gets his bat ahead and pushes it to mid-wicket.

SIX! BANG! Mitchell Hay is announcing himself in some style! Tossed right in the arc, on off, Mitchell Hay clubs it over mid on for a biggie.

Full, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell pulls it to short fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Charges and powers it through! Tossed up, on middle, Michael Bracewell skips down the track and whips it over mid on for a boundary.

Full, on off, Mitchell Hay drives it to long off for a single.

Off the mark in ODI's! Pushed through fuller and on middle and leg, Mitchell Hay nudges it to mid-wicket for a single. New Zealand need 105 more runs off 48 balls.

Short and on middle, Mitchell Hay clips it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, at middle, Mitchell Hay offers a solid block first up.

At the stumps, pushed through quicker, Michael Bracewell taps it to cover for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Charith Asalanka floats it up, outside off and Michael Bracewell whips it wide of cover and beats long off to his right.

Short and on middle, Michael Bracewell pats it back to the bowler.

The debutant, Mitchell Hay walks out to bat at number 7!

OUT! TAKEN! Jeffrey Vandersay joins the party now! He bowls this short again, outside off, keeps a bit low. Glenn Phillips backs away to cut it again but this goes off the toe-end of his bat and slices in the air towards point where Pathum Nissanka takes a dolly. Phillips knows this was not a wicket-taking ball at all but since the drinks break, everything is going Sri Lanka's way here. New Zealand lose half their side now!

FOUR! Gets it away! Jeffrey Vandersay bowls this short and outside off, Glenn Phillips moves back, extends his arms and slaps it towards the deep extra cover fence for a boundary.

A low full toss, on middle, Michael Bracewell thumps it down the pitch where the bounce takes it over the bowler. The fielder at long off runs to his right and dives to make a good stop. Three runs taken.

Flighted, full and on leg, Michael Bracewell uses his feet and turns to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to slog it away but miscues it towards mid on for a quick single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and it hits Glenn Phillips on his thighs.

Floated, full and on leg, Michael Bracewell clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Goes short and around off, Michael Bracewell punches it to long off for one. New Zealand need 120 more runs off 60 balls.

Flighted, full and on middle, Michael Bracewell defends it down the pitch.

Quicker, short and on middle, Michael Bracewell blocks it out.

Michael Bracewell makes his way out to bat at number 6 for New Zealand!

OUT! TAKEN! This is an incredible catch! No need for a review this time and Charith Asalanka gets his second wicket. He drags his length back, on middle, there to be put away, Mark Chapman rocks back and pulls it pretty hard but straight towards mid-wicket. Maheesh Theekshana moves to his left quickly and grabs a fantastic catch with both hands. Chapman cannot believe that he has found the fielder there but has to walk back now.

Flatter, short and around off, turns away, Mark Chapman moves back to cut away but misses. Kusal Mendis grabs it behind the stumps after fumbling thrice. Charith Asalanka thinks there is some bat involved and takes the review. UltraEdge shows no spike and Sri Lanka lose a review!

Floated, short and on leg, Glenn Phillips works it towards long on for a single. 100 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

Shortish and on middle, skids through, Mark Chapman clips it to mid-wicket. The asking rate has climbed up around 11s now.

Quicker, full and on leg, Glenn Phillips forces it down to long on for another run.

Floated, full and on leg, Mark Chapman swipes it to deep square leg for a run.

Short again and on off, Glenn Phillips punches it to sweeper covers for a single.

Flatter, short and around off, Glenn Phillips look to push it away but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips knocks it back to the bowler.

Short and on middle, Glenn Phillips nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Glenn Phillips walks out to bat at number 5!

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Charith Asalanka has the last laugh here! New Zealand slip from 88/0 to 95/3 in the space of 10 balls. Pushed through quicker, shortish and just outside off, angling in. Henry Nicholls moves back to cut it away but this is too close to his body and he only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. Sri Lanka have fought back brilliantly here!

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Tossed up, full and on leg, Henry Nicholls skips down the track, brings his wrists into play and whips it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Short and on middle, Mark Chapman punches it to long on for a run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls drills it to long on for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Mark Chapman walks in at number 4! Skipper, Charith Asalanka brings himself onto the attack now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Maheesh Theekshana with the double whammy! New Zealand lose both openers in the same over and this game has turned on its head here. Flighted, delivery, full and on off, angles in. Will Young steps forward and looks to work it across the line but misses a straight one here. The ball goes through the big gap between bat and pad to rattle the stumps. The Kiwis two down now and still need 132 runs in 78 balls!

Slows it up and keeps it on middle and off, Will Young looks to sweep but gets an inside edge back onto his front pad.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Henry Nicholls paddles it to short fine for one.

Shorter and on middle, Henry Nicholls pats it back to the bowler.

Henry Nicholls walks out to bat at number 3 for New Zealand!

OUT! STUMPED! Maheesh Theekshana draws first blood! Sri Lanka needed this wicket desperately and once again we see a wicket fall after a break in play. This is quicker, full and on off, straightens a bit. Tim Robinson skips down the track but plays down the wrong line and gets beaten by pace. Kusal Mendis fails to collect it on the first attempt but shows good reflexes to collect it on the second attempt and breaks the stumps with Robinson's bat still in the air. A good knock from the debutant but the 88-run opening stand is finally broken.

Is that out? A stumping chance and Maheesh Theekshana is confident but the keeper is the least excited! The replays show that Tim Robinson is way down the crease and that fumble from Kusal Mendis doesn't matter because he has nicked the bails off in a flash.

Flatter, full and on middle, Will Young drills it towards long off for a single.

Drinks! With 134 runs needed from 84 balls, New Zealand’s openers have given their side the perfect start, putting the pressure firmly back on the hosts. This opening partnership is steadily taking the game away from Sri Lanka, who have struggled to challenge the batters and have leaked runs at an alarming rate. To turn things around, Sri Lanka urgently needs breakthroughs, and they need them fast. Maheesh Theekshana comes back into the attack now!

Short once more, on off, Tim Robinson punches it to short covers.

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Tim Robinson stays back and taps it to short covers.

Short again and outside off, Will Young cuts it through cover-point for a run.

Flighted, full and on leg, Tim Robinson drills it towards long on for a single.

Flatter, short and on off, Tim Robinson bunts it out to the off side.

Fires one full and on middle, Tim Robinson use his feet, yorks himself and squeezes it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg. With the field spread around, the batters get the time to come back for the second run.

Goes short and down the leg side, Tim Robinson goes down and paddles it towards short fine leg who only makes a half-stop. They cross.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Tim Robinson uses his feet and whips it towards mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on leg, Will Young flicks it straight towards mid-wicket where the fielder lets it through for a run.

