The third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended with no result due to persistent rain, with only 21 overs possible in New Zealand’s innings at Pallekele. The hosts secured the series 2-0, winning their first ODI series against New Zealand since November 2012.
New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. Experienced pacer Adam Milne returned to the side, along with Zakary Foulkes, as Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy missed out.
Sri Lanka made five changes to their lineup. Seam-bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe earned his maiden ODI cap, becoming Sri Lanka’s 215th ODI player, replacing Dunith Wellalage. Additionally, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, and Dilshan Madushanka were brought in, replacing Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Asitha Fernando.
Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Nishan Madushka (WK), Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Mohamed Shiraz, Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes, Adam Milne
Will Young and Tim Robinson opened the batting as usual, but Robinson once again failed to make a significant contribution, falling for a single-digit score for the fourth time on this tour. His dismissal gave Mohamed Shiraz his maiden ODI wicket, courtesy of a brilliant high catch at mid-on by skipper Charith Asalanka.
After the early wicket, Young steadied the innings for the Black Caps alongside Henry Nicholls. Young, who had shown glimpses of form throughout the series, managed to notch up his 9th ODI fifty. The pair forged an unbeaten 88-run partnership, taking New Zealand to 112 for 1 in 21 overs before rain interrupted play at 4:00 PM.
Though the rain briefly stopped, an inspection scheduled for 6:00 PM was thwarted as showers returned just beforehand. The ground remained fully covered, and the match officials eventually called off the game at 7:45 PM.
