In a thrilling ODI match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park, Hamilton, all-rounder Nathan Smith pulled off a stunning diving catch to dismiss Eshan Malinga, securing the Kiwis’ dominant 113-run victory under the DLS method. The rain-affected match, reduced to 37 overs per side, saw New Zealand take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing 2024-25 series.

The catch occurred on the last ball of the 29th over with Sri Lanka struggling at 136/8 while chasing a target of 256. It was a well-executed delivery from William O’Rourke, pitching on a good length, that Malinga tried to swat across the line after making room. The ball beat Malinga’s bat and took the top edge, flying high over the wicketkeeper.

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Nathan Smith, standing square, had to cover some ground and sprint several meters to get into position. With a flying, full-length dive, he managed to snare the ball perfectly, securing the final wicket of the innings. Sri Lanka was all out for 142, handing New Zealand a comprehensive win.

Nathan Smith! A screamer on the Seddon Park boundary to dismiss Eshan Malinga 🔥 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/sQKm8aS07F

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2025

The visitors never found their rhythm throughout the innings. Early wickets fell quickly, and despite Kamindu Mendis’ resilient 64 from 66 balls, Sri Lanka’s chase faltered. Mendis’ efforts were ultimately undone by O’Rourke, and Smith also contributed with the ball, dismissing Janith Liyanage for 22 from 31 balls.

On the New Zealand side, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman’s 112-run partnership for the second wicket provided a solid foundation. Both batters made important half-centuries, and although the Kiwis lost wickets in the middle, they were able to post a competitive score.

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New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner reflected on the performance after the match, noting, “We opened up really well, lost wickets in the middle, but our seamers did their job on a wicket that offered a bit of assistance. We knew we had to bowl well at the start, and credit to Theekshana, who bowled wide and forced us to hit to the bigger side. They stuck to their lengths, making it challenging for us.” Santner highlighted the challenging conditions, particularly the bounce that caused difficulties for the batters.