FOUR! Put away! Kamindu Mendis serves a juicy full toss, on middle, Will Young steps out and thumps it down to wide of long on for a boundary. It is not going to be easy for the spinners with the ball getting wet.

Floated, full and on middle, Tim Robinson clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Short and on off, Tim Robinson stabs it to short covers.

Floated, full and on leg, Tim Robinson clips it through square leg for one more.

Another short delivery, outside off, Will Young moves back and cuts it to sweeper covers for one.

Quicker, short and on middle, Will Young moves back but swats it straight towards mid on.

Flatter, short and on off, Tim Robinson moves and slaps it to long off for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young uses his feet and swipes it off the inside half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Short and around off, Tim Robinson punches it through covers for a single.

Short and on off, Will Young punches hard but straight to cover.

Full and on middle, Tim Robinson looks to sweep but gets an inside edge off his pads, rolling behind the keeper for a single.

Full, on off, Will Young eases it out to long off for a single.

Cramps the batter for room with a nagging length, on middle and off, Will Young keeps it out.

Looped up, on middle, Will Young steps out and jams it out to deep cover for a brace.

FOUR! Welcomed into the attack with a boundary too! Kamindu Mendis digs it short and outside off, begging to be hit and Will Young obliges. Punches it past point for a boundary. Runs coming thick and fast now for the Kiwis!

Kamindu Mendis replaces Dilshan Madushanka.

Flighted full, on off, Tim Robinson frees his arms and drives it to deep cover for a brace.

Shorter than a good length, on middle, Tim Robinson whips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Pitched up, on middle and off, Will Young pushes it to long on for a single.

Full, on off, Will Young cuts it to point.

TWO WIDES! Fired in full and down leg, Tim Robinson fails to sweep it through and the keeper misses to collect it cleanly allowing the batters a single.

Full, outside off, turning away further, Tim Robinson mistimes his punch to cover.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it nice and full, on middle and turning away off the deck, Tim Robinson with deft hands stabs it out.

Jeffrey Vandersay has been introduced into the attack now.

A dot to end the over but 13 runs come off it! This is on a length, at the stumps, Will Young tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Hit with real authority! Short of a length, on middle, Will Young makes room and thumps it through cover-point for a boundary.

On a good length, outside off, Will Young hops back and looks to play at it but misses. Gets pinged high on the pad.

FOUR! So nearly sneaked through to the stumps! Dilshan Madushanka hist the hard length, on middle and off, Will Young looks to guide it out with no foot movement and gets an inside edge that falls by the stumps and races away to the fine leg fence.

On a good length, outside off, Tim Robinson steers it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Carved away! Short and outside off, Tim Robinson rides the bounce and slashes it high in the air and wider of the fielder at deep square leg for a boundary.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Tim Robinson nudges it off his pads, in front of deep square leg and gets a single.

Digs it in even shorter and over off, Will Young pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Short of a length again at the stumps, Will Young makes room but cant read the lack of pace right. Hits it back to the bowler off the upper half of the bat.

Short of a length, outside off, with some pace off, Will Young adjusts well and pushes it to cover.

Attempted yorker, served as a very low full toss, on middle and leg, Tim Robinson taps it to long on for a single.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it full, on the pads, Will Young clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Powerplay 2! The field can spread out now as Sri Lanka can have four fielders outside the circle till the 22nd over. New Zealand have done pretty well in the first six scoring at a good rate and more importantly not losing any wickets. Sri Lanka will be hoping to come back through their spinners in the middle overs. Also, Janith Liyanage comes into the attack now.

Fired in quicker and fuller at the stumps, Will Young whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Two-in-two and Will Young is starting to open up now! Pitched up, on off, Will Young lofts it wide of mid off to his left for another boundary.

FOUR! These are easy pickings! Darted full, angling in on middle and leg, Will Young gets low and sweeps it fine and beats the fielder at short fine for a boundary.

Full and on leg, Will Young has a wild swing across the line but misses.

Pushed through, full and on middle and leg, Will Young glides it off his pads to short fine leg.

Full, on leg, Will Young makes room and looks to punch it past point but Jeffrey Vandersay dives to his right and makes a fine stop.

On a length and on middle, Tim Robinson nudges it to mid-wicket.

Fuller in length and on middle and off, Tim Robinson guides it to point.

FOUR! Gets it through! Asitha Fernando lands this short of a length and around off, not much width but Tim Robinson gets on top of that nicely and punches it sweetly through covers for another boundary.

BEAUTY! Asitha Fernando goes a bit fuller and on off, straightents a bit after hitting the deck and keeps low too. Tim Robinson plays inside the line of it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length and on off, Tim Robinson stays back and blocks it down the pitch.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Good length but on the pads, Tim Robinson only has to get some bat on that and he does exactly that. Glances it away towards the fine leg fence for an easy boundary.

Goes short and on middle, Tim Robinson pats it to the right of the bowler for one more.

Arm ball, full and on middle, goes in with the arm, Will Young drives it to long on for one.

Fires one full but down the leg side, Will Young goes down to sweep but misses. Wided.

Flatter, short and on off, shoots up off the surface, Will Young looks to play at it but it goes off the shoulder of his bat and drops in front of point.

Floated, full and on middle, Tim Robinson works it towards long on for a run.

FOUR! First boundary of his ODI career! Maheesh Theekshana drops it short and around off, Tim Robinson stays back and punches it hard towards point. Jeffrey Vandersay gets down to stop it, but the ball unexpectedly bounces off the rough and almost takes his head off. Goes away to the fence for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana starts with a quicker one, full and on middle, angling in, Will Young drills it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana is tossed the ball now.

Another quiet over from Asitha Fernando! Hits the length hard, on off, Tim Robinson stabs it to short covers.

Fulle and on off, shaping in now, Tim Robinson stays back and knocks it towards mid on.

Asitha Fernando goes for the bouncer, but gets it completely wrong and bowls it way down the leg side, Tim Robinson leaves it alone. Wided.

Touch fuller now, on off, angling in, Tim Robinson plays it towards point.

Short of a length and on the sixth stump line, Tim Robinson dabs it down to point.

Back of a length and on middle, Will Young backs away and steers it through point for a run.

Tim Robinson gets his first ODI runs! Good length and around off, keeps low, Tim Robinson adjusts well and guides it towards third man for a single.

Overpitched and on off, Will Young drills it to short covers. 8 runs off the over!

