Young scores 86 as New Zealand defeats Sri Lanka 2-0 in the ODI series
Will Young was out at 86 as hosts New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka six runs to the death in Friday’s third one day international. It ended Sri Lanka’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
New Zealand responded with 159 runs for four, after Sri Lanka was out for 157 at Hamilton.
After winning both Test matches and the ODI series, the Black Caps won the ODI series by 2-0. On Sunday, the teams will play a three-match Twenty20 series.
New Zealand won the home match to qualify for the ODI World Cup India.
Sri Lanka is ninth in the list of countries which automatically get to the World Cup.
Young’s 86 runs on 113 balls helped New Zealand to escape trouble, Sri Lankan seamers having made life difficult for the hosts in the early stages.
New Zealand’s fifth-wicket partnership with Henry Nicholls, which included 100 runs, sealed the deal.
After being given a target of 150, New Zealand had a horrible start.
Chad Bowes, an opener, and Tom Blundell, a bowler for Lahiru Kumara were both caught behind to leave the Black Caps at 6-2.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper, took his third consecutive catch after Daryl Mitchell received a touch from Kasun Rajitha.
Black Caps captain Tom Latham temporarily slowed Sri Lanka’s momentum during a 38-run partnership with Young. However, Dasun Shanaka was able to bowl clean for eight.
New Zealand was in trouble at 59-4 when Nicholls arrived to save the day.
After providing vital support to Young, Nicholls was able to score 44 runs and seal the win with a four-to-the-line.
Another disappointing performance by Sri Lanka was seen in their second ODI defeat, which was a 198-run loss. The second game was played on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka won toss but lost three wickets during the first 10 overs. Angelo Mathews (top-order batter) and Kusal Mendis (top-order batter) both went for ducks.
Sri Lanka was wobbling at 449 when Henry Shipley caught Charith Atalanka off Mitchell’s bowling.
Black Caps seamers put the tourists under pressure, as Matt Henry and Mitchell each took three wickets.
Opening bat Pathum Nissanka won the opening bat race with 57 runs. She managed 31 and 30 partnerships with Asalanka (and Dasun Shanaka) respectively, as Sri Lanka scored 100-6 before the opener was over.
Shanaka, the captain of their team, tried to rally them by hitting two massive sixes. He then went on 31 from 36 balls.
Sri Lanka was in serious trouble at 133 for 8 before New Zealand rescued the tail.
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