Sri Lanka vs New Zealand NZ in SL, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full Scorecard

Two! There are the winning runs and they take the series too! Angled into the pads. This is worked past square leg for two. SRI LANKA WIN BY 3 WICKETS!

Around off. Blocked.

A bumper now, Therkshana ducks under it.

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for one.

On the off pole. This is pushed through covers for one.

On middle. This is worked past square leg for one.

Steps out and plays a beautiful drive but straight to mid off.

A good bumper! Ducked under.

Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Shot! Fuller and on middle. This is driven past mid on. Two taken.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Around off. Kept out.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Outside off. Therkshana looks to cut but misses:

On middle. Theekshana works it to short fine leg.

Fuller and on off. This is driven to cover.

On off. Kept out.

On middle. Mendis punches it down to long on for one.

On middle. Defended.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through mid-wicket for two.

Another single as this is punched past cover.

Outside off. This is guided through point for one.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

On the pads. Theekshana looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on. One run taken. Singles will do it.

Quicker again. Not a lot of room to cut. Maheesh looks to do so but misses.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Outside off. Maheesh looks to cut but misses.

FOUR! Drilled! Fuller and outside off. This is smashed through covers for a boundary.

Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Back of a length and around off, Kusal Mendis runs it down to third man for one.

FOUR MORE! This is the over Sri Lanka were waiting for! Fuller in length and on middle, Kusal Mendis brings his wrists into play and whips it away with perfect timing past mid on for a boundary. 22 needed in 37 now!

On a length and on off, Maheesh Theekshana pushes it wide of covers for a run.

Tries the slower bouncer but falls over while delivering it, it goes way down the leg side. Maheesh Theekshana lets it go. Wided.

SIX! BANG! First one of the chase and this has come at the perfect time for Sri Lanka. Jacob Duffy bangs it hard into the deck and just outside off. Maheesh Theekshana expects that length and stays back, sways away a bit and uses the pace to ramp it over the third man fence for a biggie.

Back of a length but angling down the leg side, Maheesh Theekshana leaves it alone. Wided.

Jacob Duffy bangs in a bouncer and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana looks to ramp it away but misses.

Short of a length and outside off, Kusal Mendis cuts it away towards deep point. Tim Robinson runs to his left and slides well to keep it to just a single.

Flatter delivery, short and outside off, almost a bouncer, Maheesh Theekshana tries to cut it away but misses. Mitchell Santner also finishes a pretty economical spell.

Goes short again and on off, Maheesh Theekshana punches it to short covers.

Slows it up, full and on off, Maheesh Theekshana strides out and leaves it alone.

Flighted, full and around off, Maheesh Theekshana drills it straight to extra covers.

Flatter, short and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana guides it towards point.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it towards long off for a single.

Fires one full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana knocks it back to the bowler. Michael Bracewell finishes his spell with his best-ever ODI figures. Sri Lanka needs 37 runs in 48 balls now!

Flatter, short and around off, turns in, Kusal Mendis waits for it and dabs it very close from the stumps to short third. They cross.

Quicker, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on off, turns in, Maheesh Theekshana goes down across and swipes it towards deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Lovely shot and the crowd finds its voice after a long time! Floated, full and on off, Maheesh Theekshana gets his front foot close to the pitch of the ball and drills it away through extra covers for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis uses his feet and chips it on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Powerplay 3! New Zealand can now have five fielders outside the circle. Also, they need to hurry up a but as they are behind the over rate at the moment.

Looped up, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana defends it on the front foot.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana steers it towards poiint.

Flatter, full and on leg, Kusal Mendis tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Flighted, full and on off, Maheesh Theekshana pushes it through covers for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana goes down and swipes it to short fine again.

Floated, short and on leg, Maheesh Theekshana nudges it towards short fine leg who makes a good diving stop.

Short again and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single. Just one run and a big wicket off the over!

Quicker, short and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana stays back and punches it to short covers.

Flighted, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana turns it to the leg side.

Floated, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana fends it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg.

Fires in a yorker, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana digs it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Just what New Zealand needed and this game is still very much alive. Flatter, full and on leg, angling in, Dunith Wellalage backs away to loft it away but fails to get underneath it. He fails to get the elevation and Ish Sodhi at mid on use full advantage of his height and grabs it above his head with a good leap. Wellalage departs after a nice little cameo but Sri Lanka lose their seventh wicket now!

Shorter in length and outside off, Dunith Wellalage cuts it through point for a single.

Quicker, short and on off, Dunith Wellalage stays back and dabs it to point.

Floated, full and on middle, Dunith Wellalage defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, angling in, Dunith Wellalage strides out and fends it away to the leg side.

Short again and on middle, Kusal Mendis heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Sri Lanka needs 48 runs in 70 balls now!

FOUR! Picks the gap perfectly! Glenn Phillips drags his length back and around middle, Kusal Mendis rocks back quickly and heaves it away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

A single as this is pushed down to long on.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off. Another run.

On it. This is pushed to cover.

Outside off, this is blocked.

Halt! Another change of ball. New Zealand have to take advantage of this and pick up wickets to put the hosts under pressure.

On middle. Kept out.

FIFTY FOR MENDIS! A very different kind of knock from the one in the last game but a crucial one for the team. He will want to stay there till the end and take his side home. Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis pushes it through covers for a single.

Mendis now takes a run as he works it through square leg for one.

Angled into the body. This is nudged around the corner for one.

FOUR! Make that three in three! A slight misfield this time! Shorter and outside off. He rocks back and cracks it past point. The fielder in the deep, runs to his left but ends up over running it.

FOUR! That's a seriously good shot! Wow! This is full and on off. Wellalage drills it past cover. Sheer timing. Lovely batting. Two in two balls for him.

FOUR! Intentions clear here from Wellalage, he's going to play his shots. Short and outside off. He plays the upper cut and it goes over the keeper. Very fine and to the third man fence.

That was ambitious! Length and on off. Wellalage clears his front leg and looks to go over mid off but misses.

Fired down the leg side. The batter looks to sweep but missed. Mendis wants a wide but the umpire indicates it touched his pad. Mendis is not happy one bit.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Two more! Very nicely played! Outside off. This is guided past point. Deft. Two taken.

FOUR BYES! That seemed like a stumping chance! This is tossed up outside off. Dunith looks to drive. He is beaten. He drags his foot out but Mitchell Hay fails to collect the ball. It goes down to the fence. Bonus runs. All these are very handy in such close games.