Back of a length and around off, Will Young punches it to extra covers.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Dilshan Madushanka hits the length hard and outside off, no swing just angles away. Will Young gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for another boundary.

Goes full again, on middle, shaping in, Will Young tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and outside off, Will Young looks to cut it away but misses.

FOUR! Will Young greets Dilshan Madushanka with a boundary! Fuller in length and on off, Will Young drives it hard with a straight bat wide of mid off. Charith Asalanka dives to his right, gets a hand to it as well but only to parry it away to the long off fence for the first boundary of the chase.

It will be Dilshan Madushanka to share the attack from the other end!

On a length and on middle, Will Young knocks it towards mid on for a single. First runs off the bat in the chase. Just two runs off the first over then! Superb bowling by Asitha Fernando!

Short of a length and on off, Will Young steps across and stabs it towards short covers.

Beaten again! Hits the length hard and around off, shaping away a bit, Will Young takes a couple of steps forward to guide it away but the ball zips past the outside edge once more.

BEATEN! Asitha Fernando lands this on a good length and in that channel outside off, holds its line. Will Young has a poke at it without moving his feet and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and on off, Will Young dabs it in front of short covers.

New Zealand are underway in this chase with extras! Short of a length from Asitha Fernando but down the leg sie, Will Young looks to pull it away but misses. Wided.

Asitha Fernando starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Will Young gets behind the line of it and pats it down towards covers.

OUT! TAKEN! Jacob Duffy has three now! Jacob Duffy bangs this short and around off, Charith Asalanka hops up to pull it away but fails to get on top of the bounce. He gets a bit of a top edge as the ball goes high in the air towards deep square leg where Will Young runs forward and takes a good sliding catch. He makes up for his error in the previous over. Asalanka goes back after a fiery 40 off just 28 balls and Sri Lanka are 324/5 now!

Fuller and around off, Janith Liyanage slogs it towards long on for a single. There is a bit of drizzle around now and the ground staff are ready with the covers to come in if it gets heavier.

DROPPED! The debutant almost gets a wicket with his last delivery, but it is just not meant to be. Nathan Smith takes pace off and bowls this full and outside off. Charith Asalanka looks to loft it away but mistimes it high in the air. Will Young from extra covers runs backwards, gets under it but spills it out in the air. Two runs taken. A tough debut for Nathan Smith as he finishes wicketless!

Goes for the wide yorker but this is just a bit too outside off, Charith Asalanka fails to reach it. Wided.

SIX! That is a fine shot! Nathan Smith misses his mark and serves this full and around off, Charith Asalanka clears his front leg away and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Pitched up and on leg, Janith Liyanage clips it on the bounce to deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Gets it away this time! Slower delivery, short and just outside off, Janith Liyanage gets the chance to free his arms and ramps it over short third for a boundary.

Hard length and on middle, Janith Liyanage pats it back to the bowler.

Just short! Brilliant effort in the deep though! Fuller and on leg, Charith Asalanka flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips runs forward quickly and dives in but the ball just bounces in front of him. He does well to get his body behind it and keeps it to just a single.

A slower dipping yorker, on off, Janith Liyanage fails to dig it out. Another excellent over from Jacob Duffy, just 3 runs from it.

DROPPED! A tough chance though! Slower, full and outside off, Janith Liyanage reaches for it but only to cue-end back to the bowler. Jacob Duffy on his follow-through gets fingertips on it but fails to hold on to it.

Pitched up and angling into the pads, Charith Asalanka clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good bowling! Jacob Duffy bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Charith Asalanka looks to pull it away but misses.

Full again and around off, Charith Asalanka drills it on the bounce to mid off.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Charith Asalanka tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

A slower bouncer, on middle, Janith Liyanage tries to ramp it away but misses it. 12 runs off the over!

FOUR! Expensive No Ball for Nathan Smith! Pitched up and outside off, Janith Liyanage throws his bat at it, gets an outside edge that flies over short third for a boundary.

Oh..no! Nathan Smith loses his grip and bowls a very high full toss, on middle, Janith Liyanage does well to get out the way of it. It is called a No Ball and Free Hit is up next.

300 UP FOR SRI LANKA NOW! Short of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka heaves it towards deep square leg for another run.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Janith Liyanage digs it out towards mid-wicket for a run.

Full again and outside off, Charith Asalanka drills it to sweeper covers for a single.

FOUR! Good start to the over for Sri Lanka! Nathan Smith serves this full and around off, slower too. Charith Asalanka knows mid off is up and thumps it over the fielder for a boundary.

Short of a length and around off, Janith Liyanage bunts it out to the off side. Just three runs a big wicket from the over!

Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Janith Liyanage ducks under it.

Fuller and around off, Charith Asalanka drills it through cover-point for another run.

On a length and on middle, Janith Liyanage pats it towards mid on for a run.

Janith Liyanage walks out to bat next for Sri Lanka!

OUT! TAKEN! Jacob Duffy gets his second now! A big wicket for New Zealand as this can surely make a difference of 20-25 runs to the final total. Fuller in length and well outside off, Kusal Mendis stays in his crease and tries to reach for it but his bat turns in his hand. The ball goes in the air straight to extra covers where Henry Nicholls takes a good catch. Mendis walks off to huge applause from the crowd for his magnificent knock of 143 off 128 balls.

A low full toss, outside off, Charith Asalanka slices it through point for a single.

FOUR! Another one that is not in total control but gets the result Sri Lanka will not mind! Tossed up, on off, Kusal Mendis leans ahead and looks to drive, gets an outside edge that goes past short third to his left for another boundary.

FOUR! Streaky but Kusal Mendis and Sri Lanka will happily take it! Pitched full, on middle and off, Kusal Mendis looks for a sweep shot but gets through the shot quite early. The ball goes off the top edge and beats the right outstretched arm of the keeper for a boundary.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Shorter in length, turning in, on middle and off, Charith Asalanka knocks it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full, on middle, Charith Asalanka taps it to the bowler.

FOUR! Switching gears and how! This is slow and outside off, shorter enough to allow Charith Asalanka to rock back before he pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Pitched right up, outside off, Kusal Mendis premediates and shuffles across before flat batting it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 18 runs come off that over!

Short again, on off, Charith Asalanka drives it to deep cover for one.

Short and on off, Kusal Mendis cuts it past short third for a single.

SIX! In total control this time! tossed up, on off, Kusal Mendis clears his front leg and swats it over long on for another biggie.

SIX! Just over! Full, on off, Kusal Mendis clubs it high and just beats the fielder at long off who jumps high but can't get any hand to it.

Quicker, fuller and well outside off, Kusal Mendis swings hard but mistimes it to mid off.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis drives it to deep cover for a single.

