NZ vs SL Live Score

7:59 AM IST Mitchell Santner now receives the shining trophy and heads toward his teammates who await their skipper for the commemorative photographs behind the winner's board. The Kiwi squad celebrates in jubilation and with this, a thrilling white-ball series concludes with New Zealand dominating Sri Lanka in both formats, securing 2-1 victories in the T20Is and ODIs. Looking ahead, New Zealand travels to Pakistan for an exciting triangular ODI series with Pakistan and South Africa, beginning their campaign against Pakistan at Multan on Saturday 8th February at 8:30 am GMT. As for Sri Lanka, they head home after their final ODI before the Champions Trophy to face the mighty Australians in two Test matches at Galle, commencing Wednesday 29th January at 4:30 am GMT. Cricket fans need not worry about any void, as several franchise tournaments are in full swing. The Big Bash League approaches its climax, while the SA20 and ILT20 are just getting started, alongside the Bangladesh Premier League at its full tilt. Feel free to follow all these exciting competitions. Until next time, goodbye and take care!

7:53 AM IST Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand skipper is up for a chat and says this is not the way they wanted to end the series but credit goes to Lanka for outplaying them. Mentions that they bowled really well in the Power Play and took their catches and that helped them massively. Reckons that they have to take it on the chin and keep going forward.

7:52 AM IST Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka is up for a chat now. He says it is unfortunate that they lost the series but it is a pleasure to watch the boys making a comeback like this. Adds that these kind of wins give a lot of boost to their morale. Appreciates the New Zealand team and says that they played good cricket throughout the series. Ends by thanking the authorities and everyone involved in the smooth conduct, and goes on to thank them for their amazing hospitality.

7:51 AM IST Asitha Fernando is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his 3-wicket haul. Fernando responds in Sinhalese and Charith Asalanka is there to translate in English. He says that it's been a pleasure for him and this performance will provide him a huge confidence boost. Adds that they didn't do well in the first two games but they are delighted to win this last ODI. Mentions that they identified the areas to work and improve on. Ends by saying they will go back and work on those to get better day by day.

7:51 AM IST ... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

7:50 AM IST Matt Henry is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES. He says it's a shame they did not get over the line but they are delighted to win the series. Mentions that there are lots of positives to take away from this season and they'll work on them.