In the rain-affected opening of the ODI series, Sri Lanka won a 45-point victory over New Zealand Using the DLS method at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday 13 November. Where in MandyAvishka Fernando and the Sri Lankan spinners were instrumental in securing the victory.
Sri Lanka’s batting dominance sets the stage
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka set a mammoth target of 325 with impressive contributions from their top order. Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Kusal Mendis’ 143 off 128 balls with 17 fours and 2 sixes, which formed the backbone of the innings. Avishka Fernando completed it well, reaching a century off 115 balls with 100 runs, 9 fours and 2 sixes. Together, Mendis and Fernando built a significant partnership that took Sri Lanka to a strong finish. Charith Asalanka struck a quickfire 40 off 28 balls towards the end to reach a total of 324/5 in 49.2 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers put up a tough fight against the Sri Lankan attack. Jacob Duffy scored 3 for 41 runs in 8.2 overs, while Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi claimed a wicket each. However, their efforts could not contain the hosts as the other bowlers were expensive, with Nathan Smith conceding 66 runs in 8 overs.
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New Zealand falter in the chase
In reply, New Zealand’s chase was halted by some impressive bowling from Sri Lanka. Will Young (48 off 46) and Tim Robinson (35 off 36) provided initial resistance, but New Zealand’s middle order collapsed as Sri Lanka kept the pressure on. Bracewell contributed 34 off 32 balls but his efforts failed to prevent a collapse. Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with 4 for 39 runs, while spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka chipped in with 2 each to dampen New Zealand’s hopes.
Finally, New Zealand could only manage 175/9 in 27 overs, chasing a revised target of 221.. Kusal Mendis’ remarkable knock earned him the Man of the Match award.
With this victory, Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series. The two teams will meet again for the second ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (November 17), with New Zealand looking to bounce back.
