Tue Nov 19 21:27:34 UTC 2024: ## Rain Washes Out Final New Zealand-Sri Lanka ODI

**Pallekele, Sri Lanka** – The third and final One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was abandoned due to persistent rain on Tuesday. Play was halted after just 21 overs, with the umpires officially calling off the match at 7:45 PM local time.

The match, already a dead rubber after Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 series victory on Sunday, saw New Zealand make a promising start after winning the toss and electing to bat. Will Young (56*) and Henry Nicholls (46*) had put on an 88-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding the visitors to 112/1 before the downpour. Sri Lanka had taken an early wicket, with captain Charith Asalanka pulling off a stunning catch to dismiss Tim Robinson.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed his disappointment at the washout, stating they were aiming for a substantial score on a good wicket. Sri Lanka, having already secured their fifth ODI series win of the year, rested several key players for the match, giving opportunities to debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe and others. New Zealand also made changes to their lineup.

Sri Lanka’s captain Asalanka attributed the series win to hard work and the team’s faith in their players. The ODI series concludes a tour that also included a T20 series ending in a 1-1 draw. New Zealand will now return home to prepare for a three-match Test series against England later this month.

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