Slower and fuller, outside off and turning back in, Charith Asalanka rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis nudges it to mid on region and gets a single.

Short and outside off, Kusal Mendis fails to capitalize and taps it straight to point.

Tossed up, in and around off and turning away just enough to go past the outside edge as Kusal Mendis looks to make room and glide it through the off side.

Short and on off, Charith Asalanka punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and on off, Charith Asalanka clips it to long on for a single.

SIX! BANG! Sweetly timed! Tossed right up, in the arc, on middle and off, Charith Asalanka clobbers it over mid-wicket for a biggie. This also brings up the 250 runs for Sri Lanka!

Short and on off, Kusal Mendis slaps it to deep cover for a single.

Flighted full, on middle, Charith Asalanka sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Pitched up, on middle, Charith Asalanka offers a solid front foot block.

Full, outside off, Kusal Mendis steps out and drags his shot across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Short and well outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to cut but misses.

Wrong one, full and on off, Charith Asalanka knocks it down the deck.

Flighted full, on off, Charith Asalanka taps it to the bowler.

FOUR! Off the mark with a boundary! Tossed right up, on middle, Charith Asalanka gets a good stride out and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for boundary.

Full, on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it to the bowler.

WIDE! Shory and on middle turning in a long way past the batter. The ball goes past Charith Asalanka as he looks to tuck it around.

Short and on middle and off, Kusal Mendis clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis leans on and blocks.

Flighted, full and around off, Charith Asalanka taps it towards covers. 11 runs and a wicket from the over then. That will be the end of the Powerplay 2! New Zealand are now allowed up to 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

The Sri Lankan skipper, Charith Asalanka makes his way out to bat at number 5!

OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell strikes now! Sadeera Samarawickrama's short stay at the crease comes to and end now. Tossed up, full and around off, turns in with extra bounce. Sadeera Samarawickrama goes down across to paddle it away, but only manages to get a top edge straight to short fine where Ish Sodhi takes a dolly. Sri Lanka three down now!

Floated, full and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama reverse paddles it wide of short third man for a couple of runs.

Quicker, short and on leg, Kusal Mendis swipes it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Different length but same result! Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis dances down the track and whips it between deep mid-wicket and long on for another boundary.

FOUR! Good short! Michael Bracewell bowls this very short and around middle, Kusal Mendis moves on the back foot quickly and pulls it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Floated, full and on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama goes inside out and chips it wide of long off for a brace.

Flighted, full and on off, Kusal Mendis drills it to long off for one.

Flatter, full and on middle, skids through, Kusal Mendis keeps it out.

Run out chance...missed! Quicker, short and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama stays back and bunts it wide of cover-point. Thre is a bit of hesitation for the single but they go for it. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with Sadeera Samarawickrama putting in the dive. A direct hit and he would have been a goner.

Sadeera Samarawickrama walks out to bat at number 4 for Sri Lanka!

OUT! TAKEN! Hundred and out for Avishka Fernando! Ish Sodhi gets the wicket and breaks the record-breaking 206-run partnership. He tosses it up, full and on off, Avishka Fernando goes down and looks to clear mid on, but fails to get underneath the ball. He does not get the elevation and hits it flat and aerially towards mid on where Will Young times his jump well and grabs it with both hands. Fernando departs after a wonderful ton, but the Kiwis get the opening they were looking for here.

Goes short and around off, Kusal Mendis stabs it towards extra covers for a single.

HUNDRED FOR FERNANDO! He gets to his 4th ODI century as well and he has come good at the right time for Sri Lanka. Tossed up, full and around off, Avishka Fernando drills it wide of long off for a couple of runs. He punches the air in delight and raises his bat and helmet to celebrate the milestone.

Goes short again, on middle, Avishka Fernando moves across and clips it square leg. Three dots in a row no!

Flighted, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando defends it on the front foot.

Quicker, short and on middle, Avishka Fernando pats it down to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis works it to long on for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, Kusal Mendis gets hurried and swipes it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis sweeps it towards deep square leg for oen.

Another short delivery, on off, Avishka Fernando punches it past covers for one.

Slows it up a bit, full and on middle, grips and turns away sharply, Avishka Fernando leaves it alone.

Flatter, short and around off, turns further away, Avishka Fernando reaches for it and stabs it to short covers.

FOUR! Short and punished! Ish Sodhi bowls this way short and on middle, Avishka Fernando rocks back and heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. He is just one hit away from his ton now! Also, the 200-run stand comes up between these two batters.

HUNDRED FOR MENDIS! This is his 4th ODI ton and his first since 2023! An inning of high class and excellent commitment. Short and around off, Kusal Mendis punches it through covers for a single.

Looped up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis eases it towards long on for one. He moves to 99 now!

In the air...safe! Glenn Phillips bowls another short delivery, on middle, turns in and sticks to the surface a bit. Avishka Fernando goes through his pull shot early and loses his bottom hand as well. He mistimes it in the air but it lands safely well in front of deep mid-wicket. They cross.

Shortish and on middle, angling in, Avishka Fernando punches it back to the bowler.

Drags his length back, on off, Kusal Mendis stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short again, on middle, turning in, Avishka Fernando clips it off the back foot towards square leg for a quick single.

Floated, short and on off, Avishka Fernando stays back and pats it back to the bowler.

Drinks! With both Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando well set and a strong foundation in place, it seems Sri Lanka will be ready to shift gears soon. New Zealand's bowlers have tried a variety of strategies but have been unable to find the much-needed breakthrough. As Sri Lanka prepares to accelerate, the Kiwis must find a way to halt the run flow, likely their best chance to pick up wickets as the batters take greater risks. The next few overs could be pivotal, and New Zealand will need sharp fielding and disciplined bowling to make an impact while the hosts will just want to carry on.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis knocks it back to the bowler. 9 runs off the over!

FOUR! Another loose delivery! You do not see this often from Mitchell Santner! This is fired full but down the leg side, Kusal Mendis goes down and just paddles it away past short fine for four more runs.

FOUR! Put away! Mitchell Santner bowls a half-tracker around leg, Kusal Mendis rocks back quickly and pulls it away towards the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary. He moves into the 90s now as well!

Goes short and on leg, Kusal Mendis swipes it to square leg.

A shout for LBW, but turned down! Floated, full and on middle and leg, turns away. Kusal Mendis goes down for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Santner decides against the review here!

200 UP FOR SRI LANKA NOW! Tossed up, full and around off, Avishka Fernando drills it through covers for a single.

Short and around middle, Avishka Fernando punches it to long on for on. He moves into the 90s now!

