New Zealand has taken an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The host team won by 113 runs in the rain-affected second ODI on Wednesday. In this match, New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith surprised everyone by taking an excellent catch on the Hamilton field. Smith dived like ‘Superman’ near the boundary and showed the path to the pavilion to Sri Lankan bowler Ashan Malinga (4). His catch is becoming increasingly viral on social media, and everyone’s eyes were left wide-eyed after seeing it.
great catch technique
Malinga tried to hit a big shot on the last ball of the 29th over bowled by William O’Rourke, but the ball did not connect properly. The ball went in the direction of third man, where Smith showed amazing agility. He jumped in the air while running on the boundary and completed the catch. This moment mesmerized everyone, and Smith’s ability is being praised a lot. One user commented on the video, “This is called dedication. Catching can win you matches, and New Zealand players know how to fly.”
Highlights of the match
It is noteworthy that due to rain the second ODI was reduced to 37 overs. New Zealand scored 255 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 37 overs, in which all-rounder Rachin Ravindra scored 79 and Mark Chapman scored half-centuries of 62 runs. Mahesh Theekshana took the most wickets for Sri Lanka, who also took the first hat-trick of 2025. He completed his hat-trick by dismissing captain Mitchell Santner (20), Nathan Smith (0) and Matt Henry (1).
Chasing the target, the Sri Lankan team was all out for 142 runs in 30.2 overs. Kusal Mendis scored the highest for Sri Lanka by scoring 62 runs.
