The BLACKCAPS have completed a 3-0 series whitewash of Sri Lanka after a comprehensive 115-run victory at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
Ross Taylor (137) and Henry Nicholls (124*) both scored big centuries as the BLACKCAPS posted 364/4 batting first in hot, sunny conditions.
The pair put on a 154-run partnership, a new fourth wicket record against Sri Lanka, while Nicholls' century was his highest ODI score to date.
The Sri Lankan top order came out firing once again, putting on 66 for the first wicket. However, with a mammoth total on the board, the home bowlers could afford to be patient.
Despite Thisara Perera (80) scoring another quick fire half century, Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi picked up four and three wickets respectively to stunt the chase.
Perera's wicket was the turning point - a spectacular catch from Martin Guptill off Ferguson swinging the momentum before Sodhi wrapped up the tail.
AS IT HAPPENED...
Preparation well underway for ODI #3 here at Saxton Oval!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
Hot tip - sunscreen and a hat essential today ☀️ #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/KBSMNUXZgi
Hands are warm. Boys are sharp. Toss just five mins away. What would you do? #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/e4t1yR1pvu
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
“I’m really enjoying the partnership with Guppy at the top!” - Colin Munro ready for ODI 3 in Nelson #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/3IYDpqCc0B
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to bowl in Nelson. 3 changes to their side. We’ve got Ferguson in for Boult. Beautiful day at Saxton Oval ☀️👌 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/doln2MRF9y
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
Beautiful morning at Saxton Oval in Nelson where Ross Taylor has the chance to equal the NZ record of reaching 50 in six successive ODI innings #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GiWkiGnww7
— Francis Payne (@FPayne100) January 7, 2019
The fans are ready in NELSON! Martin Guptill and Colin Munro make their way to the middle for the BLACKCAPS, Lasith Malinga to open up for @OfficialSLC... 🇳🇿🇱🇰🏏👏
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/QmQ692RL8w
A couple of early strikes for Lasith Malinga sees both NZ openers back in the pavilion. Captain Kane is joined by Ross Taylor - plenty of ODI runs between these two!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
🇳🇿 46/2 | 7 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/bX7ThmKH7R
Drinks have come and gone here at Saxton Oval but Kane and Ross remain! 💯 up for the BLACKCAPS with a Williamson SIX! Solid partnership building on an absolute belter of a day in Nelson 🌞
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/u5gkEa85jU
CAPTAIN KANE! You've done it again.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
Williamson brings up his half century with a trademark 'dink' down to third man. Total building nicely here in Nelson.
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/oMYzylcNmg
In the 4 years since 2015 World Cup, Ross Taylor has averaged 67. Only Virat Kohli (83) has a higher average (min 20 games). Kane Williamson averages 47 in that time #NZvSL
— Francis Payne (@FPayne100) January 7, 2019
RECORD TIME!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2019
Ross 'The Boss' Taylor brings up 50 - his sixth half century in a row and 46th in ODIs! That equals the NZ record with Kane Williamson and Andrew Jones.
It must've been that practice at the beach yesterday...
NZC SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/j2sOXxdlTR
Wicket!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
Williamson out for 55 off 65 to break his 116-run partnership with Taylor (65*). Henry Nicholls enters at 147-3 in the 27th over #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/PnFG7QF1HI
Ross Taylor is trending on NZ Twitter and why not! The Boss is on 🔥🔥 here at Saxton Oval - currently in partnership with Henry Nicholls.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇳🇿181/3 | Ross Taylor 73* | Henry Nicholls 25* | 33 overs
NZC SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/buKU4cifSF
MILESTONE! Ross Taylor brings up century number 20 in ODI cricket - the first NZer to 20 centuries in any format! Ross The Boss!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
NZC SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/jkBxa6tpLT
Leg-side, off-side - it doesn't matter for Henry Nicholls! He brings up a superb 50 off just 44 balls. That's also the 100-run partnership between him and Taylor off 87 balls. Sun shining on the BLACKCAPS!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
NZC SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/UauhPAC6yu
Here's @RossLTaylor's last 10 ODI matches: (most recent last)
— Michael Wagener (@Mykuhl) January 8, 2019
59 (73) vs Pak
113 (116), 10 (26), 181* (147) vs Eng
80 (112), 86 (120)*, DNB vs Pak
54 (37), 90 (105), 109 (117) vs SL
783 runs, 3 100s, 5 50s, average 130.5, strike rate 91.69
(Correct at 41 overs on #NZvSL
Match)
300 UP! 150-run partnership passed. BIG TOTAL brewing for the BLACKCAPS with four overs to go...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
If you are in Nelson take advantage of our second innings 'gate only' ticket prices ⬇️
Adults: $35
Seniors/ Students: $25
Kids: $5#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/Dx1oZHYO8B
Maiden ODI 💯 for Henry Nicholls!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
Superb innings and at a rapid rate - just 71 balls!!
🇳🇿 340/4 | 49 overs
NZC SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/ECQdJWrUVW
WOW! Another 300+ total and a couple of centuries to boot! Superb innings from NZ.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇳🇿 364/4 | Ross Taylor 137 | Henry Nicholls 124* (new H/S)
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GdnefRaOTY
Saxton Oval is ready to go for the Sri Lankan innings! Tim Southee to open up for the BLACKCAPS, defending an impressive 364/4. Let's go!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/TcJ1x2ZICY
Impressive stuff from the bowlers and the fielding unit.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
Southee & Neesham with the wickets, along with a great catch by Ferguson & a brilliant run-out by Williamson. Sri Lanka 107-3 after the opening 15 overs. Card | https://t.co/vO0hTjRSDZ #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/hgiA3IZn1o
20 overs gone here at Saxton Oval and the BLACKCAPS have settled into the middle overs with Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson operating.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇱🇰 127/4 | 20 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/Fs4YOtl9Lx
Fans at Saxton Oval are enjoying their cricket! Captain Kane Williamson is having an extended go at the bowling crease while the quicks rotate at the other end.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇱🇰 190/5 | 31 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/7jOcrXyFDd
Thisara Perera is at it again! Another entertaining innings in progress from the big left-hander! Currently he's on 75 off just 56 balls (6 x 4's | 3 x 6's ) 🏏
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇱🇰 236/5 | 37 overs
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/izqSVjDBTU
THREE IN SIX BALLS! Lockie Ferguson with two wickets including a spectacular catch from Martin Guptill! Then Ish Sodhi chimes in with one of his own. BLACKCAPS on the brink of victory...
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
NZC LIVE SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/QyXBeTaqZL
BANG! Just like that it's all over, Sodhi gets his second of the over and the BLACKCAPS claim a 115-run victory and seal the 3-0 series win! Superb.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
🇳🇿 Ferguson 4-40 | Sodhi 3-40
FULL SCORECARD | https://t.co/bnelmfb1Xk #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/KqQHeQrAMj
Time to shake hands after a super series! 3-0 to NZ but some superb cricket from both sides 🏏 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/zQENgIqEpG
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2019