Quicker, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis knocks it towards the vacant mid on region for one. Glenn Phillips himself runs after the ball to field it.

'Catch it' is the call but this does not carry! Tossed up, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando uses his feet to loft it away but mistimes it badly. Luckily for him it drops well in front of long on. They cross.

Fires one full and on middle, skids through, Kusal Mendis just about gets his bat down in time to work it through square leg for a single.

Floated, full and on off, Kusal Mendis goes down across for the sweep but misses.

Flatter, short and around off, turns in with extra bounce, Kusal Mendis gets surprised by it and stabs it to short covers.

A loopy low full toss, on leg, Avishka Fernando tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Nicely bowled! Slower through the air, full and on off, turns away, Avishka Fernando steers it towards point.

Pushed through quicker, full and around off, Avishka Fernando goes down to sweep it away but misses.

Flatter, full and around off, Avishka Fernando pushes it to short covers.

Quicker, short and on middle, Kusal Mendis plays the short-arm jab through square leg for a run.

Floated, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando goes inside out and lifts it over extra covers for a single.

Darts this one full and on middle, Avishka Fernando drills it to long on for one. 12 run from Glenn Phillips' first over!

Fires one in, short and around off, Kusal Mendis uses the pace of the ball and guides it away wide of short third. Will Young chases after it and slides it in just in time to push it back inside. Three runs taken.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Glenn Phillips bowls this quicker and shorter on middle. Kusal Mendis moves back and pulls it hard and wide of deep square leg. Nathan Smith runs to his left, slides in and tries to lob it to the incoming fielder from deep mid-wicket but lets it through for a boundary.

Drags his length back, on middle, Avishka Fernando pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Short again and on middle, Kusal Mendis goes down and heaves it towards deep square leg for a single.

Glenn Phillips starts with a flatter delivery, short and outside off, Kusal Mendis moves back and cuts it wide of deep point for a brace.

Glenn Phillips comes into the attack now!

BEAUTY! Mitchell Santner slows it up, full and on off, this one grips and turns away sharply. Avishka Fernando gets forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short again and outside off, Avishka Fernando punches it wide of extra covers where Glenn Phillips dives to his left to make a good stop.

Goes short and around leg, Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando drives it towards long off for a single.

Flatter, short and on off, Avishka Fernando backs away and stabs it back to the bowler.

On a good length, outside off, Kusal Mendis cuts it very late but cant get it past short third.

Goes full, on middle, Kusal Mendis gets his bat ahead and clips it to long on for a brace.

Shorter in length, over off, Kusal Mendis knocks it around to mid-wicket.

Good length, on off, Kusal Mendis firms his drive but straight to cover.

Hits the deck hard, on a length, over middle, Avishka Fernando squeezes it to cover for a single.

On a good length, just outside off, Kusal Mendis works it to deep point for a single.

Short of a good length, on off, Avishka Fernando cuts it through point for a brace.

Digs it in short and outside off, Kusal Mendis whips it down to mid on for a single.

Full, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Short of a length, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando is late on the pull and misses. The ball goes off his thigh pad and rolls past the keeper to his left for a couple of leg byes.

Full, on off, Avishka Fernando with deft hands blocks it out.

Length, on off, Avishka Fernando dabs it to mid off.

Follows up with a perfect ball! On a hard length, just outside off, Kusal Mendis has a feel for it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

FOUR! Short and punished! Back of a length, over off, Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Was that a chance? Looks like it was! Short of a length and on middle, Avishka Fernando miscues his pull to beat Michael Bracewell at mid-wicket to his left. Ish Sodhi does well to chase the ball and pull it back just in time to save a run for his side.

Good length, on off, Avishka Fernando taps it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Put away! Angling into the pads, on a length, Avishka Fernando just gets enough to help it on its way to beat fine leg to his right for a boundary.

Comes from over the wicket and lands it on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis cuts it to deep third for a single.

Hard length, on off, Avishka Fernando with no foot movement looks to cut it square on off but misses. Gets an inside edge that rolls back to the keeper.

Shorter than a good length, on off with no pacing behind the ball, Avishka Fernando carves it straight to backward point.

Back of a length, over off, Avishka Fernando punches it to cover.

FOUR! Change of bowler doesn't change the fortunes for New Zealand! Short and on off, Avishka Fernando pulls it to the right of deep square and beats Will Young for a boundary.

Short of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis swivels for the pull but mistimes it to deep square leg for a single.

Comes back into the attack and lands it on a length, on off, Avishka Fernando whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Boundaries flowing thick and fast now! Tossed up, on off, Kusal Mendis sweeps from well in front to deep square leg fence for another boundary. Another 11 run over! Also brings up the 150 runs for Sri Lanka!

FOUR! Smartly played! Tossed up, outside off, Kusal Mendis waits for the ball to get to him and steers it very late, past short third for a boundary.

Full, on middle, Avishka Fernando steps out and whips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, on off, Kusal Mendis sweeps it well but straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and on off, Avishka Fernando punches it to long on for one.

Full and on off, Avishka Fernando steps across and looks to scoop it over the keeper but fails to connect.

Pitched up, just outside off, Avishka Fernando crisps it to deep point for a single. 11 runs come off that over!

Slower through the air, fuller and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it to long off for a single.

tossed up, on off, Avishka Fernando eases it out to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Avishka Fernando is freeing himself and these are not great signs for the Kiwis! Short and on middle, Avishka Fernando quickly rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for another boundary.

Full, on off, Avishka Fernando with soft hands blocks it out.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Ish Sodhi tosses it up, on off, Avishka Fernando plants his front leg across and sweeps it square on the leg side for a boundary.

Quicker and fuller, on off, the ball keeps a bit low this time, Kusal Mendis gets his bat down and pushes it out.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis tucks it to the on side.

That one turned square! Pithed in and around off, tuning back in a mile, Kusal Mendis hops back and just about manages to squeeze it out.

Short and on middle, Avishka Fernando yet again gets low and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up, in and around off, Avishka Fernando keeps it out.

FOUR! Runs are flowing at ease and New Zealand are failing to ask enough questions! Drag down, on middle, Avishka Fernando gets low on a knee and pulls it to deep square leg fence.

A bit short and on off, Avishka Fernando drives it to deep cover for a single.

Full, on off, Avishka Fernando cuts it to point.

Nicely bowled! Slows it up and keeps it on a fuller length, on off and gets the ball to turn away, Avishka Fernando is drawn ahead but is beaten on the outside edge.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis punches it to cover.

