SL Win by 140 Runs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI 2024-25 Highlights: Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, and Asitha Fernando Star in Visitors' Consolation Win

After disappointing performances in the first two matches, the Sri Lankan side managed to win a game in the series. Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, and Asitha Fernando Spicked up three wickets each after half-centuries from three batters in the side. An all-round performance from the side handed them a consolation win.   

That it! Maheesh Teekshana now also has three wickets as he castles Mark Chapman on 81. A solo fight from Chapman was well appaulded by the crowd.  Mark Chapman b MaheeshTheekshana 81 (81) 

Out! Eshan Malinga with another wicket as Sri Lanka inches closer to a famed victory. Eshan Malinga picks up his third wicket as he castles Matt Henry. Matt Henry b Eshan Malinga 12 (6)  

Out! After a 51-run partnership between Nathan Smith and Mark Chapman, Sri Lanka finally gets its eighth wicket. Smith looking to play aggressively but hands catch.  Nathan Smith c Kushal Mendis b Eshan Malinga 17 (29)

100 Up for New Zealand! Mark Chapman provided some resistance and scored a brilliant 50 against the Sri Lankan side. His half-century played an important role as New Zealand avoided a shameful loss. Long way to go bin the match ut the visitors are in a winning position at the moment still. 

New Zealand's lowest total against Sri Lanka in ODI was 73. The side managed to cross that mark but on the very next delivery lost captain Mitchell Santner. Sri Lanka looking to close the game early after a solid performance with the ball.   

Out! That's it the 27-run stand for the sixth wicket ends with Kamindu Mendis taking a good catch in the deep. Michael Bracewell took a chance but couldn't clear the boundary. Michael Bracewell c Kamindu Mendis b Janith Liyanage 13 (20)

Sri Lanka now has an upper hand in the match after picking up the top five wickets early in the match. New Zealand has the lowest score record of 64 in ODI and 73 against the Lankan Lions in the 50-Over format. the hosts are looking to avoid a big loss at the moment. 

The Sri Lankan side is charging in with wickets in quick succession. Asitha Fernando takes two wickets in four deliveries putting the Blackcaps on the backfoot.  What a turn-around by the visitors in the final match of the series. 

Two quick wickets for Sri Lanka with Maheesh Theekasana providing the breakthrough for the side and Asitha Fernando with a banger. New Zealand Openers are back in the pavilion as the Lankan Lions take control of the game early. 

Chasing 291 runs on tricky pitch the New Zealand side will look for a strong start. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra will start the proceedings for the host side. 

A Better batting performance from the visitors who failed to score 200 in earlier matches and now finished the first innings close to 300. Janith Liyanage's explosive batting late in the innings and  Pathum Nissanka, Kushal Mendis' half-centuries put a challenging total on the board.

Out! Another wicket for Matt Henry as he clears Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lankan batters hit some brilliant shots taking on the opposition, but Matt Henry again to the resue for the Kiwis as he picked up dangerous Wanindu Hasaranga. A blistering knock from the right-handed batter comes to an end. Wanindu Hasaranga b Matt Henry 15 (9) 

Out! Chamindu Wickramasinghe looking to clear the boundary finds a fielder in the deep as Sri Lanka loses its sixth wicket. The Lankan side accelarated the inning well with Janith Liyanage playing some eye-catching shots. But now with a few wickets and overs remaining, both sides will look to finish the innings on a positive note.  Chamindu Wickramasinghe c Nathan Smith b Matt Henry 19 (31)

Despite Nissanka, Kushal, and Kamindu Mendis' strong batting performances, no other Sri Lankan batter could counter the Kiwi bowling attack. Slowing down the run rate with wickets in regular intervals allowed New Zealand to keep the score in check.

Out! Thats the end of Nissanka's inning. The batter came back after Mendis' wicket. Once again played some wonderful shots, collecting boundaries on loose deliveries but was clearly struggling with the injury sustained early in the innings. Pathum Nissanka c Nathan Smith b Mitchell Santner 66 (42) 

Out! Again a big wicket for the host side and a blow for Sri Lanka as Kamindu Mendis departs. The left-handed batter looked in control throughout his inning but edges a simple catch to Tom Latham. Matt Henry with the prized wicket. Kamindu Mendis c Tom Latham b Matt Henry 46 (71) 

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.