AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Pathum Nissanka contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s innings, scoring 66 runs in a challenging performance during the third one-day international against New Zealand on Sunday. Sri Lanka batted first and concluded their innings with a total of 290 for 8.

Nissanka swiftly reached his half-century, achieving it in just 31 balls, but shortly thereafter, he collapsed on the ground due to what appeared to be a groin or hip injury. Despite the injury, he attempted to continue batting but struggled with running between the wickets. At 50 not out, he was instructed to leave the field by Sri Lanka’s coach Sanith Jayasuriya for medical attention.

After some time away from the pitch, Nissanka returned to bat when Sri Lanka’s score stood at 183-4 in the 34th over, following Kamindu Mendis’s dismissal for 46 runs. Nissanka managed to hit two fours and a six, bringing his total to 66 before being dismissed in the 37th over when Sri Lanka was at 204-5.

The Sri Lankan batting lineup found its rhythm on Sunday, which was a welcome improvement after struggling in the first two matches of the series, both won by New Zealand by nine wickets and 113 runs — giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Having won the toss, Sri Lanka began with a strong opening partnership between Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, who put together a stand of 66 runs for the first wicket before Nissanka’s injury. Fernando managed only 17 runs off 33 balls and was dismissed shortly after Nissanka’s exit. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis then accelerated the scoring, building a solid 87-run partnership for the second wicket. Kusal scored 54 runs from 48 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Kamindu finished with 46 runs off 71 deliveries.

Despite attempts by New Zealand’s fast bowlers to exploit the bounce of the Eden Park pitch, the strategy backfired, allowing Sri Lankan batsmen to find scoring opportunities, culminating in a total of 15 sixes throughout the innings. Following Nissanka’s dismissal, Janith Liyanage also had a commendable performance, scoring a half-century off 51 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, before falling for 53 runs. Sri Lanka managed to add 76 runs in the final 10 overs of their innings.

For the New Zealand team, Matt Henry stood out with a remarkable bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for 55 runs.