Sat Jan 11 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Clinches ODI Series Win Over Sri Lanka Despite Theekshana Hattrick
**Hamilton, New Zealand:** New Zealand secured a commanding 113-run victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened second ODI in Hamilton, sealing a 2-0 series win. Despite a late hat-trick by Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, the visitors’ batting woes continued, leaving them unable to chase down a revised target of 256.
Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) powered New Zealand’s innings with a crucial 112-run partnership for the second wicket. Their aggressive batting propelled the hosts to 255/9 in 37 overs, despite a late surge from Theekshana, who finished with impressive figures of 4/44. Theekshana’s hat-trick, however, was overshadowed by the overall performance.
Sri Lanka’s batting collapse mirrored their first ODI performance. They were quickly reduced to 22/4 after early strikes from Jacob Duffy (2/30). Kamindu Mendis (64) fought a lone battle, anchoring two useful partnerships, but received little support from his teammates. William O’Rourke (3/32) cleaned up the tail, bowling Sri Lanka out for a paltry 142 in just 30.2 overs.
The victory marks a dominant series win for New Zealand, highlighting the significant disparity between the two teams’ batting lineups. While Sri Lanka’s spinners showed promise, their inability to build substantial partnerships proved decisive.
First Piper 