Team Sri Lanka 

By M. Shamil Amit, Reporting from Pallekele

The third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was abandoned after just 21 overs due to relentless rain. New Zealand, batting first, had reached 112 for 1 at the Pallekele International Stadium when the umpires called off the match due to a wet outfield.

Having won the first two games, Sri Lanka secured the series 2-0 with the third ODI’s abandonment, marking their fifth ODI series victory of the year.

Both teams entered the match with different goals. Sri Lanka aimed for a clean sweep, while New Zealand sought a consolation win to restore some pride.

Sri Lanka made five changes to their playing XI, bringing in Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dilshan Madusanka, Mohamed Shiraz, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who was making his ODI debut. They rested Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Avishka Fernando. Meanwhile, New Zealand introduced Adam Milne and debutant Zakary Foulkes in place of Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Will Young and Tim Robinson started steadily but were separated early when Robinson fell for nine, caught off right-arm pacer Mohamed Shiraz after a brief 24-run partnership.

Young, joined by Henry Nicholls, kept the scoreboard moving, bringing up the team’s 50 in just 44 balls. The pair then notched up a 50-run stand for the second wicket. Young reached his half-century and guided the team past 100, albeit at a slower pace.

Dark clouds loomed, and as anticipated, rain halted play with Young and Nicholls having added an unbroken 88 runs for the second wicket. New Zealand’s score stood at 112 for 1 in the 21st over when the rain intensified, and persistent showers left no chance for a resumption. The umpires eventually called off the match.

With this result, Sri Lanka wrapped up the series in dominant fashion, leaving New Zealand without a win in the three-match series.