Wed Jan 08 12:03:58 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Thrash Sri Lanka by 113 Runs, Take Unassailable Series Lead

**Wellington, New Zealand –** New Zealand has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka after a comprehensive 113-run victory in the second ODI today. Rain shortened the match to 37 overs per side, but it didn’t dampen New Zealand’s dominance.

Batting first, the Kiwis posted a challenging 255/9, despite a hat-trick from Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana (4/44). Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman anchored the New Zealand innings with half-centuries each.

Sri Lanka’s chase was disastrous from the outset, mirroring their performance in the first ODI. They lost their top four batsmen – including Kusal Mendis – for a paltry 22 runs inside the powerplay. A bizarre run-out of captain Charith Asalanka further compounded their woes.

While Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis (64 runs) offered some resistance with a 57-run partnership, it proved insufficient to prevent a Sri Lankan collapse. They were eventually bowled out for a meager 142, leaving New Zealand to celebrate a resounding victory and their captain, Mitchell Santner’s, first series win as full-time limited-overs skipper.

Sri Lanka will now play the final ODI solely for pride.

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