SL 176/2 After 32 Overs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Score Updates of 3rd ODI 2024-25: Kiwis Stay in the Game With Wickets at Important Juncture

Just as Sri Lanka is looking for a big partnership, the New Zealand side gets a wicket keeping them in the game. Kamindu Mendis is still at the crease and could prove vital for the Lankan lion's quest for the first win.  

Out! Not what Sri Lanka wanted at the moment as another set batter departs. A good batting performance from Mendis was undone by a soft dismissal as Michael Bracewell took an easy catch off Mitchell Santner's bowling. Captain Asalanka replaces Mendis.  Kushal Mendis c Michael Bracewell b Mitchell Santener 54 (48)

50 For Kushal Mendis! Another great performance from the experienced batter as he completes his fifty in 43 deliveries. After a slow start to their partnership, both batters are now scoring freely. Good support from Kamindu Mendis putting pressure back on the New Zealand side.

A good sign for visitors as Kushal and Kamindu Mendis are now 'middling' the ball well. Kamindu Mendis completes a 50-run partnership with Kushal Mendis with a massive six. Both batters will look to go for big scores now.  

100 Up for Sri Lanka! The second 50 came in 10 overs for Sri Lanka, showing New Zealand's discipline in the bowling. After the departure of Avishka and an injury to Nissanka, the Lankan Lions had to deal with the Kiwi's bowling attack with two new batters in the middle. This slowed down their run rate. 

After losing both openers - one to an injury, Kushal and Kamindu Mendis are looking to form a big partnership in the middle. Both batters showed decent form in recent matches. A lot is dependent on this partnership as the Sri Lankan side is hoping to snap a losing streak against New Zealanders. 

Out! New Zealand gets its first breakthrough as Avishka Fernando hands a catch to Mark Chapman. Avishka never looked at ease today and his innings was brought to an end by Smith. A short of a good length delivery around the middle stump but wasn't short enough for the pull. Avishka took his chance but handed an easy catch. With Nissanka back in the pavilion nurturing his injury sustained an over ago, Sri Lanka now has two new batters in the middle. Avishka Fernando c Mark Chapman b Nathan Smith 17 (33)

50 For Pathum Nissanka! The star opener has been in great form and completes his half-century with a single.  Putting the pressure back on the Kiwis, the right-handed batter smashed some monstrous sixes. His free-flowing batting helped the visitors to put up a decent score in the opening powerplay.

50 Up for Sri Lanka! It's Pathum Nissanka again, batting fearlessly against the Kiwis. The batter has smashed four boundaries and three sixes in his 40-run innings putting the Lankan Lions in a strong position early in the match. Avishka Ferenando is happy to give Nissanka strike at the moment.  

Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka's in-form batter in the series against New Zealand. The right-handed batter is now dealing in boundaries and looking to take over the attack. This will certainly lift some pressure off Avishka Fernando who looked troubled facing Blackcaps pace attack.