5 worst defeats for New Zealand in ODIs

#3 189 run loss to Sri Lanka at Auckland, 2007

Lasith Malinga

The home ODI series against Sri Lanka back in 2007 saw New Zealand record one of their heaviest defeats in ODI history and the nature of the defeat makes it one of the most embarrassing ones in the country’s history. Sri Lanka chose to bat first and with contributions from Sanath Jayasuriya (70) and Kumar Sangakkara (79), they made 262 in 50 overs. New Zealand were leading the series 2-1 ahead of this ODI and the target of 263 was not safe by any stretch of the imagination.

However, what unfolded in New Zealand’s innings was a bit of a horror show as Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga tore through the home side’s top order. The fast bowlers, along with Farveez Maharoof, reduced New Zealand to 39 for 6 in the 14th over and from then on, it was a matter of time. Eventually, they were all out for 73 in the 27th over to complete a rout in what was one of the most shocking batting performances in modern ODI cricket.