Rain plays havoc at Pallekele

The third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand has been called off due to rain yesterday when New Zealand were 112 for 1 wicket after 21 overs at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka expected to make clean sweep but rain was the deciding factor once again and umpires officially called off the game at 7.53 pm. However the first two games win paved the way to Sri Lanka for series victory 2-0 since 12 years. All three matches were interrupted by the rain but first two games were decided according to the DLS system. Kusal Mendis was adjudged the Player of the Series. This was Sri Lanka’s fifth ODI series win in this year.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bat first but their openers Will Young and Tim Robinson were unable to make a good start as Robinson was back to the pavilion scoring 9 runs in 7 balls with 2 fours.

The paceman Mohamed Shiraz made a breakthrough to depart Robinson while skipper Charith Asalanka took an excellent catch at mid off and Shiraz took his maiden ODI wicket with this dismissal.

Henry Nicholls joined with Young and the pair played with good momentum to build up the innings and after first power play they were 59 for 1 wicket. Young reached his 9th ODI fifty in 61 balls with 8 fours while Nicholls played a good supporting role and they reached 100 runs in 19.2 overs.

When the rain halted the innings New Zealand were 112 for 1 wicket while Young (56) and Nicholls (46) were remain at the wicket also made unbroken 88 runs second wicket stand to halt the game.

Sri Lanka have already secured the series win having won first two games made five changes yesterday with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage all gave chance to opener Nishan Madushka who also kept the wickets, Nuwanidu Fernando, seamers Mohamed Shiraz and Dilshan Madushanka and seam bowling all rounder Chamindu Wickrmasinghe as a debutant. New Zealand also made two changes and brought Zakary Foulkes the debutant and Adam Milne for Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.

Source:Daily News