1st ODI
Mendis and Fernando as well as the spinners has shined as Sri Lanka has claimed the rain-affected ODI opener
Sri Lanka scored 324/5 in 49.2 overs, where as New Zealand scored 175/9 in 27 overs.
So, finally Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45 runs (DLS method).
Maheesh Theekshana (2-32), Charith Asalanka (2-15), and Jeffrey Vandersay (1-40) led Sri Lanka’s spin attack to a dramatic come-from-behind victory, as they secured a 45-run win (DLS method) over New Zealand in the rain-affected second ODI in Dambulla.
This marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI victory over New Zealand since December 2015.
Chasing a revised target of 221 from 27 overs after a lengthy rain delay, New Zealand appeared to be in control, with openers Will Young (48 off 46) and Tim Robinson (35 off 36) building a solid foundation.
However, the introduction of spin triggered a dramatic collapse, as the visitors lost five wickets for just 22 runs in 29 balls.
From a comfortable 88/0, the chase stalled, and New Zealand could never recover.
While Young and Robinson were at the crease, it seemed like the Black Caps might take the lead in the series.
Young, in particular, looked in fine form, showing flashes of the brilliance he displayed in the historic Test series win in India.
Robinson, though less fluent, kept the momentum going until he was stumped off Theekshana, attempting to charge the spinner.
Young followed soon after, also falling to Theekshana, cleaned up in an attempt to accelerate.
Asalanka then struck twice in quick succession, removing Henry Nicholls and Mark Chapman, further denting New Zealand’s chase.
When Glenn Phillips was dismissed by Vandersay, the game was effectively sealed, even as Michael Bracewell (34* off 32) fought valiantly from one end.
The spin choke had completely drained New Zealand’s momentum, and Dilshan Madushanka (3-39) finished the job, cleaning up the tail.
Sri Lanka’s dominant win was set up by a masterful batting performance earlier in the day, led by centuries from Kusal Mendis (143) and Avishka Fernando (100).
The pair’s 206-run stand propelled the hosts to a formidable total on a good batting track.
Both centurions batted with elegance and authority, recovering from the early loss of Pathum Nissanka, who had looked promising in his brief stay.
While Mendis continued his outstanding form in 2024 across all formats, Fernando’s century marked a much-needed return to form, his first ODI ton since 2021.
Mendis was the aggressor for the majority of the partnership, particularly punishing the spinners, while Fernando took his time before also taking control against the slow bowlers.
New Zealand’s spinners had a forgettable day, conceding 211 runs off 33 overs at 6.39 runs per over, with just two wickets between them.
The visitors did manage to slow the run rate towards the end, but the damage was already done.
Sri Lanka’s innings was cut short at 49.2 overs due to a second, more significant rain break, which followed a 30-minute interruption earlier.
The revised target set New Zealand a daunting chase, and despite the shorter format, they couldn’t execute their plans effectively, allowing Sri Lanka to seal the win.
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