FOUR! Short and punished! Ish Sodhi drags the length down, on middle, Kusal Mendis rocks back and pulls it all along the ground, square of the wicket on the leg side for a boundary.

FIFTY FOR AVISHKA FERNANDO! After a tough start, he has come roaring back and has set up himself up for a big one here! This is pitched up, on off, Avishka Fernando drives it through covers for a single.

Short and on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando drives it to long on for a single. The 100-run partnership is up between these two batters!

Full, on off, Avishka Fernando blocks it back to the bowler.

FIFTY FOR KUSAL MENDIS! His 32nd half-century and first against the Kiwis. This is proving to be a solid knock for his side. Short and on off, Kusal Mendis cuts it to deep point and gets the single.

Full, on middle, Avishka Fernando clips it to square leg region for a single.

Fired in, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando steps out and taps it to mid-wicket.

Flighted full, on off, Avishka Fernando leans on and dead bats it down the deck.

Full, outside off, Kusal Mendis steers it to point again.

Pitched up, just outside off, Kusal Mendis hangs back and cuts but cant beat point.

Floated full, just outside off, Avishka Fernando knocks it to deep cover-point for a single.

Tossed right up, on off, Kusal Mendis eases it out to long off for a single. He moves to 49!

Drags the length down and keeps it on off, Avishka Fernando punches it to deep point for a single.

Floated full, on off, Kusal Mendis drives it past mid off for a single.

Flighted, full and around middle, Kusal Mendis works it towards long on for one.

Another short delivery, on middle, Kusal Mendis flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Short again, on middle, Avishka Fernando moves back and nudges it through square leg for another run.

Tossed up, full and on off, turns in, Avishka Fernando steps across and clips it to mid-wicket.

Goes short and on middle, Kusal Mendis moves back and swipes it to deep square leg for a run.

Floated, full and on off, Avishka Fernando uses his feet and drills it down to long on for a single.

Loopy delivery, full and around off, Kusal Mendis strides out and taps it to covers.

Flighted, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando eases it to long off for one.

Slower through the air, full and on off, turns away, Kusal Mendis pushes it a bit uppishly but safely through covers for another run.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Ish Sodhi drags his length way back, on middle. Kusal Mendis has all the time in the world to rock back and pulls it away to te deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

100 UP FOR SRI LANKA! Tossed up, full and on off, Avishka Fernando drills it through covers for a run.

Floated, short and outside off, Kusal Mendis cuts it through point for a single.

Drinks! Despite the early setback of losing Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando have steadied the innings for Sri Lanka with a solid partnership, maintaining a healthy scoring rate. The Kiwi pacers missed the mark in building sustained pressure, allowing the batters to find their rhythm and settle in. New Zealand will be hoping for the pitch to assist their spinners who will want to make the most of these middle overs.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis drill sit to long on for one.

Short again and on middle, Kusal Mendis swats it down to mid on.

Short and on off, Avishka Fernando flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for single.

SIX! BANG! Excellent use of the feet! Floated and around off, Avishka Fernando skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it right over the bowler's head for a biggie.

A shout for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Avishka Fernando misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. Probably going down the leg side.

Floated, short and on off, Avishka Fernando moves across and pats it towards mid-wicket.

Slower through the air, short and on off, turns away a bit, Kusal Mendis pats it to the right of the bowler.

Quicker, short and down the leg side, Kusal Mendis goes down and swipes it wide of short fine for a brace.

Flighted, full and around middle, Avishka Fernando goes inside out and lobs it over extra covers for a run.

Goes short and on leg, Avishka Fernando moves back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Flatter, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Floated, full and on leg, Kusal Mendis tucks it away with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

Quicker, full and on off, Kusal Mendis drills it through covers for one more.

More air on this one, full and on off, Avishka Fernando drives it to long off for one.

FOUR! Up and over! Ish Sodhi flights it up, full and outside off, inviting the batter to go after it. Avishka Fernando obliges, extends his arms nicely and lifts it beautifully towards the deep extra cover fence for a boundary.

Flatter, short and on middle, angling in, Avishka Fernando gets a bit hurried but manages to keep it out to the off side.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis eases it towards long off for a single.

Floated, short and around off, Kusal Mendis steers it towards cover-point.

FOUR! Just over! Mitchell Santner gives this one some more air, full and on middle. Avishka Fernando goes inside out again and lofts it aerially towards extra covers. Glenn Phillips leaps up and tries to grab it with his outstretched left hand but it just goes over it for a boundary.

Floated, full and around middle, Avishka Fernando goes inside out and pushes it to short covers.

Quicker, short and on middle, angling in, Avishka Fernando moves back and pats it down the pitch.

Flatter, full and on off, Avishka Fernando opens the face of his bat and guides it to point.

Floated, full and around off, Kusal Mendis drives it down to long off for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis strides out and taps it to short covers. Not much turn from the surface so far for the spinners.

Another googly, short and on middle, turns in, Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Slows it up, full and outside off, Kusal Mendis strides out but leaves it alone.

Flighted, full and around off, Kusal Mendis prods forward and blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando goes down and sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Looped up, full and outside off, tempting the batter, Avishka Fernando reaches for it but drills it straight to short covers.

A googly, short and on off, turns in, Asitha Fernando moves back and stabs it to short covers.

Quicker one, full and on off, Kusal Mendis taps it to short covers.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis defends it on the front foot.

FOUR! Nice shot! Mitchell Santner tosses it up, full and on middle and leg. Kusal Mendis goes down on one knee and nails his sweep well behind square on the leg side for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Kusal Mendis looks to work it away but gets a leading edge down the pitch.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis gets forward and fends it away.

Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis eases it down to long off for one.

Another short delivery, on middle, Avishka Fernando backs away and forces it down to long on for one.

Goes short again, on off, Kusal Mendis moves back and jabs it through mid-wicket for another run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Asitha Fernando drives it through covers for a run.

Shortens his length, on middle, Avishka Fernando stays back and punches it to short covers.

Ish Sodhi starts with a flighted delivery, full and around off, Kusal Mendis strides out and drills it through cover-point for a single.

Ish Sodhi is introduced into the attack now.

Drags his length back, on off, Avishka Fernando stays back and stabs it to short covers.

Flatter, full and on middle and off, Kusal Mendis drills it with a straight bat towards long off for one.

Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis prods forward and blocks it out.

Short again and around off, Avishka Fernando moves back and punches it through covers for another run.

Goes short and on middle, Kusal Mendis flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Avishka Fernando goes inside out and drives it towards short covers. The fielder dives his left but only manages to parry it away. A single is taken.

