[Watch] Charith Asalanka Does Suicidal Run-Out As Mitchell Santer Pulls Off Jonty Rhodes Again

Charith Asalanka's Suicidal Run-out [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

In the second ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on January 8, Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled early. Hopes were pinned on Charith Asalanka to steady the innings, but a shocking run-out left the team reeling at 22 for 4.

The disastrous run-out happened during the fifth over of Sri Lanka's innings. Mitchell Santner was bowling when Asalanka made a poor decision that cost him his wicket. Asalanka tapped the ball towards the covers and called for a quick single. His partner, Kamindu Mendis, responded to the call, but Santner was lightning fast to react.

Santner picked up the ball cleanly, aimed, and underarmed a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The throw was spot on, and Asalanka was nowhere near the crease when the bails came off. The New Zealand players celebrated, and the commentators couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed. It was a classic example of a suicidal run, and Asalanka paid the price.

Sri Lanka Struggle Continues Against NZ

With Asalanka's dismissal, Sri Lanka found themselves in a dire situation. Chasing a target of 256 in a match that had been reduced to 37 overs per side due to rain, they needed their key batters to step up. Unfortunately, the early collapse made the task even more difficult.

New Zealand's total was powered by solid knocks from Rachin Ravindra, who scored 79 runs, and Mark Chapman, who contributed 62. Their partnership helped the Kiwis set a challenging total. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

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