March 7, 2025: Maddy Green’s brilliant century and Hannah Rowe’s exceptional four-wicket haul led New Zealand to a commanding 78-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Nelson. This win gave the White Ferns an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with one game remaining.
After the first ODI in Napier was ruined by rain and ended in a no-result, both teams were able to meet in favorable conditions at Saxton Oval. New Zealand captain Suzie Bates won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the hosts were soon in trouble. Bates was run out for just five in the fourth over, followed by quick dismissals of Emma McLeod and Brooke Halliday, courtesy of Sri Lankan bowlers Achini Kulasuriya and Chamari Athapaththu. At 59/4 in 18 overs, New Zealand was reeling, and a recovery seemed unlikely.
Enter Maddy Green, who played a steadying role for her side. She formed a vital 51-run partnership with Isabella Gaze (19) for the sixth wicket, gradually stabilizing the innings. Contributions from the lower-middle order further strengthened the total, with Jess Kerr scoring 38 off 44 balls, and wicketkeeper Polly Inglis blasting 34 not out off 21 balls, including five boundaries.
Green, however, remained the backbone of the innings, reaching her century off 109 balls. Having been in sensational form in the domestic One-Day Cup, where she scored 125 and 126 in two of her last three matches, Green carried her fine form into this match. New Zealand finished strongly, adding 84 runs in the final ten overs to post 245/7. Green was run out on the last ball of the innings while attempting an extra run, but her knock had already set a solid foundation for New Zealand.
Sri Lanka’s chase started poorly as Bree Illing dismissed captain Athapaththu for just 11 in the fifth over. Rowe then struck in the eighth over, sending opener Vishmi Gunaratne back to the pavilion, putting New Zealand firmly in control.
Harshitha Samarawickrama, who had scored an unbeaten 66 in the first ODI, continued her fine form with another half-century. She added 68 runs in a partnership with Kavisha Dilhari (25), offering Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. However, their progress was halted by back-to-back wickets from Eden Carson and Illing in the 22nd and 23rd overs.
At 101/4, Sri Lanka’s hopes rested on Samarawickrama, but she fell for 58, giving Rowe her second wicket. From there, the innings fell apart. Nilakshika Silva was trapped lbw by Bates, and Anushka Sanjeewani was run out by Kerr. Rowe returned to claim two more wickets, finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 31. Carson wrapped up the innings in the 47th over, sealing a dominant victory for New Zealand.
With the series already secured, the White Ferns will now look to complete a clean sweep in the final ODI, scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.