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0 With Maddy Green’s second ODI century and Hannah Rowe’s four-wicket haul, New Zealand was driven to a dominant 78-run triumph over Sri Lanka, guaranteeing an unjustifiable 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Played at Nelson on March 7, 2025, New Zealand scored a competitive 245 for 7 before their bowlers destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting order, reducing them to 167. This thrilling match had fans eagerly checking updates on platforms like Billy 777 login to stay informed about the latest cricket action.
Century Steadies New Zealand’s Innings by Maddy Green
Both teams were keen to have an impression in Nelson following a rain-affected no-result in the Napier series opener. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Suzie Bates chose to bat. However, her choice seemed dubious as the hosts got into problems early on.
In the fourth over, Bates was run out for just five; Sri Lanka’s bowlers seized on the early momentum. Emma McLeod was dismissed by Achini Kulasiriya; Chamari Athapaththu removed Brooke Halliday, leaving New Zealand stunned at 59 for 4 in the 18th over.
Batting at No. Five, Maddy Green turned out to be New Zealand’s hero. She anchored the innings in her second ODI century with a cool 109-ball 100. Green’s six-wicket partnership of 51 runs with Isabella Gaze (19) gave much-needed consistency.
With Jess Kerr scoring a fast 38 off 44 balls and wicketkeeper Polly Inglis hammering an undefeated 34 off only 21 deliveries, including five fours, the lower-middle order also made a major contribution.
Green’s century was the highlight of the innings. Having carried over from the domestic One-Day Cup, where she had scored 125 and 126 in two of her last three games, she hit seven boundaries and showed great form.
Her efforts enabled New Zealand to score 84 runs in the last ten overs, posing a difficult goal for Sri Lanka of 246. Green finally ran out on the last ball of the innings while trying a dangerous second run.
Hannah Rowe’s Four-Wicket Haul Decimates Sri Lanka’s Chase. Defining 245, New Zealand’s bowlers came out with intent. Early in the fifth over, Bree Illing removed the threatening Chamari Athapaththu for 11. In the eighth over, Hannah Rowe dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne, the other opener, compromising Sri Lanka.
Harshitha Samarawickrama persisted in good form from the first ODI, striking a strong 58 despite early difficulties. Her 68-run alliance with 25-year-old Kavisha Dilhari temporarily gave Sri Lanka hope. To stop Sri Lanka’s pursuit, Eden Carson and Bree Illing struck consecutively in the 22nd and 23rd overs, respectively.
The end for Sri Lanka began when Samarawickrama was dismissed in the 28th over, caught off Rowe’s bowling. Nilakshika Silva dropped lbw to Suzie Bates, while Jess Kerr ran Anushka Sanjeewani out of chaos at 137 for 7. Sri Lanka was left in a mess.
Returning to pick up two more wickets, Rowe finished with remarkable numbers of 4 for 31. Carson closed the innings with the last wicket taken in the 47th over. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 167, short of the mark by 78 runs.
Important Performances and Learning Points of Interest
Heroics from Maddy Green
Green’s century framed New Zealand’s innings. Her maturity and talent were shown by her ability to rebuild the innings after early wickets and accelerate in the dying overs. Her form looks good for New Zealand as they try to gather steam before the next series.
The Bowling Masterclass of Hannah Rowe
Rowe’s four-wicket haul helped to completely destroy Sri Lanka’s batting order. Her capacity to strike at pivotal times and keep pressure on the batters showed her value to the team’s bowling assault.
Missed opportunities in Sri Lanka
While Samarawickrama’s half-century was a success, Sri Lanka’s middle order fell short of using the basis she established. The game lacks significant alliances and cannot manage New Zealand’s disciplined bowling cost.
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Looking Ahead to the Third ODI
New Zealand will want to sweep clean in the third ODI, set for Sunday at the same venue, having the series fully under their control. The last game allows Sri Lanka to recover pride and get useful experience against a formidable New Zealand team.
With both bat and ball fire in harmony, New Zealand’s performance in the second ODI highlights its depth and balance. This series triumph will be a confidence booster as it continues to rise towards the next challenges.
Sri Lanka’s batting flaws and strategies to offset New Zealand’s bowling assault will be the main emphasis. Given that both teams want to finish the series in a memorable manner, the last ODI looks to be an interesting struggle.
