AUCKLAND: Sri Lanka demolished New Zealand's top order on Saturday to secure a commanding 140-run victory in the third ODI at Eden Park.
The win allowed Sri Lanka to salvage a single victory in the series, after suffering heavy defeats in the first two matches.
Chasing a challenging target of 291, New Zealand's pursuit faltered spectacularly as they slumped to 21-5.
The home side was eventually bowled out for just 150 in 29.4 overs, handing Sri Lanka a dominant win.
The Sri Lankan attack, led by deadly seamers Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga, along with spinner Maheesh Theekshana, wreaked havoc.
Fernando was the standout performer with figures of 3-26, taking three crucial wickets with the new ball and setting the tone as New Zealand’s top order disintegrated within the first seven overs.
The Black Caps' resistance came in the form of Mark Chapman, who top-scored with 81 runs off 81 balls.
However, his efforts were not enough, as he became Theekshana’s third wicket, falling to a delivery that left New Zealand reeling at 150 all out.
No other New Zealand batsman reached 20, with five of the top six dismissed for two runs or fewer.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 290-8, thanks to an explosive start from injured opener Pathum Nissanka.
He top-scored with 66 runs off 42 balls before retiring hurt due to a hip injury after a blistering 50 from 31 balls.
Nissanka returned in the 34th over to add another 16 runs to his total, having hit six fours and five sixes.
Kusal Mendis (54 off 48) and Janith Liyanage (53 off 52) also contributed vital half-centuries, bolstering Sri Lanka’s improved batting performance in this final game of the series.
Despite the loss, New Zealand’s Matt Henry continued his strong series with 4-55, reaching 150 ODI wickets, while captain Mitchell Santner added 2-55 with the ball.
