New Zealand’s Nathan Smith shocked the cricket world with his superb boundary catch in the Black Caps’ 113-run win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
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New Zealand beat Sri Lanka’s best record to win the series in the rain-affected second one-day international in Hamilton.
New Zealand took a 2-0 lead in the series with a comfortable nine-wicket win in Wellington and the third match will be played in Auckland on Saturday.
Earlier, Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana scored a hat-trick as the home side posted 255-9 in 37 overs, but the tourists could only manage 142 in 30.2 overs in response.
However, Theekshana’s bowling feat was overshadowed by Smith’s stunning catch.
Smith, fielding at thin leg, traced the top edge of Sri Lankan tail-ender Eshan Malinga on his way to the boundary.
Smith jumped far and reached his full length when he was somehow able to catch it with both hands.
Sri Lanka’s top order failed badly in both games.
They fell 22-4 at Seddon Park and had little chance of reaching the target of 256 runs in a match reduced to 37 overs each due to early rain.
Kaminu Mendis scored his highest ODI score of 64 off 66 balls but was beaten by Daryl Mitchell’s fine running catch off the bowling of Will O’Rourke, sealing Sri Lanka’s fate.
Janith Liyanage’s 22 was the next best score in Sri Lanka’s chase, which was marred by two run-outs and a series of risky shots that did not pay off.
O’Rourke was too quick, taking 3-31 in 6.2 overs, while Jacob Duffy was responsible for some of the early damage, claiming 2-30.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said they should have been able to achieve their goal.
He said, “I think it was a fair score and a fair pitch for the batters on such a small ground.”
“I think again our bad batting average on the power play cost us the game.”
The previously recalled off-spinner Theekshana took advantage of New Zealand’s somewhat erratic batting to finish with 4-44 from eight overs.
He removed Mitchell Santer and Nathan Smith with successive deliveries in the 35th over.
The hat-trick was completed when Matt Henry caught the first ball of the final over. It all came down to a poorly lofted shot.
Opener Rachin Ravindra’s 79 off 63 balls and Mark Chapman’s 62 off 52 helped put the New Zealand innings back, which was threatening to go past the 300-mark.
The pair put on 112 for the second wicket, which ended with Chapman holed out to stay away from Theekshana.
Ravindra was soon on his way and was brilliantly caught at short cover by Asalanka off-leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2-39).
Ravindra, who hit nine fours and a six, believed his balanced batting style was suited to the 50-over format.
“I love ODIs. Even though I don’t get to see many games happening anymore, it’s the format I grew up watching and I think it suits my style of batting,” said the 25-year-old, who scored 45 runs. In the first match.
“I think it’s a nice, natural tempo to be able to go out and hit cricket shots.”