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Fuller and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Dunith Wellalage comes out to the middle now.

OUT! Gloved and taken! The pacer comes on and strikes! Yet again a stand that was going along nicely has been broken! This is short and on the body. Janith looks to pull but ends up gloving it to Mitchell Hay who makes no mistake. Still, 78 more needed. Into the all-rounders now are the Kiwis.

A bumper and on middle. Ducked under.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Around off. Kept out.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

On midrl. Kept out.

Drinks! Janith Liyanage and Kusal Mendis have build up a nice partnership but they know that one of them needs to stay till the end and they cannot lose wickets in clusters here. New Zealand needs to get a breakthrough quickly and the surface is helping the spinners, but they need to be more consistent. An exciting end to his chase awaits us.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Outside off. This is guided to point.

Floats it up on off. Kept out.

Fuller and on off. This is driven back to the bowler.

Outside off. This is punched pasts cover for one more.

On off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Looped up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis turns it to square leg.

Quicker, short and on off, Janith Liyanage stabs it out towards covers for one.

Darts one full and on middle, Kusal Mendis tucks it past mid-wicket for a run.

Flatter, short and on middle, turns in again, Janith Liyanage flicks it through square leg for one.

Floated, full and around leg, Janith Liyanage nudges it wide of fine leg for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Janith Liyanage misses his glance as it goes off his pads to the keeper who fails to collect it cleanly.

Drags his length back and outside off, Janith Liyanage cuts it through point for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Janith Liyanage pushes it towards short covers.

Short again and around middle, Kusal Mendis moves back and jabs it through mid-wicket for a single.

A bit short and on off, Kusal Mendis looks to wind up for the sweep but stays back and stabs it to short covers.

BEATEN! Floated, full and on off, turns away sharply, Kusal Mendis strides out to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis prods forward and blocks it out.

New Zealand are not happy with the condition of the ball as it has became a piece of soap with all the dew, The umpires call for the briefcase and pick out a replacement.

Drags his length back and outside off, Kusal Mendis cuts it through cover-point for one.

Another short delivery around off, Kusal Mendis punches it to short covers.

Quicker, short and around off, Kusal Mendis swats it to mid-wicket.

Short again, on off, Kusal Mendis punches it back down the pitch where it hits the bat of the non-striker's and goes nowhere.

Floated, short and on middle, Janith Liyanage nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! A welcome boundary for Sri Lanka! Tossed up, full and around off, Janith Liyanage leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Looped up, full and outside off, Janith Liyanage drills it through covers for a single. Just one off the over!

A bit quicker, full and around off, Janith Liyanage leaves it alone.

BEATEN! Slower through the air, full and on off, Janith Liyanage looks to defend but this one spins past the outside edge.

Flatter, short and around off, Janith Liyanage stabs it out towards point.

And again! Floated, full and on off, turns away again with bounce, Janith Liyanage gets forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Huge turn! Tossed up, full and on off, grips and spins away sharply, Janith Liyanage strides out to play but misses.

Short and around off, Janith Liyanage flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one more.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis eases it down to long on for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Janith Liyanage uses his feet and forces it down to long on for another run.

Goes short and around off, Janith Liyanage steps across and nudges it to square leg.

Flighted, full and on off, Kusal Mendis drills it towards long on for a run. Sri Lanka needs under a 100 runs now!

Flatter, full and on off, Janith Liyanage bunts it through cover-point for a single.

Outside off. This is guided to short third man.

Make that 4! This time a single though. A googly, on middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Make that 4! Flatter and outside off. Janith looks to cut but missed.

Floats it up and outside off. Liyanage slashes but misses. Three very good balls from Sodhi.

Safe! Steps out as this is tossed up. Does not get to the pitch of it but swings. It goes off the outer half as it turns away. Lands well short of point.

Good stop! Tossed up and on off. This is driven but Santner at covers dives to his right and stops it.

Misfield but only one! A full toss on middle. This is hit to long on for a single.

Mendis moves into the 40s as he works this through mid-wicket.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Goes short again. This is pulled through square leg for one more.

Shorter and around off. This is pulled but to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on ott. Blocked.

Flatter and outside off. This is guided but straight to point.

A little too full. This is driven past cover for one.

FOUR! That's powered! A friendly full toss on middle. This is swept hard past square leg. It is in the gap. Boundary. Yet another poor ball by Sodhi and it is put away.

Shorter but gets it to turn away! Janith pulls it wide of mid on for one.

Massive turn away but this is well outside off. Left alone.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Another single as this is played past point.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Flatter and on off. This is worked to mid-wicket.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Flatter and on off. Blocked.

Janith Liyanage walks out to bat now.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The man with the golden arm strikes! Sri Lanka lose half their side now and the stand which was moving along well has been broken! Outside off. Shortish. Sadeera looks to cut but this goes off the outside edge and it is taken nicely by the keeper, Mitchell Hay. Still over 100 needed.

On middle. Shorter. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

A single to end! Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Outside off. Sadeera waits and slaps it past cover for one.

Googly again and on off. It is played back to the bowler.

That kept low! Well played in the end! Shorter and on middle. The googly, Mendis picks it and whips it through mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Splits the gap! A loosened by Sodhi! A full toss on middle. This is swept between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Boundary. A pressure releaser.

Shorter and around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

A low full toss, on off, Kusal Mendis drills it to mid on.

Looped up, full and on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama tucks it short mid-wicket whree Mitchell Santner lets it through his legs for one.

Quicker, short and on leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama keeps it out to the leg side.

Flighted, full and on leh, Kusal Mendis goes down and swipes it away through square leg for another run.

Flatter, short and around off, sticks to the surface a bit, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks to pull but loses his bottom hand and mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Glenn Phillips begins with a short delivery, on off, Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short again and around off, Kusal Mendis slaps it to sweeper covers for one.

Goes short and on off, Kusal Mendis punches it to short covers.

Looped up, full and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama pushes it through covers for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Kusal Mendis sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run.

Floated, full and on off, Kusal Mendis steers it towards short third.

Halt! It looks like Kusal Mendis has done some damage to his groin and the physio is in to check on him. He is fine now and we are good to resume.

Tossed up, full and around off, Kusal Mendis strides out, opens the face of his bat to guide it past point for a brace.

Looped up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis swipes it towards mid-wicket where the fielder gets a hand to it to slow the momentum. They cross.

Quicker, short and outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama guides it through point for one.

Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama uses his feet and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama knocks it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama turns it to short leg.

Floated, short and on middle, Kusal Mendis punches it down to long on for a single.

Goes short and around off, Kusal Mendis punches it through covers for one.

Slows it up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis strides out and taps it to short covers.

FOUR! A freebie and Mendis accepts it with both hands! A loopy full toss, on middle, Kusal Mendis goes down and sweeps it hard and wide of deep square leg for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama drives it towards long off for a single.

Flatter, short and on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama stabs it back to the bowler.

Massive turn! Tossed up, full and on middle, hits a crack and turns away a long way. Sadeera Samarawickrama tries to push it away but misses as it goes straight to first slip.

A bit short and on middle, Kusal Mendis keeps it out to the leg side.

Just ovre! Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Sadeera Samarawickrama looks to work it away but gets an inside edge that loops just over short leg.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sadeera Samarawickrama blocks it out.

Drinks! Sri Lanka have just lost their skipper and this game is nicely poised at the moment. A lot will depend on Kusal Mendis now who is set and will need to play the anchor with support from others. New Zealand have bowled pretty well and their spinners will want to continue the good work and get more breakthroughs. Also, Sadeera Samarawickrama walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Michael Bracewell has three now! There was no need of that shot and the Lankan skipper walks back to the hut now. This is flighted, full and around off, turns away a bit. Charith Asalanka steps out to go over mid off this time, but due to the turn, he only manages to slice it in the air. The ball lobs straight towards short thrid where Ish Sodhi takes a dolly. Sri Lanka four down now and in a bit of trouble!

Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it to short covers.

FOUR! Up and over! Floated, full and on leg, Charith Asalanka uses his feet but does not quite get to the pitch of it. He mistimes his lofted shot but it goes over mid on for a boundary.

Fuller and on off. This is worked down to long on for one.

On the pads. This is swept through square leg for one.

On the stumps. Blocked.

On middle. This lands and spins away. Mendis defends.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On the pads. This is worked to square leg.

Dot to end! On middle. Mendis pulls but to mid-wicket.

WIDE! Down the leg side this time. Wided.

On the pads. Mendis sweeps but to short fine leg.

Fires it on the stumps. Kept out.

On the stumps. Blocked.

Flatter and around off. Mendis looks to defend but is beaten.

On middle. Asalanka looks to sweep. It goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

Safe! Sodhi was probably late to get off the blocks. On the pads. Mendis looks to sweep. It goes off the top edge towards short fine leg. The fielder runs in and dives forward but it lands safe.

Shorter and outside off. This is cut but to point.

FOUR! This one races away! On the pads. Mendis sweeps. This goes off the inner half and down to the fine leg fence.

Was that a chance? Don't think so! Angled into the pads. It hits the pad and lobs just ahead of the keeper.

Angled into middle. Kept out.

In the gap! Only one! Around off. This is swept hard towards deep square leg. A single taken.

This is off the middle. Shorter and outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

EDGED AND FOUR! Very lucky! This lands around off and then spins away. Asalanka looks to defend but this goes off the outside edge, between the keeper and first slip and down to the third man fence.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover.

That's another beauty! Slower and on off. This lands and spins away sharply. Asalanka is beaten as he looks to defend.

Charith Asalanka is the next man in.

OUT! Edged and taken! That is lovely bowling from Michael Bracewell. Three down now. Sri Lanka in a spot of bother. Slower and around off. This lands and turns away. Kamindu looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge and the keeper, Mitchell Hay takes a sharp catch.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Flatter and on off. Blocked.

Beauty again! Angles it into the off pole. This lands and spins away. Mendis is beaten.

A loud shout but nothing! This lands around off and spins away. Mendis looks to defend but is beaten.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

On the pads. Mendis looks to sweep. It goes off the inner half to short fine leg.

On middle. Defended.

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs! Way down the leg side. Mendis looks to sweep but misses. No chance for the keeper and it goes to the fence.

Powerplay 2! New Zealand can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 38th over. Usually, it remains active till the 40th over but this match has been reduced to 47-overs-per-side

Looped up, full and on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it straight to short covers.

Kamindu Mendis comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell strikes now! He flights this one up around middle. Pathum Nissanka uses his feet to clear mid on but fails to get underneath the ball. He mistimes it badly and Mark Chapman at mid on leaps up and takes a nice catch. Nissanka once again throws away his wicket after getting to a decent start.

Short again and on leg, Kusal Mendis heaves it away towards deep square leg again for one.

Goes short and on leg, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep square leg for another run.

A low full toss, on middle, Kusal Mendis drills it towards long on for a run.

Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Pathum Nissanka looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

Quicker one, short and around off turns away, Kusal Mendis withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Slows it up a bit, full and on middle again, Kusal Mendis prods forward and blocks it out.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis turns it to short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on middle, angling in, Kusal Mendis stays in his crease and blocks it out.

Flatter, short and around off, turns away with extra bounce, Kusal Mendis moves back and adjusts well to stab it down to short covers.

Slows it up, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Another big shout for LBW, but turned down again! New Zealand takes another review and this looks closer than the earlier appeal. Flatter delivery, short and on off, turns in a bit. Kusal Mendis goes down across to heave it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking once again comes up with two red and this time impact is umpire's. The Kiwis are missing a bit of luck here but they do keep the review.

Goes short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, full and around off, Pathum Nissanka drags it towards mid on who fumbles a bit but no harm done.

Floated, short and on leg, Pathum Nissanka nudges it towards square leg.

Slows it up, full and outside off, turns away, Kusal Mendis leaves it alone.

Flighted, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it towards short covers who makes a half-stop. They cross.

A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Mitchell Santner takes the review though. This is an arm ball, full and on middle, angles in, Pathum Nissanka prods forward to block but plays down the wrong line and misses getting hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking comes up with two reds and that wickets is umpire's call. That saves Nissanka!

FOUR! Good effort in the deep but in vain! Tossed up, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka goes down and slog sweeps it off the top edge towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region. The fielder covers a lot of ground to his left, collects and throws it up to his partner. However, the replay shows that his feet touches the ropes while the ball was still in the hand and it is a boundary.

Floated, short and around off, turns away, Pathum Nissanka cuts it away nicely through point for a couple of runs.

Flatter, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka stays back and blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis tucks it to short mid-wicket where Glenn Phillips makes a good diving stop.

Goes short once more, on middle, Kusal Mendis pats it to the leg side and wants the run but is sent back.

