Theekshana’s hat-trick in vain as New Zealand clinch ODI series

HAMILTON: Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana’s remarkable hat-trick wasn’t enough to save his side on Wednesday, as New Zealand sealed a 113-run victory in the rain-shortened second ODI in Hamilton. The win at Seddon Park handed the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After rain reduced the contest to 37 overs per side, New Zealand posted a challenging 255-9, thanks to attacking half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62). The duo’s 112-run partnership for the second wicket provided the backbone of the innings.

Sri Lanka’s chase began disastrously, with the team collapsing to 22-4 within six overs. Despite Theekshana’s hat-trick in the middle overs, the visitors were bowled out for 142 in 30.2 overs.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner praised his team’s performance: “Can’t complain, we opened up pretty well with the bat at the start. I think it was still very competitive, and we knew we had to bowl well at the start.”(Reuters)