New Zealand ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order Wednesday to win the rain-reduced second one-day international in Hamilton by 113 runs and clinch the series. Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana took a hat-trick as the home side posted 255-9 off 37 overs, but the tourists could only muster 142 all out off 30.2 overs in response. It followed New Zealand’s comfortable nine-wicket win in Wellington to go 2-0 up in the series, with the third match to be played in Auckland on Saturday.

Sri Lanka’s top order has misfired badly in both games.

They slumped to 22-4 at Seddon Park, leaving little chance of reaching their target of 256 in a match reduced to 37 overs each because of early rain.

Kaminu Mendis top-scored with his ODI best of 64 off 66 balls, but fell to a spectacular running catch from Daryl Mitchell from the bowling of Will O’Rourke to seal Sri Lanka’s fate.

Janith Liyanage‘s 22 was the next best score in a Sri Lanka chase marred by two run-outs and a series of risky shots that didn’t pay off.

O’Rourke was too quick for the tail, taking 3-31 off 6.2 overs while Jacob Duffy was responsible for some of the early damage, claiming 2-30, including the key scalps of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said their run target should have been achievable.

“I think it was a fair score for batsmen in this kind of small ground, and it’s a fair pitch,” he said.

“I think again the bad batting in the power play cost us the game.”

Earlier, recalled off-spinner Theekshana capitalised on some wayward New Zealand hitting to finish with 4-44 off eight overs.

He removed Mitchell Santer and Nathan Smith with successive deliveries at the end of the 35th over.

The hat-trick was completed — all from mistimed lofted shots — when Matt Henry was caught off the first ball of the final over.

It helped to pull back a New Zealand innings which threatened to surpass 300 when opener Rachin Ravindra raced to 79 off 63 balls and Mark Chapman scored 62 off 52.

The pair put on 112 for the second wicket, ending when Chapman holed out to long-off from Theekshana.

Ravindra departed soon afterwards, caught brilliantly at short cover by Asalanka off leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2-39).

Ravindra, who struck nine fours and a six, believed his balanced batting style was tailored for the 50-over format.

“I do enjoy the ODIs, although you don’t see as many games happen anymore, but it’s a format I grew up watching, and I think it suits the way I bat,” said the 25-year-old, who scored 45 in the first match.

“I think it’s a nice, natural tempo being able to go out there and play cricket shots.”

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Kusal Mendis hit a gritty 74 not out as Sri Lanka posted a thrilling three-wicket win against New Zealand to clinch the three-match ODI series on Sunday. Sri Lanka were reeling at 93-5 but Mendis played the anchor role to perfection despite battling a groin injury to hand the hosts their fifth ODI series triumph this year. It was also Sri Lanka’s first win in an ODI series over the Black Caps in 12 years. Mendis was ably supported by Maheesh Theekshana who hit an unbeaten 27 off 44 balls as Sri Lanka reached the target of 210 runs with six balls to spare.

The day-night match was reduced to 47-overs a side because of rain interruptions.

The third and final ODI will also take place at Pallekele on Tuesday.

“The injury is not too serious, but I struggled with shot making,” said Mendis. 

“My getaway shot is the sweep, but I couldn’t sweep tonight and it was tough.”

Off-spinner Michael Bracewell was the most successful Kiwi bowler, picking up a career-best four wickets for 36 runs off his 10 overs.

Mendis, fresh off a century in the first ODI, led the chase with his composed 102-ball knock, studded with six boundaries.

At one stage, Sri Lanka were tottering on 163 for seven but an unbroken 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Mendis and Theekshana saw them through.

Kiwi batting woes

“It is always a challenge when you are defending a low score. Kusal played well,” said Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner.

“If we had put a few more runs on the board and got 240, it would have been a different story. We have done well with the ball, but the problem is with batting.”

Earlier, spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Theekshana shared six wickets to help bowl out New Zealand for 209 in 45.1 overs.

Mark Chapman hit a sparkling 76 off 81 balls and shared 75 runs for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Hay who fell one run short of his maiden one-day half-century.

Their batting was the lone bright spot for the Kiwis who struggled to get going against Sri Lankan spinners.

Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage set the tone in the second over, clean-bowling opener Tim Robinson with a sharp delivery.

But Chapman opened up to hit seven boundaries and three sixes in his defiant innings.

His spirited effort ended when Avishka Fernando took a spectacular diving catch inches off the ground.

Sri Lanka’s fielding, though not flawless, had its moments of brilliance. 

While there were dropped catches and lapses in the field, Avishka Fernando stood out with three stunning catches. 

Another highlight came from Pathum Nissanka, who sprinted in from long-on to claim an extraordinary catch, sending Santner (six) back after the left-hander failed to pick Vandersay’s googly.

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