NZ vs SL third ODI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis take Sri Lanka to 290

Pathum Nissanka's valiant 66 leads Sri Lanka to 290-8 against New Zealand in the third ODI.

Pathum Nissanka made 66 in an innings of two parts as Sri Lanka compiled 290-8, batting first on Saturday (January 11, 2025) in the third one-day international against New Zealand.

Nissanka reached 50 from 31 balls but almost immediately fell to the ground in pain from an apparent groin or hip strain.

He tried to bat on but was clearly impaired while running between wickets and was 50 not out when he was summoned from the field by Sri Lanka coach Sanith Jayasuriya to receive medical treatment.

Nissanka returned when Sri Lanka was 183-4 in the 34th over, after Kamindu Mendis was out for 46. He hit two fours and a six, adding 16 runs to his total before he was out in the 37th over when Sri Lanka was 204-5.

Sri Lanka's top order finally fired after having failed to do so in the first two matches of the series which New Zealand won by nine wickets and 113 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

On Saturday, after Sri Lanka won the toss, Nissanka and Avishka Fernando had put on 66 for the first wicket before Nissanka was forced to retire hurt.

Fernando struggled to 17 from 33 balls and was out soon after Nissanka's retirement.