Just short! Flighted, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka mistimes is lofted shot towards mid on. Mark Chapman drives forward to his left but the ball lands well in front of him and deflects off his body towards long off. They cross.

Flatter, short and around off, keeps low, Kusal Mendis once again moves back and swats it to mid on for another run.

Floated, short and on leg, turns in, Pathum Nissanka flicks it towards square leg for a run.

Michael Bracewell starts with a short delivery, on middle, Kusal Mendis moves back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Around off. Kept out.

Lands safe! Lucky escape! On middle. Mendis looks to sweep. It goes off the top edge but lands wide of short fine leg. A run taken.

Beauty again! This angles into off. It lands and spins away. Mendis looks to defend but misses.

Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Number one down! Avishka Fernando falls. Century in the last game but not a lot here! On middle. Fernando plays the sweep but it bounces more than he expects. It goes more off the top edge and it goes straight to deep square leg where Henry Nicholls pouches it safely. An early wicket for the Kiwis, just what they wanted!

Slower through the air and on off. This is guided to point.

Beauty again! This lands on off and then spins away. Nissanka looks to defend but is beaten.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Back of a length and on off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Up and over! On middle. Length. This is pulled over the mid-wicket fielder and this races away.

Length and around off. Nissanka looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Length and on middle. Kept out.

Close again! This is angled into the leg stump. Fernando looks to drive but misses. It goes just past the leg pole. The keeper does not collect it cleanly. Two taken as it rolls towards fine leg.

Around off. Shortish. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Fuller and on off. Fernando strikes it down to long off for one.

EDGED AND FOUR! Just wide of the slip fielder. Beautifully bowled. Slows it up, lands it around off, a little bit of turn too. Fernando looks to drive but this goes off the outside edge past the slip fielder and down to the third man fence.

Flatter and on off. Fernando pushes it to cover.

Slower and angled into middle. Defended.

Dot to end but an expensive start! Around off. Length. This is guided to point.

FOUR! Pulled away! Second in the over! Way too short and Nissanka says thank you very much. He hammers it past mid-wicket. No chance of stopping that.

Slightly fuller. Nissanka leans forward and pushes it to covers.

Another one on a length and around off. Nissanka stays back and defends.

Length and on off. Defended.

FOUR! All timing! Length and around off. Nissanka stands tall and punches it past cover. This races away to the fence. First of the chase.

Jacob Duffy to bowl with the second new ball.

Another excellent nut to end! Slower again and around off. Fernando leans forward and looks to block. But this one turns away too and is beaten.

That's a beauty! Slower and around off. It lands and spins away sharply. Fernando is beaten as he looks to defend.

Fuller and around off. Fernando pushes it to covers.

Around off. Floated up. This is pushed down to long off for one. Sri Lanka and Nissanka are underway!

Tossed up on middle. Blocked.

Flatter and on off. A little bit of extra bounce and turn away. It is pushed to cover.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Maheesh Theekshana wraps things up and Mitchell Hay has been dismissed on 49. Flatter, full and around off, Hay goes down for the reverse sweep but misses as the ball passes very close to the bat and his gloves. There is a huge appeal by the Lankans and they look confident as there is a small noise. However, the umpire says no. Charith Asalanka takes the review, UtraEdge shows a spike when the ball is close to the gloves and the on-field call is overturned. To be fair, even before the decision came on the big screen, Hay started to walk back, and only the umpire was on the field to raise his finger. New Zealand have been bowled out for 209!

Back of a length and on middle, Jacob Duffy stays back and pats it down the pitch.

An excellent yorker, on middle, Jacob Duffy just about manages to dig it out.

FOUR! Just short! Asitha Fernando bangs it in the pitch and on middle, Jacob Duffy goes for the pull but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air towards fine leg where Maheesh Theekshana runs forward for the catch but this one bounces well in front of him and then goes over his slide for another boundary. Sloppy again from the Lankans.

Short of a length but angling down the leg side, Jacob Duffy misses his pull. Wided.

Slower one, full and on leg, Mitchell Hay moves across and mistimes his scoop in front of fine leg for a single.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! That brings up the 200 for New Zealand as well! A low full toss, on middle, Mitchell Hay drills it down the ground and wide of long on. Jeffrey Vandersay runs to his left, bends down to collect it but the ball bounces just in front of him, hits his hands and goes away for a boundary.

Fuller in length and just around leg, Mitchell Hay goes down across to scoop it away but fails to connect. It is not called a wide. However, it looks like Hay is suffering from a bit of cramps and the physio is in to check on him.

Drags his length back again, on middle, turns in, Jacob Duffy gets cramped up and stabs it down the pitch.

Floated, full and on middle, Jacob Duffy defends it down the pitch.

Quicker, short and on middle, Jacob Duffy nudges it to mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on off, Jacob Duffy drives it to short covers.

Jacob Duffy is the last man in for New Zealand.

OUT! STUMPED! Excellent work from the keeper here! Maheesh Theekshana fires one full and down the leg side. Ish Sodhi looks to glance it away but misses and loses his balance too as he walks out of the crease. Kusal Mendis grabs it behind the stumps and shows quick reflexes to break the stumps.  The replay shows that Sodhi's bat was in the air and he has to go. He smacks the bat in the ground in frustration and the Kiwis are nine down now. Also, it is called a wide.

FOUR! That will help! A boundary after a long, long time! Flatter, short but down the leg side, Ish Sodhi gets inside the line of it and heaves it through backward square leg for a boundary.

A bit short and around off, Ish Sodhi punches it to extra covers.

In the air...safe! Floated, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay changes his stance and plays the reverse sweep. He does not get it right as it goes off the top edge and lands over the running point fielder. Two runs taken.

Drags his length back, on off, Ish Sodhi steers it towards short third for one.

Short again, on middle, Ish Sodhi punches it to short covers.

Flatter, short and outside off, Ish Sodhi misses out on is cut.

Floated, full and on off, Mitchell Hay goes down and swipes it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ish Sodhi drives it towards long off for a single.

Fires in a yorker, on middle, Mitchell Hay digs it back to the bowler.

Quicker, short and on middle, Mitchell Hay stabs it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on off, Ish Sodhi drives it towards long off for another run.

Floated, short and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Hay punches it to long on for a run.

Flatter, full and on off, Mitchell Hay drills it to short covers.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ish Sodhi tuks it through mid-wicket for a single.

A bit short and around off, Ish Sodhi punches it through covers for a single. Just one run and two wickets off the over. Superb from Jeffrey Vandersay!

