Sri Lanka takes series lead with dominant victory

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis showcased their exceptional batting skills, each scoring a century in a record-breaking partnership that propelled Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark.

The hosts then followed up with disciplined bowling to secure a commanding victory over New Zealand, taking the lead in the series.

Sri Lanka triumphed in the rain-affected first ODI in Dambulla on Wednesday (November 13), winning by 45 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. After posting 324/5 in 49.2 overs, Sri Lanka's innings was interrupted by rain, preventing them from completing their full quota of overs.

 The revised target for New Zealand was set at 221 runs in 27 overs. However, the visitors were bowled out for 175/9, handing Sri Lanka a commanding victory.

Kusal Mendis, the standout performer in Sri Lanka's victory, played a career-best knock of 143 runs. His 128-ball innings included 2 sixes and 17 fours, surpassing his previous highest score of 122. Mendis now holds the record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs, following Kumar Sangakkara's 169.

Avishka Fernando, marking his first ODI century in three years, was dismissed for exactly 100 runs. The opener struck 2 sixes and 9 fours in his 115-ball innings, registering his fourth ODI century.

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando shared a record-breaking 206-run partnership for the second wicket, the highest ever for Sri Lanka in an ODI against New Zealand. The previous record of 201 runs was held by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga.

The match was delayed by rain, and after just one ball, the rain returned, but the number of overs was not reduced. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, but lost Pathum Nissanka in the third over. Mendis and Avishka steadied the ship, guiding the team to a strong total.

Mendis started confidently, driving Jacob Duffy for two boundaries. Avishka, who had scored just 4 runs off his first 13 balls, came alive with a four and a six off debutant Nathan Smith. The pair steadily built the innings, with Mendis reaching fifty off 64 balls, followed by Avishka, who brought up his fifty in the next over off 60 balls. Mendis then accelerated the scoring, bringing up his 11th ODI century off 102 balls, while Avishka reached his century off 114 balls. The partnership was eventually broken by Ish Sodhi, shortly after Avishka's century, marking his first three-figure score since September 2021.

In the following over, Michael Bracewell removed Sadira Samarawickrama, but Mendis continued to dominate, forming a 53-run partnership off just 33 balls with Charith Asalanka. Mendis, the top run-scorer of the innings, was on the verge of his maiden 150 when he was dismissed, caught by Duffy at extra cover. Asalanka contributed with a quickfire 40 off 28 balls, including 2 sixes and 3 fours, before he was dismissed.
After a lengthy rain delay, New Zealand made a solid start in their chase, with openers Will Young and debutant Tim Robinson putting on 88 runs. However, Mahish Tikshana struck twice in the same over, dismissing both openers. Robinson was stumped for 35, including 4 fours, while Young, who had made 48 with 8 boundaries, was bowled.

Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, and Glenn Phillips all failed to reach double figures, leaving the Kiwis struggling to keep up with the required target. Michael Bracewell fought on, remaining unbeaten with 34 runs, including 5 fours, but it wasn't enough. The second ODI between the two sides will take place in Pallekele on Sunday.

Translated by Mazdud