Following their historic loss in the series opener just three days earlier, New Zealand displayed great determination and skill to level the ODI series. Kerr and Devine forged an exceptional partnership, amassing a massive 229 runs together and setting a formidable target of 330 for the hosts.
New Zealand faced an early setback as they lost openers Suzie Bates (1) and Bernadine Bezuidenhout (25) within the first powerplay. However, Kerr and Devine took charge, leading the team’s resurgence. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain their aggressive onslaught, with Devine striking the boundary on 19 occasions.
The two batters remained at the crease for the next 33 overs, guiding New Zealand deep into their innings. After Kerr and Devine were eventually dismissed in consecutive overs, the lower-order contributed to the team’s imposing total, reaching 329/7.
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the target never gained momentum, as New Zealand’s veteran pace bowler Lea Tahuhu wreaked havoc, claiming three wickets in just eight overs. Kavisha Dihari provided some resistance in the middle-order, but her valiant effort was cut short at 84 runs when Eden Carson induced an edge.
Tahuhu emerged as New Zealand’s standout performer with figures of 4/31, although wickets were shared evenly among the bowlers, with six players contributing to dismiss Sri Lanka for 213.
The series will culminate with a decisive match on Monday, after which both teams will shift their focus to the upcoming T20 series.
Brief Score
New Zealand 329/7 (Devine 137, Kerr 108; Ranasinghe 3/68)
Sri Lanka 213 (Dihari 84, Kavindi 15; Tahuhu 4/31, Carson 2/41)