Matt Henry and Will Young shine in New Zealand’s thumping win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI

The first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka In the current one Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 It turned out to be a one-sided affair, as the hosts cruised to a comprehensive nine-wicket win at Basin Reserve.

Blackcaps’ Matt Henry is causing chaos

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up struggled to cope with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack after being asked to bat first. The top order faltered early as Pathum Nissanka (9 off 18) and Kusal Mendis (2 off 8) failed to make any significant impact. Kamindo Mendes (3 from 9) and Charith Asalanka (0 from 5) added to the woes, leaving the visitors reeling at 27/4 through the first ten.

However, Avishka Fernando stood tall amid the early chaos, scoring 56 off 63 balls, laced with six fours and a six. He found some support from Janeth Liyanage (36 of 54) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 of 42) In the middle. Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late flourish with an entertaining 35 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six.

Despite these efforts, the Sri Lankan innings lacked momentum and partnerships. Matt Henry was New Zealand’s outstanding bowler, scoring sensational figures of 4/19 in 10 overs. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith both took two wickets, while skipper Mitchell Santner also took one wicket.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 178 in 43.4 overs, leaving their bowlers with a difficult task to defend a sub-par total.

Will Young smashes an unbeaten half-century for New Zealand

Chasing a modest target of 179, New Zealand’s top order made the task look easy. Will Young stabilized the innings with a brilliant knock, remaining unbeaten on 90 off 86 balls. His innings was decorated with 12 crisp boundaries as he dictated terms to the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Rasheen Ravindra gave New Zealand a flying start with his 45 off 36 balls, smashing six fours and a six. The duo of Young and Ravindra added 93 runs for the opening wicket, effectively taking the match away from Sri Lanka. Ravindra eventually fell to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, but Mark Chapman (29 not out from 36) ensured there were no further hiccups.

The Sri Lankan bowlers failed to make any appreciable impact on a flat surface. Wickramasinghe was the only bowler to pick up a wicket, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga went to leaky runs.

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New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in 26.2 overs, finishing at 180/1 and registering a dominant nine-wicket win.

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets

Scorecard: https://t.co/mOCONiiUTt#NZvSL #ODI #cricket pic.twitter.com/ps0tp7xwPe

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2025

Player of the match

Matt Henry’s clinical performance with the ball earned him the Player of the Match award. His lethal spell front and center dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, setting the tone for New Zealand’s crushing win.

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