New Zealand versus Sri Lanka ODI Series, 2024

1st ODI

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando’s tons has put the New Zealand team on the backfoot

Sri Lanka scored 324/5 in 49.2 overs vs New Zealand.

Fluent centuries from Kusal Mendis (143 off 128) and Avishka Fernando (100 off 115) powered Sri Lanka to a commanding total in the first ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla.

The pair put together a brilliant 206-run stand, adorned with elegant strokes all around the park, as they took apart New Zealand’s bowling attack.

While Fernando fell shortly after reaching his century, Mendis carried on to bat deep, with Charith Asalanka (40 off 28) adding a timely cameo in the latter stages to keep the pressure on.

The innings was interrupted by a rain delay after just the first over and was eventually cut short by another rain break with just four deliveries remaining.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka delivered a masterclass in batting between the two weather interruptions.

After opting to bat, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka (12 off 10) early to a soft dismissal despite hitting three stylish boundaries.

However, Fernando and Mendis were in ruthless form.

The pitch played into their hands, offering consistent pace and a quick outfield that rewarded aggressive strokeplay.

Sri Lanka raced to 57 in the first 10 overs, with both batters ensuring the momentum never waned, even during the middle overs.

New Zealand’s spinners, led by skipper Mitchell Santner, struggled to make an impact with little turn on offer.

Both Mendis and Fernando employed the sweep shot effectively and used their feet to disrupt the spinners.

New Zealand’s slow bowlers were put under pressure, conceding 211 runs off 33 overs at a rate of 6.39 runs per over.

Seamer Jacob Duffy was the standout, managing to restrict the scoring and picking up three wickets, most of which came towards the end when Sri Lanka was aiming for a late surge.

For Fernando, it was his first ODI century since 2021, while Mendis continued his exceptional 2024 form in white-ball cricket with a well-paced knock.

The mammoth 206-run stand helped Sri Lanka post just their second 300-plus total against New Zealand in ODIs.

Though the tourists pulled things back in the final five overs, setting a target of over 300 in Sri Lanka has historically been a formidable challenge, leaving New Zealand with a steep task ahead.