Slows it up, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi defends it on the front foot.

Flatter, short and around off, turns away, Ish Sodhi looks to guide it away but misses.

No hat-trick for Jeffrey Vandersay! Tossed up, full and on off, Ish Sodhi strides out and taps it to short covers.

Ish Sodhi comes out to the middle to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! LBW! TWO IN TWO FOR LANKA! Jeffrey Vandersay with a double strike here with another googly. Fuller and on middle, turning in. Nathan Smith tries to work it across the line but plays down the wrong line and misses getting hit on the front pad first, then the back pad. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. However, Smith takes a review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking comes up with two reds and that wickets is umpire's call. The Kiwis keep their review but lose Smith for a golden duck. Also, Jeffrey Vandersay is on a hat-trick now!

Nathan Smith walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Another fantastic catch in the deep! Jeffrey Vandersay dishes out a googly, full and around off, turns away. Mitchell Santner backs away and looks to go big but fails to read it and mistimes it high up in the air towards long off. Pathum Nissanka covers a lot of ground to his left and dives in the air to take a stunning catch. The Lankans have been superb with their catching in this game. New Zealand are seven down now!

On middle. This is punched down to long on for one.

Flatter and on off. Santner pushes it to cover.

Another run as this is hit down to long on.

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

On middle. Santner plays it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Goes short and outside off. Santner looks to pull but misses.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Shortish and outside off. Santner evades it.

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for one.

Fuller and on off. This is driven wide of cover for two.

Powerplay 3! Now five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the last over. Sri Lanka have pulled things back nicely in the last couple of overs and will look to continue the good work. The Kiwis will want to score as much as possible in this phase to set up a fighting total.

On middle. Blocked.

Shortish and on middle. Santner pushes it to mid off.

Floats it up on middle. Defended again.

Tossed up on off. Kept out.

A fine effort again! Tossed up on off. Santner lofts it to the left of the bowler. Pathum Nissanka dives to his left but the ball bursts through his hands and goes behind. Two taken.

On middle. Defended.

Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Mitchell Santner is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust. Two in the over and Sri Lanka now well and truly on top. Short and on middle. Bracewell pulls. It goes off the splice towards deep mid-wicket. Avishka Fernando runs in and takes his third catch it with a slide. Great captaincy from Charith Asalanka to put him in that position. Bracewell goes back for a duck!

On the pads. This is tucked to mid-wicket.

Bracewell steps out now. This is length and outside off. He looks to pull but misses.

A good bumper to welcome the new batter! Evaded.

Michael Bracewell comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! That's a fine catch! Absolutely brilliant. Something special was needed to dismiss Mark Chapman and Avishka Fernando has provided it. This is short and on middle. Chapman nails the pull. He hits it flat though towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs in, dives forward and takes it inches above the ground. Action replay of Fernando's first catch and Chapman departs for a fine 76 off 81. New Zealand lose half their side now!

A yorker to end! This is jammed back to the bowler.

Down the leg side this time! Chapman looks to sweep. It goes off the inner half to short fine leg for one.

Fuller and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

FOUR! Did that carry? It was half a chance! It did not. Dunith was probably late in coming forward! On middle. The slog sweep comes out. It goes towards deep mid-wicket. Dunith Wellalage is late in charging in. He then dives but it lands just short and goes behind for a boundary.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one. Smart batting.

FOUR! Excellent batting! Plays the reverse sweep. This is on off. He hits it well, behind point and it goes to the fence. Good start to the over.

End of a massive over. There have been a few recently. Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

On middle. This is hit down to long on for a single.

Around off. Hay pushes it past cover for one.

Beaten! Outside off. This lands and spins away. Hay is beaten as he pushes at it.

BONUS RUNS! Down the leg side this time. Hay looks to sweep but misses. This goes fine down the leg side and it goes for FIVE WIDES!

DROPPED! That though is a superman effort! Would have been a screamer. Chapman steps out and whips this to the left of mid-wicket. Sadeera Samarawickrama dives and looks to take it with one hand but this doesn't stay in. Superb effort.

SIX! That's out of here! Another massive hit! Shorter and on middle. Chapman rocks back and pulls it. It sails over the mid-wicket. He can really hit it long.

Drinks! New Zealand have started to change gears and the key for them will be Mark Chapman who is well set and already notching up his half-century. A few cameos around him and they can reach something around 250 which would be a good total here. Sri Lanka will want to break this threatening partnership and then run through the lower middle order to restrict the Kiwis to as low as possible. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

On middle. Chapman nudges it on the leg side for one. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Two! Top class running! The intent is quite clear now! On the pads. Chapman works it past square leg for two.

FOUR! Hammered this time! On middle. Chapman cracks this, he gets it past mid on and this one races away.

Goes short again! Chapman is a touch late on the pull. It goes off the inner half on the leg side.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Very full and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Uses his feet! Gets close to the pitch of the ball and hits it hard but to mid off.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Two more! Runs flowing at the moment! On middle. This is worked wide of square leg.

FOUR! He needed to get bat on that! On middle. Hay sweeps, it goes off the inner half past shot fine leg and to the fence.

On middle. Hay flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up around off. Hay looks to play the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

That stays low! Outside off. Chapman looks to cut but this stays low.

Good stop! Shorter and outside off. Chapman slaps it hard but finds cover.

SIX! Over the fence again. Chapman has probably hit top gear. On middle and he gets the sweep out. This is nailed over the mid-wicket fence.

Beauty! He gets turn there as he slows it up. It lands on off and spins away. Chapman is beaten as he looks to defend.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Two more! Good running. On the pads. This is tucked between square leg and mid-wicket. Two taken.

SIX! FIFTY FOR CHAPMAN! That's massive. That's also the kind of over they needed. On middle. The slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. A solid knock from Mark Chapman but he knows that the job is not done yet.

On middle. Hay punches it down to long on and gets to the other end.!

Flatter and on middle. Kept out.

FOUR! Nice and fine! A boundary after quite some time! On the pads. This is swept fine on the leg side and this races away.

DROPPED! Tough chance! Outside off. Chapman rocks back and hammers it to the right of the cover fielder. Sadeera Samarawickrama dives to his left and looks to take it but the ball doesn't stay in. A run taken.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Another short delivery, turning into leg, Mitchell Hay flicks it through square leg for one.

An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Floated, full and on off, Mitchell Hay goes down for the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Charith Asalanka takes the review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that the impact is outside off. Lanka lose a review!

