SL vs NZ | Twitter celebrates as Avishka Fernando’s fielding wizardry earns Jayasuriya’s applause

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 6:04 PM

Appreciation plays a crucial role in team sports, often boosting morale. A prime example unfolded during the second ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, where Avishka Fernando’s brilliant catch in the deep dismissed Glenn Phillips, earning well-deserved applause from Sanath Jayasuriya.

‌Skipper Charith Asalanka's decision to bowl first in overcast conditions paid off as Sri Lanka reduced New Zealand to 31/2 early, with Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana striking. Rain interrupted play twice, leading to delays of 34 and 35 minutes, ultimately reducing the game to 47 overs. New Zealand's Mark Chapman and Will Young steadied the innings with a 38-run stand before Jeffrey Vandersay dismissed Young in the 17th over. By the 23rd over, New Zealand reached 98/3, with Chapman and Glenn Phillips at the crease. However, wickets continued to tumble as Phillips was scalped by Charith Asalanka, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Avishka Fernando.

On the first ball of the 24th over, Charith Asalanka dished a good-length delivery, which the Kiwi batter attempted to sweep but mistimed. The ball soared toward the fine leg where Avishka Fernando, positioned at deep backward square leg, made a stunning sprint and a last-second forward dive. Unsure of the catch, the on-field umpires referred the decision upstairs, and the replay confirmed Fernando had cleanly caught the ball without dropping it. As the big screen flashed "OUT," the crowd erupted in celebration, and social media quickly hailed Fernando’s acrobatic stunner.

Fantastic catch

— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889)

Good

very good test inning played by team in both ODI against sri lanka 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣��🤣. Just leave the cricket and start some other work all the team members.
— Nitin kumar (@Nitinku45756415)

Big win

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the second ODI match at Pallekele
— KYA CHAL RAHA HAI !!! (@KCRH261564)

Interesting

Srilanka vs Newzealand

2nd ODI

New Zealand will win this match.

Probable script of match-

1st innings-

36-50 overs- Fast and big runs

2nd innings-

1-26 overs- Wkts

26-38 overs -Runs

39-47 overs- Wkts

Winner:- Newzealand
— Aman Yadav (@CricketAma86574)

Pretty good

Pre Show. 2nd ODI. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand. Pallekele International cricket stadium.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket)

DelayedODI

New Zealand 73-1 in a delayed ODI international vs Sri Lanka; West Indies play England in a Twenty20 at 8pm, both TNT Sports.
— Andrew Duncan (@andrewsduncan1)

Rain affected game

Play starting at 3.45 pm. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd ODI. Pallekele International cricket stadium
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket)

Oh no

RAIN STOPS PLAY!

The second ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand has been halted due to heavy rain, with New Zealand at 37/2 after 9 overs
— Abrar Ahmad (@mabrarjaffar)

India leads

Most 200+ totals in T20i:

1.🇮🇳 India - 40 (242 Mat)

2.🇦🇺 Australia - 23 (202 Mat)

3.🇿🇦 South Africa - 23 (194 Mat)

4.🇳🇿 New Zealand - 21 (222 Mat)

5.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England - 20 (198 Mat)

6.🏝️ West Indies - 18 (212 Mat)

7.🇵🇰 Pakistan - 11 (236 Mat)

8.🇱🇰 Sri Lanka - 11 (182 Mat)
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy)

The worst