Sri Lanka ended a nearly decade-long drought on New Zealand soil by securing a commanding 140-run consolation triumph in the third and final ODI in Auckland. (More Cricket News)
This was Sri Lanka's first ODI win in New Zealand since January 2015, with an electric new-ball spell from Asitha Fernando helping the tourists to victory on Saturday.
The Lions made a rapid start to proceedings, with Pathum Nissanka reaching his half century in just 31 deliveries before being caught by Nathan Smith for 66 runs.
Nissanka's haul was aided by impressive knocks from Kusal Mendis (54), Kamindu Mendis (46) and Janith Liyanage (53) as Sri Lanka posted a score of 290-8.Â
New Zealand's chase started poorly when Will Young (0) was bowled out by Maheesh Theekshana (3-35), with that early wicket kickstarting the dismantling of their top order.Â
Asitha bowled superbly in his five-over opening spell, taking 3-17 in that period. By the end of the seventh over, and chasing 291 for the win, New Zealand were just 22-5.Â
Mark Chapman battled bravely with a knock of 81, but his team-mates continued to fall around him, with New Zealand dismissed for 150 runs inside 30 overs.Â
Data Debrief: Henry landmark overshadowed by Sri Lanka thumping
Though Sri Lanka's victory in Adelaide was a consolation one, they can take confidence in their performance against New Zealand ahead of facing Australia next month.Â
But in the midst of their triumph, Matt Henry ended with figures of 4-55, taking the wickets of Mendis, Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe (19) and Wanindu Hasaranga (15), and with it came some history.Â
He became the second-fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets, achieving the feat in just 83 innings, two shy of the record held by Trent Boult (81). Australian Mitchell Starc holds the record having taken that many wickets in just 77 ODIs.Â
