New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI at Auckland, NZ vs SL, Jan 11 2025 - Match Result

That was a clinical victory for Sri Lanka and a huge morale-booster for them. They were dominant from start to finish, outgunning New Zealand in their own backyard. New Zealand lost too many wickets during the powerplay and couldn't catch up, despite Mark Chapman fighting valiantly but he didn't get much support and it was always going to be a tough ask for the lower order.

Thank you for your company throughout the series. On behalf of the team, it's goodbye from Rvel Zahid

Asitha Fernando, Player of the Match (Charith Asalanka is doing the translation for Asitha): It's a huge confidence boost for me and the team because we haven't had good first two games, but it feels good to play in this way. We identified few areas to be improved, and we'll work on those areas

Matt Henry, Player of the Series: It's a shame we didn't get over the line...nice to get the momentum going forward. Sometimes you want things to go differently but we got many positives from this series and will make sure to take them forward

Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka Captain: I think it's always great to make comeback like this. Unfortunately, we lost first two but the way boys played today, it was a pleasure to watch and really good. Few more areas to work with fast bowlers...must give credit to New Zelaand bowlers; they put us under pressure, but we'll continue to improve. Hospitality was really nice, and we thank New Zealand for their support.

Mitchell Santner, New Zealand Captain: Little disappointing, probably not the way we wanted to finish series. Credit to Sri Lanka; they put score on board, and they challenged us early and it was pretty tough to come back from there. They got the ball swinging and made it challenging. We did that throughout the series...I guess we will take it on the chin...a lot of positives from the series, guys playing their roles...the lads performed really well in the series against a very good team and the depth in their squad is outstanding. We go to Pakistan, and it will be a change of conditions so we'll prepare and adapt as best as we can

From Deep Gadhia: Biggest losing margins for New Zealand versus SL in ODIs

189 runs, Auckland 2007

140 runs, Auckland 2025

112 runs, Wankhede 2011

Only the second loss for New Zealand at home in ODIs since 2020

New Zealand at home since 2020

Matches - 20, Wins - 16, Loss - 2, NR - 2

8th consecutive ODI series win for New Zealand at home

They last lost a series at home to India in 2019

RiwajAdhikari: "Okay I have been a SL fan ever since I know cricket. And honestly with their history as a touring team overseas, I didn't give them a chance this series expecting them to be rolled over 6-0 across formats. So I am extremely pleased with how they have performed in the two final matches of the tour."

Rajeev: "Not a terrible tour for SL, especially when comparing with their previous tours after 2015. If they could hold onto the 1st T20I and won it (it was their game until last few overs), it would have been even better."

Abdul Samad: "I don't think anyone noticed but O'Rourke came out with 2 left handed gloves lol"

Udesh: "We read cricinfo live coverage specially when the live commentary in Sinhala language. Plenty will agree to this. love you cricinfo ."

Tautoru: "Not sure how NZ managed to throw this away on a good batting surface in their own back yard. Lots of credit to the SL bowlers as well as superb fielding and catching. "

Kabilesh : "No live telecast in Srilanka so we are enjoying it through cricinfo. Thank you guys." You can count on us