New Zealand versus Sri Lanka ODI Series, 2024

2nd ODI

Kusal Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana have played a pivotal roles in Sri Lanka’s series victory

New Zealand scored 209 in 45.1 overs, where as Sri Lanka scored 210/7 in 46 overs.

So, finally Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 3 wickets.

Mendis and Theekshana Guide Sri Lanka to Series Win Over New Zealand

Kusal Mendis’s composed 74* and Maheesh Theekshana’s all-round brilliance (3/31 & 27*) led Sri Lanka to a thrilling victory in Pallekele, sealing a 2-0 series win over New Zealand.

The third ODI, scheduled for Tuesday, will be an opportunity for Sri Lanka to complete a clean sweep.

Chasing 210 in the rain-shortened 47-over contest, Sri Lanka faced a difficult situation at 132/6.

However, a crucial partnership between Mendis and Dunith Wellalage brought them back into the game.

Despite Wellalage’s dismissal for 22, caught off Michael Bracewell, Sri Lanka remained on course.

Mendis and Theekshana then ensured a smooth finish, guiding Sri Lanka to their sixth consecutive ODI victory at home—marking their longest winning streak—and clinching their first series win over New Zealand in 12 years.

The turning point came in the 41st over when Theekshana pulled Jacob Duffy’s short delivery for six, followed by Mendis’s boundary off the same bowler, bringing the hosts closer to victory.

Earlier, New Zealand struggled after being put in to bat, losing two wickets during the powerplay.

Mark Chapman briefly steadied the ship alongside Will Young and Glenn Phillips, but Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Theekshana and Vandersay, kept up the pressure, taking regular wickets.

Despite a rain delay, the hosts did not let up, never allowing New Zealand to build significant momentum.

A fighting 75-run stand between Chapman and Mitch Hay gave New Zealand hope, as the pair handled the spin threat well.

Chapman even danced down the track to hit Wellalage for a six over deep mid-wicket.

However, Asitha Fernando’s return to the attack cut short Chapman’s knock on 76, and New Zealand’s resistance crumbled.

Hay continued to battle, but with no support from the other end, New Zealand lost their final six wickets for just 36 runs.

Mitchell Santner, who opened the bowling for New Zealand, struck early by dismissing Avishka Fernando.

Yet, Sri Lanka navigated through the early threats, and despite New Zealand’s comeback through Bracewell’s spell, the hosts remained in control.

Pathum Nissanka fell trying to accelerate the chase, and Kamindu Mendis was dismissed by a brilliant delivery that took the edge to the keeper.

Charith Asalanka fell to a spinner’s trap, and Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed by the extra bounce from Phillips.

With Sri Lanka slipping to 132/6, the game was finely poised, but Mendis held firm, ensuring New Zealand could not run through the tail as they had with the batting order earlier.