In the third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Will Young and Tim Robinson came out with intent, hammering 24 runs in the first three overs. However, their aggressive start was halted when Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka produced a moment of brilliance.

Charith Asalanka’s stunning catch to remove Tim Robinson

New Zealand’s fiery start in the third ODI against Sri Lanka at Pallekele came to an abrupt halt in the fourth over. Robinson, looking to capitalize on his aggressive intent, attempted to loft a full-length delivery from Mohamed Shiraz. The ball, shaping into the batter, caused Robinson to mistime his drive as the bat turned slightly in his hands.

Positioned at mid-off, Sri Lanka’s skipper Asalanka showcased exceptional athleticism. He leaped high to his left, almost doubling his stature, and pulled off a breathtaking one-handed catch. Robinson, dismissed for 9 off 7 balls (two boundaries), walked back disappointed as Sri Lanka celebrated an early breakthrough. The dismissal left New Zealand at 24/1 in 3.2 overs and energized the home side.

Here’s the video:

Charith Asalanka grabs a stunner to get rid of Tim Robinson in the 3rd ODI.#SLvNZ #SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/xLeHDVM3Wd

— Harshal Barot (@harshalbarot21) November 19, 2024

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Sri Lanka’s steady recovery and rain halts progress

After Robinson’s dismissal, Young and Henry Nicholls rebuilt the innings with a steady partnership. Young, in fine form, showcased his class by piercing gaps with precise timing and accumulating runs through elegant drives. Nicholls complemented him with controlled aggression, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their partnership added 88 runs for the second wicket, taking New Zealand to 112/1 in 21 overs.

Young reached a well-crafted half-century off 61 balls, laced with eight boundaries, while Nicholls remained steady with a fluent 46 off 51 balls. Despite the disciplined bowling of Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, the Blackcaps duo maintained a healthy run rate, ensuring the visitors remained in control.

However, just as New Zealand appeared poised to accelerate, rain intervened, forcing a halt to the game. The players left the field with New Zealand holding a slight edge, though the interruption left both teams pondering revised strategies for the remainder of the match.

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