Powerplay 2! New Zealand can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over.

Short and on off, Avishka Fernando steps across and tucks it to square leg for a single.

Nagging length, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis gets it past mid on this time and rotates the strike over.

Similar line and length, pushed through a bit quicker, Kusal Mendis tucks it to mid on.

Short and on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis rocks back and punches it to mid on.

Floated full, on off, Kusal Mendis leans on and pushes it down the deck.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it nice and full, on middle and off, Kusal Mendis blocks it out to the leg side.

Slows the last one up and keeps it full, on middle and off, Avishka Fernando taps it to cover.

Short and on middle, the ball climbs off the deck but Kusal Mendis adjusts well to pull it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Fired in quicker and fuller, on leg, Avishka Fernando clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Short and on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis tucks it to square leg region for a single.

Looped up, at the stumps, Kusal Mendis eases it back to the bowler.

Comes into the attack and lands it full, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando takes it on the full and hits it to long off for a single.

Angling in, on middle, Kusal Mendis clips it to mid-wicket.

Good length, on off, Avishka Fernando punches it to mid off and scampers across for a quick single.

Short of a length, over off, Avishka Fernando dabs it to cover.

Full, on off, with some pace off, Avishka Fernando drives it to mid off.

Hard length, on off, Kusal Mendis is hurried by the pace and gets an outside edge to deep third for one. This also brings up 50 runs for Sri Lanka!

FOUR! Great shot! Nathan Smith digs it in short and over off, Kusal Mendis reads the length quickly and waits for the ball to get to him. Gets on top of his toes and punches it past point for a boundary.

Good length, on off, Kusal Mendis steers it to deep third for a single.

A bit short and on off, Kusal Mendis cuts it to point.

Good length, on middle, Kusal Mendis stabs it down the deck.

Is that a dropped chance from Duffy? Yes, it is! Full, on off, Kusal Mendis miscues his straight drive and ends up chopping it back to the bowler. Jacob Duffy on his follow-through gets his hands low but fails to cling on as the ball bursts off his palm.

Slower one, pitched on a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis holds his bat high and lets it go past.

Back of a length, over middle and leg, Kusal Mendis fails to pull and the ball zips over the bat to the keeper.

SIX! First one off the game and it comes off Fernando's bat! All of a sudden he seems to be settled back in! Nathan Smith digs it in short and over leg, Avishka Fernando swivels and pulls it over fine leg fence for a biggie.

Good length again, on off, Avishka Fernando taps it to mid on.

Good length, on off, nipping in a bit, Kusal Mendis turns it around to square leg for a single.

Short and angling in, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando swivels across and pulls it off the upper half of the bat behind square on the leg side for a single.

Fuller than a good length, on off, Avishka Fernando pushes it to point.

FOUR! Avishka Fernando gets this perfectly right and this should do his confidence mighty good! Full from Smith, outside off, Avishka Fernando gets low and lofts it over mid off.

Back of a length, around off, Kusal Mendis steers it to point.

FOUR! Short and punished! Jacob Duffy serves this on a short of a length, over off. This sits up well for Kusal Mendis to roll his wrist over the ball and pull it through mid-wicket for another boundary.

Pulls the length back, over middle, Kusal Mendis blocks it down the deck.

FOUR! Perfectly timed! A bit too full, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis gets his front leg out, shows the full face of the bat and times his drive straight past the bowler to the left of mid on for a boundary.

Takes some pace off and lands it outside off, fuller as well, Kusal Mendis leans on and pushes it to cover.

Good length, over off, with some extra bounce off the deck, Kusal Mendis dabs it down the deck.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis drives it to the left of mid off where Mitchell Santner fumbles a bit allowing the batters collect a single.

Short of a length, over off, Avishka Fernando picks it up well and pulls it over mid-wicket for three handy runs.

Avishka Fernando misses out on the Free Hit and is struggling to find his footing right thus far! Nathan Smith takes pace off and keeps it outside off, fuller in length, Avishka Fernando is early on the shot as he drags it across to mid-wicket.

NO BALL! Nathan Smith has overstepped and a Free Hit will now follow! This is on a good length, on off, Avishka Fernando knocks it to mid off.

Nips one back in, on a length, in and around off, Avishka Fernando looks to block it out but the ball goes past the inside edge and clips Fernando high on the back thigh.

Outside off, on a short of a length, Avishka Fernando cuts it to cover.

On a good length, on off, Avishka Fernando pushes it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Avishka Fernando dabs it to point and gets a single.

On a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis steers it to deep third for a single and gets off the mark.

Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy gets the last laugh and this is a big wicket for the Kiwis! Duffy hits the deck hard, on a short of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka reads the length early and decides to ramp it over the keeper. He doesn't get it quite right and skies it wider of the fielder at deep third to his right. Nathan Smith is very quick across the turf and times his jump to perfection, grabbing the ball from over the ropes with both hands and balancing himself well to stay within the ropes.

FOUR! Two-in-two for Nissanka! Jacob Duffy lands it full and on middle and off, Pathum Nissanka looks to flick it again but gets it off the inner half of the bat behind square on the leg side for another boundary.

FOUR! Great shot! Easy picking for the in-form Pathum Nissanka to be honest! A bit too full and into the pads, Pathum Nissanka flicks it well and gets it wider of the man at deep fine to his right.

Nagging length, in and around the off-stump line, Pathum Nissanka hops back to get behind the line and stabs it down the deck.

On a good length, on middle and leg, Avishka Fernando clips it to mid-wicket. A good first over for Nathan Smith comes to an end with just 4 runs coming off it!

FOUR LEG BYES! Dishes it out on a hard length, angling it into the pads, around leg, Avishka Fernando looks to tickle it fine but misses. The ball clips off his pads and rolls past the keeper to his left for a boundary.

Four dots on the trot to start the over on debut for Smith! This is short of a length, outside off, nipping away off the deck, Avishka Fernando looks to slash it away but misses.

Full and angling in, at middle and off, Avishka Fernando times it well but straight back to the bowler.

Hits the deck, on a good length, outside off, Avishka Fernando looks to cut it through the off side but the ball skids through a bit and goes past the outside edge.

Starts from over the wicket and goes full, straight up, on off, Avishka Fernando shows full face of the bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

Full, at the stumps, Pathum Nissanka eases it out to mid off.

We wonder if New Zealand will think about going with spin from the other end as the pitch looks on the slower side.

WIDE! Fires it down leg, fuller in length, Pathum Nissanka looks to flick it off his pads but misses.

Shaping away, off a fuller length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive it away but misses with the away swing.