Short again and on off, Mitchell Hay nudges it to short mid-wicket again.

Goes short and on middle, Mitchell Hay moves back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay reverse sweep it towards point.

Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Hay uses his feet to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. There is a bit of hesitation between the batters but no harm done.

Darts one full and, on middle, Mitchell Hay clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay keeps it out on the pitch.

Flighted, full and on leg, Mitchell Hay tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on off, Mitchell Hay strides out and taps it to short covers.

Flatter, full and on middle, Mark Chapman drives it to long off for a run.

Quicker, full and on off, Mitchell Hay drills it to long on for a single.

Looped up, full and on middle, Mark Chapman defends it on the front foot. The runs have really dried up for the Kiwis now.

Goes short and on leg, Mark Chapman keeps it out to the leg side.

Flighted, full and around off, Mark Chapman pushes it to short covers.

Lucky! Tossed up, full and on off, Mitchell Hay looks to swipe it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps to short fine. They cross.

Short again and around off, Mark Chapman punches it towards short covers who can only parry it away. A single is taken.

Floated, short and on middle, turns away, Mark Chapman moves back and stabs it back to the bowler.

Shortish and on off, Mitchell Hay stabs it back to the bowler.

A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Hay pushes it down the pitch.

Tossed up, full and on off, Mitchell Hay prods forward and blocks it out.

Floated, full and around off, Mitchell Hay strides out and drives it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Quicker, full and on off, Mitchell Hay knocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, short and on middle, Mitchell Hay stays back and works it to short mid-wicket.

Charith Asalanka sees the batter advance and slows it up, full and on off, gets it to turns away. Mark Chapman is halfway down the track and looks to play but gets an outside edge along the ground towards point.

Shortish and on middle, Mitchell Hay moves back and chips it towards long on for one.

Flatter, full and on middle, Mark Chapman drills it to long on for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Mark Chapman goes for the reverse sweep again, but it goes off his gloves and falls just over the keeper's head.

A bit short and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Hay nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Floated, full and on leg, Mitchell Hay tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Fires one full and on off, Mark Chapman goes for the reverse sweep but misses.

Quicker, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay clips it towards mid-wicket who fumbles and allows a single. 100 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

Slows it up, full and around off, Mitchell Hay taps it wide of point and sets off for the run but is sent back. The throw is a wild one to the batter's end otherwise it could have been a close call.

Flighted, full and on off, Mitchell Hay drives it to covers.

Floated, short and on middle, Mitchell Hay stays back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay prods forward and blocks it out.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mark Chapman defends it on the front foot.

Arm ball, full and on middle, angles in sharply, Mark Chapman just about gets his bat down in time to keep it out.

Short again and around off, Mark Chapman stabs it to short covers.

Goes short and on middle, Mitchell Hay punches it down to long on for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Hay strides out to defend but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

Mitchell Hay walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Charith Asalanka strikes now! A brilliant catch in the deep just as when things were looking stable, the Kiwis slip further down. This is tossed up, full and around middle, Glenn Phillips goes down and connects with slog sweep nicely. But unfortunately for him, he hits it towards the deep square leg fielder. Avishka Fernando takes a couple of steps forward, dives in and takes a fantastic catch just above the ground. The replay also shows it is a clean catch. Glenn Phillips departs and New Zealand are four down now!

Looped up, full and on middle, Mark Chapman defends it on the front foot.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Really sloppy from Maheesh Theekshana! Tossed up, full and around off, Mark Chapman reaches out for it and slices it away towards deep point. Theekshana runs this left but gets wrong-footed by the spin on the ball as it evades him and goes for a boundary.

Slower through the air, short and on off, turns away, Glenn Phillips punches it through covers for one.

Flighed, full and on middle, Mark Chapman uses his feet and bunts it down to long on for a run.

Floated, full and on leg, Glenn Phillips drills it towards long on for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, turns in, Glenn Phillips misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Looped up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips drills it towards long on for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Glenn Phillips defends it on the front foot.

Short again, on middle, turns in, Glenn Phillips nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Quicker, short and on middle, turns in, Glenn Phillips pats it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Streaky! Charith Asalanka bowls this flatter, short and just outside off, Glenn Phillips moves back to cut it away but gets an outside edge that runs away to the third man fence for a boundary.

Floated, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips turns it to short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Glenn Phillips clips it through square leg for one.

Darts one full and on off, Mark Chapman drills it through cover-point for a single.

Flighted, full and around off, Mark Chapman pushes it to covers.

Floated, full and on middle, Mark Chapman tucks it wide of mid-wicket where the fielder makes a good diving stop.

DROPPED! A great effort though! Quicker, short again and on middle, Glenn Phillips pulls it aerially wide of deep square leg. Maheesh Theekshana runs to his left and dives in the air to grab it with both hands but fails to hold on to it. Three runs taken.

Flatter, short and around off, Glenn Phillips looks to cut it away but misses.

FOUR! Hammered! A little too short and outside off. Chapman smacks it past cover. No chande of stopping that.

Fuller and outside off. This is driven but to cover.

Uppish but safe! On middle. Phillips pushes at it. It holds in the surface. It goes uppishly but down to long on for one.

Fullish and on off again. This is eased down to long off for one more.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips knocks it down the pitch.

Short and around off, Glenn Phillips punches it through covers for another run.

Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long on for one.

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

On off. Kept out.

Beaten! Tossed up on off. This lands and spins away. Phillips is beaten.

We are back again! The Sri Lankan players are already in their respective field positions. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman to resume the batting for New Zealand. Jeffrey Vandersay to finish his incomplete over. Let's go...

UPDATE - We have a restart time and it is 11.45 am GMT. The buffer time is gone so now we will have a 47-overs-per-side game.

UPDATE - 11.24 am GMT - The rain has stopped and the covers are coming off too. It should not be long for us to get started again barring any further rain. However, if we look at the forecast, it will be going to be a stop-start kind of a game.

Uh..oh! It has started to rain again out of nowhere in Kandy and the covers come on. A few umbrellas go up in the crowd and out goes the players. The sky does not look that dark and there is a lot of wind going around which means that it can be just another passing shower. The waiting game begins...

On middle. This is swept through square leg for one.

On middle. Phillips works it to mid-wicket.

Slows it up and bowls it fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off for one.

Quicker and on off. Chapman hangs back and plays it to point.

