The cloud cover before the start of play after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first looked good for a long day’s play.
Sri Lanka, as envisaged, introduced the bench with 5 changes, whilst New Zealand just 2.
Sri Lanka also rested Dunith Wellalage along with the big 4.
The Kiwis gave Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith the two seamers a break.
Dilshan Madushanka, who was not pursued with in the 2nd ODI, got another opportunity, but it’s fair to state he was not impressive. Mohammad Siraj and Chaminda Wickramasinghe also included from the bench as two extra seamers bowled with intent, although their line and length were too predictable at this level.
Sadly, we did not see Nuwindu Fernando, who was slotted to bat at 3, and Nishan Madushka open the innings in the absence of Pathum Nissanka due to rain ending the proceedings at 4 P.M with New Zealand on 112 for 1 wicket , and William Young not out on 63 his best effort of the rain curtailed tour and Henry Nicholas unbeaten on 50 when the umpires took the players off the field at the start of the 21st over.
Sri Lanka won the series 2 games to nil. We also wish New Zealand team a safe journey back home and the best of luck for the forthcoming home tour of England.
