All-round New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka in 1st ODI

January 5, 20251 Mins read153

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra , left, and Will Young during the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, 5 January, 2025. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand’s cricket team has kicked off their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a bang at the Basin Reserve.

The hosts comfortably chased down the target of 179 runs, winning the match by nine wickets with 23.4 overs to spare.

The victory was largely set up by the brilliant performances of fast bowler Matt Henry and top-order batsman Will Young.

Sri Lanka’s top order crumbles under NZ’s attack

Meanwhile, New Zealand fast bowlers wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s top order, leaving them at 23/4 within the powerplay.

Despite a fighting half-century from Avishka Fernando and contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga (35) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22), Sri Lanka could only manage a total of 178 runs.

The visitors failed to mount any significant retaliation against New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack.

(News Bytes)