On middle. Chapman works it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Fuller and on middle. This is jammed out to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on the pads. Phillips looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Glenn Phillips is the next man in.

OUT! STUMPED! That's beautifully bowled! Young goes, the well-set batter falls. The dropped catch too did not cost a lot. Uses his feet but this time it is spotted. Vandersay slows it up, lands it around off and gets it to spin away. Young looks to defend but is beaten and the keeper, Kusal Mendis does the rest. New Zealand in trouble now.

The googly on off. Chapman pushes it to cover for one.

Flatter and on off. Chapman pushes it to cover.

DROPPED! Not an easy chance! It needed to stick. Good effort from Charith Asalanka. Young steps out and looks to whip it over mid on. The Lankan skipper there, leaps and stretches a hand upwards. It hits it but does not stay in. A single in the end.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Two more! Productive over for the visitors! On the pads. Chapman works it through mid-wicket and takes two.

FOUR! Drilled down the ground! That was a umpire killer. He got out of the way in time! On off. Shortish. This is slapped right back at the umpire who gets out in time and it goes down to the long off fence.

Good running! On middle. This is worked wide of mid on. Two taken.

Three dots in a row! Length and around off. Chapman drives but to cover.

Good length again and on off. Chapman pushes it to mid off.

Fuller and on off. Chapman drives but to cover.

End of a testing over! On middle. Kept out.

Beaten! A little bit of extra bounce! Outside off. Flatter. Young looks to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce.

That's hit really hard! Another sweep. This time it is on the pads. It is hit hard towards deep square leg for one.

Almost! Flatter and outside off. Chapman looks to sweep but misses. It goes just past the off pole.

Flatter and on off. This is punched past cover for one.

That's a beauty! This is tossed up on off. It lands and spins away sharply. Young is beaten as he looks to defend.

On middle. Chapman looks to whip it but finds mid-wicket.

FOUR! That's hammered! It sits up to be hit. Way too short and that's too easy at his pace. Chapman smashes it over mid-wicket and it races away.

This time he manages to work it wide of mid-wicket and takes one.

On middle. A slower one. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Around off. Chapman pushes it to mid off and takes one.

Around it. This jags back in a touch. Chapman looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Single to end! Outside off. This is slapped past cover for one.

Flatter and on off. It seemed like Chapman wanted to sweep but then seeing the length, defends it.

Fuller and on off. This is nicely driven down to long off for one. 50 up for New Zealand!

That gripped and turned! On off. It comes slow off the surface, also turns away. Young looks to cut but it goes off the upper half but lands short of point.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Hit hard! Swept on line! This is angled into the pads. Young sweeps it really hard and wide of deep square leg. This one races away to the fence.

Good stop! That was cracked! Fuller and outside off. This is driven firmly but to covers who stops it cleanly. Good start from Janith.

Outside off. Length. This is guided past point for one.

Angled into the pads. A slower one. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Fuller and on off. Chapman pushes it to mid off for one.

Outside off. Young looks to cut but this goes off the inside half down to third man for one.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Flatter and angles it into the off pole. Young goes right back and defends. Tidy from Wellalage.

On middle. Quicker. This is punched down to long on for one.

Steps out but Dunith sees that. He drops his length and also slows it up. Chapman looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Flatter and on off. This is punched to cover.

Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long off for one.

On middle. Chapman works it with the turn through mid-wicket and takes one.

Powerplay 2! Sri Lanka can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. With a bit of help from the surface, the Lankan spinners will look to dominate the middle overs.

Short and around leg, Mark Chapman nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Shortish and on leg, Mark Chapman tucks it to mid-wicket.

Arm ball, full and around off, angling in sharply, Mark Chapman looks to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

TURN AND BOUNCE! Slower through the air, full and around off, grips and turns away with extra bounce, Mark Chapman looks to drive it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated, full and on middle, Mark Chapman strides out and fends it away.

Flatter, short and on off, Mark Chapman steps across and blocks it out.

We are all set to resume! The players are out in the middle already. Mark Chapman ​​​​Will Young to continue the batting for New Zealand. Maheesh Theekshana to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

Good news folks! The rain has stopped now and all the covers are off. The ground staff have done an amazing job to prepare the ground so quickly and no overs have been lost. The resumption time is 10.15 am GMT.

UPDATE - 10.06 am GMT - The covers are still firmly on and almost the whole ground is covered. It is still raining in Kandy but there are a few blue spots in the sky which gives us hope that we can see some action soon. Stick with us for more news.

Oh..no! The drizzle has picked up pace and the umpires have given the marching orders to the players now. It has gone dark pretty quickly but the rain is still not that heavy and we are hoping that it is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Uppish but safe! Slower through the air, short and on leg, sticks to the surface a bit and turns in. Mark Chapman moves back to work it away but miscues it aerially just wide of mid-wicket. They cross.

Quicker again, full and on middle, Mark Chapman pats it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mark Chapman turns it to the leg side.

Flatter, full and on middle, skids through, Mark Chapman knocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Mark Chapman gets off the mark in good fashion! Dunith Wellalage drops it short and outside off, Mark Chapman moves back, extends his arms and punches it through covers for an easy boundary.

Floated, full and on off, Will Young drives it towards long off for a single.

Mark Chapman comes out to the middle now. It has started to drizzle a bit as well.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Maheesh Theekshana strikes now! He pushes this through quicker almost around 100 clicks. Fuller and around off, angling in sharply. Henry Nicholls stays in his crease and tries to play it away from his body but only manages to get an inside edge back onto his pads and then it rattles the stumps. New Zealand two down now!

Fires one full and on middle, Henry Nicholls knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Floated, full and no middle, Henry Nicholls prods forward and blocks it out.

Quicker, short again and on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, short and around off, Henry Nicholls punches it to short covers.

Flatter, full and on middle, Will Young drills it towards long on for a single.

Darts one full and on leg, Will Young clips it through square leg for one.

Gives this one some air, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls drives it down to long on for a run.

A bit quicker, short and on middle, Henry Nicholls pats it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on middle and leg, Henry Nicholls uses his feet and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Quicker, short and on off, Henry Nicholls stabs it out to short covers.

Floated, full and around leg, turns further into the leg side, Henry Nicholls misses his flick. Wided.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young knocks it towards mid on for a quick single.

Slightly quicker, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls works it towards mid on. Just 2 runs off the over!

Short again and on off, Will Young stays back and pats it down to long on for a run.

Pushed through quicker, short and on middle, angling in, Henry Nicholls clips it through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls strides out and turns it to the leg side.