Follows up with a tight line, in and around middle and off, and on a good length, Pathum Nissanka taps it back down the deck.

FOUR! What a beautiful shot from Pathum Nissanka to get off the mark and set the scoreboard ticking for the hosts! Duffy serves this on a good length, just outside off, Pathum Nissanka hops back and punches it late past point for a boundary.

Continues from over the wicket and gets some shape on this one. Lands it outside off and gets the ball to move further away, Pathum Nissanka is happy to leave it alone.

Great news! Just as quickly as it arrived, the rain has eased off. The groundstaff have done a commendable job and we are all set to resume the game with no overs lost. Pathum Nissanka and Asitha Fernando are ready to continue the batting for Sri Lanka. Jacob Duffy to finish his incomplete over. Here we go...

UPDATE - 9.29 am GMT - There’s no positive news from our previous update. Most of the outfield is now covered as the rain continues, albeit lightly but persistently. We remain hopeful and optimistic that it will clear up soon, allowing play to resume. Fingers crossed!

Oh..no! Well, just the one ball bowled and the drizzle has turned into a shower here in Dambulla. The umpires call in for the covers and the players make their way out of the ground. There are a few white clouds above and we hope that it is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Steams in from over the wicket and hits the perfect line and length, in and around off, Pathum Nissanka looks to force it through but gets an inside edge rolling back onto his pads.

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Kiwis spread out and take their field positions. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are the two openers for Sri Lanka. There is a bit of cloud covering and a bit of drizzle around. Jacob Duffy has the new ball in hand under overcast conditions and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are not far away from the start of the game but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first followed by the national antem of Sri Lanka.

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand says that he was undecided before the toss but they will do everything to restrict Sri Lanka to a low score. Adds that there are a couple of changes. Henry Nicholls is back in the team. Informs Mitchell Hay, Tim Robinson, and Nathan Smith are making their debuts.

Charith Asalanka, the skipper for Sri Lanka says it looks like a good wicket and they want to add runs here. Concludes that they do not have a lot of changes from the T20 setup and are going in with 7 batters and 4 bowlers

PITCH REPORT - Aamir Sohail is down in the middle for the pitch analysis. He says the pitch has no grass and the deck is well rolled making it dry and should favour spinners while pacers will have to be smart with their plans. Adds that the batters will have to grind in on this surface.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to BAT first.

Just In - The news coming from the Kiwis camp is that there are three debutants in this game. Mitchell Hay, Tim Robinson, and Nathan Smith will all be playing their first ODIs.

Sri Lanka have been exceptional at home this year, and they’ll be determined to continue that domination in this series. Despite the setback of losing Wanindu Hasaranga to a hamstring injury, the hosts remain a formidable force, boasting a wealth of lethal spin options that will test the resilience of the Kiwi lineup. Charith Asalanka will be at the forefront, backed by a confident and in-form batting unit that has been instrumental in the team's resurgence on the international stage. Can the hosts deliver another commanding display of skill and character, or will the Kiwis rise to the occasion and seize the early advantage in this series? We’re about to find out, as the toss and team updates are just moments away!

New Zealand, buoyed by their impressive victory in India, albeit in a different format, come into this series with renewed confidence and a spring in their step. Their spirited fight in the recently concluded T20I series was a testament to their resilience. With key players like Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips ready to capitalize on these slow, turning tracks, the Kiwis will be primed to carry forward their momentum. While the absence of Lockie Ferguson will be keenly felt, New Zealand possesses the depth and talent to fill the void effectively. Much of their success will hinge on how well their batters adapt to the conditions, as a solid start at the top of the order will be crucial in gaining an early edge.

The surface is anticipated to be a spinner's paradise, setting the stage for an intriguing battle as both sides boast impressive depth in their spin departments. However, the weather forecast adds an element of unpredictability, as rain threatens to interrupt the action with potential stoppages which makes the toss all the more crucial!

Hello and a warm welcome to the highly anticipated opening clash of this thrilling 3-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, from the iconic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium! After a captivating conclusion to the T20I series, both teams are now set to raise the stakes and battle it out in the longer white-ball format. For New Zealand, this marks their first ODI outing since December 2023, and they’ll be eager to maximize this opportunity as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who missed qualification for the marquee event, will be determined to make a resounding statement on the global stage, building on their encouraging progress in ODI cricket this year. 

... MATCH DAY ...

The stage is set for an exciting 3-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, following their drawn T20I series that ended 1-1. The ODIs will begin in Dambulla and conclude in Pallekele. For New Zealand, this series marks the final leg of their extensive subcontinent tour, which began with a rain-affected Test against Afghanistan in Noida, followed by a 0-2 series loss to Sri Lanka, before an impressive 3-0 whitewash of India. The hosts, Sri Lanka, view this as another opportunity to assert their dominance on home soil. Both teams have announced formidable squads ahead of the series. Under the leadership of the dynamic Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka's batting lineup appears robust with in-form top order Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. The middle order features skipper Asalanka himself, alongside rising star Kamindu Mendis, and experienced campaigners Kusal Perera and Sadeera Samarawickrama adding depth. Sri Lanka's bowling arsenal is spearheaded by their formidable spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who are expected to be particularly effective in the local conditions. While spin remains their primary weapon with multiple options available, the pace department will depend on Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando with Mohamed Shiraz also another seam option. New Zealand faced a setback as Lockie Ferguson, who had just returned from a right hamstring injury, has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a calf injury sustained during the T20Is, right after taking a spectacular Hat Trick which helped New Zealand win by 5 wickets. The loss of the express pace bowler, known for habitually hitting speeds of 150 kph, deals a significant blow to the Kiwi bowling attack ahead of the series. New Zealand has announced a like-for-like replacement in the form of Adam Milne. Him, with 49 ODIs under his belt, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jacob Duffy and newcomer Nathan Smith, while all-rounders Zakary Foulkes and Josh Clarkson provide additional bowling options. Captain Mitchell Santner, coming off a strong performance, will lead the spin department with Ish Sodhi. The Kiwis have further strengthened their slow bowling resources with Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Mark Chapman, giving them multiple spin options for the Sri Lankan conditions. New Zealand's most recent ODI bilateral series was against Bangladesh in December 2023, though they did face Sri Lanka during the 2023 ODI World Cup, securing a commanding victory. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, comes into this series with momentum after their recent ODI triumph over West Indies just a month ago. However, the head-to-head record favors the Kiwis significantly, as they've won all four of their last five encounters against Sri Lanka. With all said, the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium is all set to commence this ODI series. Will New Zealand go bang bang or can Sri Lanka hold their fort? Which team do you think will win?