Sat Jan 11 15:17:53 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka Injured During Third ODI Against New Zealand
**Auckland, New Zealand –** Sri Lanka’s opening batsman, Pathum Nissanka, suffered a serious injury during the third One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Auckland on January 11th, 2025. Nissanka, who was playing a blistering innings, pulled up while running a single, shortly after reaching 49 runs off just 29 balls. The injury forced him to retire hurt.
Nissanka had been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s early aggressive batting approach after winning the toss. He was visibly in pain and fell to the ground, requiring immediate attention from the physio. After receiving treatment, he was able to leave the field but was unable to continue batting. He ultimately retired hurt on 50 runs off 31 balls.
Despite his return to the crease in the 35th over, Nissanka was unable to replicate his earlier form, eventually dismissed for 66 (42 balls). His departure seemed to disrupt Sri Lanka’s momentum; his opening partner followed shortly after. Although Kusal Mendis and Kusal Mendis formed a vital 87-run partnership, Sri Lanka struggled towards the end, finishing on 290/8 in their 50 overs.
New Zealand, chasing a challenging 291, began their innings poorly, losing five wickets for 39 runs in the first 11 overs at the time of writing. The match continues. The series has already been clinched by New Zealand after winning the first two ODIs.
First Piper 