Floated, full and around off, Henry Nicholls pushes it to short covers.

Maheesh Theekshana starts with a flatter delivery, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls knocks it back to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana replaces Dunith Wellalage.

Hard length and around off, Will Young keeps it out to the off side.

Back of a length and on leg, skids through, Henry Nicholls looks to pull it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads past point. A leg bye is taken.

Asitha Fernando bangs it hard into the pitch, on middle and angling in. Will Young winds up for the pull but bails out of the shot at the last moment. The ball goes off his gloves and lands safely towards square leg. They cross.

On a length and around off, Henry Nicholls steers it through backward point for a single.

Short of a length and on off, Henry Nicholls gets right behind it and pats it down to short covers.

Fuller one but down the leg side, Henry Nicholls looks to flick ti away but misses. Kusal Mendis, the keeper dives to his right but fails to collect it cleanly. Wided.

FOUR!! Lovely shot! Asitha Fernando lands this back of a length and outside off, Henry Nicholls gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for his first boudnary.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Will Young defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on off, Will Young knocks it towards mid off.

FOUR! Good shot! Dunith Wellalage drags his length back and just outside off. Will Young backs away to make some room and punches it sweetly through covers for a boundary.

A bit short and around middle, Will Young moves back and pats it back to the bowler.

Floated, full and on off, Will Young prods forward and taps it out to short covers.

Tossed up, full and on off, Henry Nicholls uses his feet and tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Will Young looks to defend from his crease but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Pitches it up and on middle, angling in, Will Young knocks it towards mid on.

Good length and on middle, angles away, Henry Nicholls looks to play at it but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball deflects towards third man as the batter take a leg bye.

Fuller in length and on middle, Henry Nicholls gets forward an fends it towards mid-wicket.

Uppish but safe! Pitched up and outside off, Will Young slashes at it and gets an thick outside edge towards thrid man for a single.

Fuller and outside off, shaping away a bit too much, Will Young leaves it alone.

Fighted, full and on leg, Henry Nicholls tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Quicker, full and around middle, Henry Nicholls knocks it back to the bowler.

Henry Nicholls walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Dunith Wellalage comes into the team and strikes straightaway! This is another arm ball, full and on middle and off, angles in and keeps low a bit. Tim Robinson stays back to work it away with an angled bat but misses it completely as the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Robinson falls cheaply and New Zealand are rocked early.!

Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Tim Robinson prods forward and looks to defend but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

FOUR! Tim Robinson gets off the mark with a boundary as well! Dunith Wellalage bowls this flatter, full but down the leg side, Tim Robinson goes down and swipes it away nicely through backward square leg for a boundary.

Dunith Wellalage begins with a floated delivery, short and on middle, Tim Robinson stays back and blocks it out.

Spin from the other end as Dunith Wellalage comes into the attack.

Goes fuller and just outside off, moves away, Will Young offers no shot at it.

A few dark clouds are hovering over the ground now.

Errs in line and bowls this on a length but down the leg side, Will Young misses his flick. Wided.

Touch fuller and on the sixth stump line, Will Young pushes it to short covers.

Hits the length hard this time, shapes away again, Will Young leaves it alone.

New Zealand and Will Young gets underway in style! Asitha Fernando in search of swing bowls this very full and on off again. Will Young strides out to take his front foot closer to the ball and drives it beautifully through covers for the first boundary of the game.

BEATEN! Back of a length, on off, nips away a shy bit, Will Young opens the face of his bat and looks run it down to third man but misses again.

A bit of movement! Asitha Fernando starts with a good-length delivery around off, shapes away, Will Young looks to guide it away but misses.

We are all set to start! The players are already out in the middle now with the sun shining brightly for now. Will Young and Tim Robinson are the two openers for New Zealand. Asitha Fernando has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is pitchside. He says that the fitness levels of the players will be tested as it is very hot and humid. Adds that there are a few cracks and that will help the spinners in this game. Mentions that traditionally teams chasing here have done well and a total of around 270-280 should be a competitive one.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (WK), Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage (In place of Dilshan Madushanka), Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

New Zealand, on the other hand, got off to a promising start in the shortened chase, but their innings fell apart after the dismissals of openers Will Young and Tim Robinson. While Michael Bracewell showed some resilience, players like Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman will need to step up and take more responsibility. With the ball, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi remain key threats but must focus on maintaining consistency in their line and length. The weather seems a bit uncertain, but we’re hopeful for some action, even if it’s a reduced game. Stay tuned for the toss and more updates!

Sri Lanka has had a remarkable year across formats, excelling in T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, where they remain in contention for the WTC final. Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando set the tone for the series with centuries in the opening match, and the team will once again rely on them to provide a strong start. The middle order has been consistently reliable, adding depth to their batting lineup. On the bowling front, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will be key players, especially on a spin-friendly pitch.

Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of the 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Sri Lanka leads the series 1-0 after an impressive performance in the first match. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be eager to bounce back and level the series with a win here.

... MATCH DAY ...

After an entertaining Dambulla leg of New Zealand's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, the action now shifts south to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy for the final two ODIs. The three-match series stands at 1-0 in favour of the hosts, who are eager to extend their impressive home streak, having remained unbeaten in series across formats since September. In the rain-affected opening game, centuries from Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis powered Sri Lanka to an imposing total. Chasing a revised target of 221 runs in 27 overs, New Zealand fell significantly short. The absence of Lockie Ferguson, ruled out of the series due to a calf injury, exposed the inexperience in their pace attack. However, the inclusion of Adam Milne as Ferguson’s replacement adds much-needed experience and stability. On the batting front, the Kiwis had two debutants among their six batters, and their vulnerability against spin as a team was evident. To stay alive in the series, the likes of Will Young, Henry Nicholls, and Glenn Phillips must step up and deliver impactful performances. As for Sri Lanka, they were near flawless in the opening game, with their batters setting a strong foundation and the bowlers complementing with disciplined spells. They haven’t secured qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy but a series win here would boost their morale and reaffirm their dominance at home. Unless there are last-minute injury concerns, the hosts are likely to stick with the same playing XI. Should they seal the series in this second ODI, they may look to rotate players and rest key members ahead of the Test series in South Africa later this month. That said, Charith Asalanka and Co. would not want to look too far ahead and their focus would be firmly on clinching the series. Can the Kiwis muster a spirited comeback to level the series, or will the hosts assert their dominance and seal the series? We shall find out soon enough.