Rain Washes Out New Zealand's Hopes of Consolation Win in Sri Lanka

Rain dashed New Zealand's hopes of a consolation victory against Sri Lanka, washing out the third and final One Day International (ODI) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Sri Lanka secured its fifth ODI series win at home this year after defeating the Black Caps in the first two rain-affected matches. New Zealand made a promising start in the series, reaching 112-1 in 21 overs before rain halted play. Will Young completed his half-century and remained unbeaten on 56, while Henry Nicholls finally found some form with an unbeaten 46.

Both batters looked set to post a challenging total, sharing an 88-run stand off 106 balls. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka timed a spectacular leap to perfection at mid-off, taking a stunning catch over his head to dismiss Tim Robinson for 9 in the fourth over.

Rain deprived Sri Lanka of testing its bench strength after the host made five changes. Seam bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe debuted but bowled only two overs for 14 runs. New Zealand brought in fast bowlers Zakary Foulkes, who made his ODI debut, and Adam Milne in place of Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Milne replaced Lockie Ferguson, who flew home after a calf injury during the preceding drawn Twenty20 series at Dambulla.

The series served as preparation for New Zealand for next year's Champions Trophy, which Sri Lanka failed to qualify for by finishing ninth in last year's World Cup in India.

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