Maheesh Theekshana’s hattrick proved futile as New Zealand laid their hands on the three-match series against Sri Lanka with another jumbo victory in a rain-marred second ODI in Hamilton. Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) propelled the hosts to 255/9 with Theekshana strangling the lower-order. However, save for Kamindu Mendis, neither of the Sri Lankan batters fired as the visitors were shot out for just 142 in reply.
Both Ravindra and Chapman looked in fine fettle during their 112-run partnership for the second wicket until Wanindu Hasaranga broke the alliance by nabbing the former. Daryl Mitchell’s run-a-ball 38 was nicely complemented by skipper Mitchell Santner’s cameo before Sri Lanka locked up the lower-order.
Theekshana dismissed Santner, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry to complete a hattrick across two overs. He finished with overall figures of 4 for 44 in eight overs, playing a significant role in the restriction of the hosts who were primed, at one point, to post 280+.
Sri Lanka’s top-order woes persisted for a second consecutive game and Kamindu Mendis was left fighting a lone battle. He reached his half-century in the 24th over, with back to back fours off Daryl Mitchell’s medium-pace. However, William O’Rourke removed him on 64. He was the eighth batter dismissed, reducing Sri Lanka to 131/8 and the tall pacer blew away the tail to shoot down the visitors inside 31 overs.
2025’s first hat-trick! 🤩
Maheesh Theekshana becomes the 7th Sri Lankan to take 3 in 3 in ODIs!💪#NZvSLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/dZZs0cjsji
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 8, 2025
