Sri Lanka has taken an early lead in the ODI series against New Zealand, securing a comprehensive 45-run victory in a rain-affected match at Dambulla.
Riding on remarkable centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando, Sri Lanka set an imposing target that proved too much for the Kiwis.
This victory not only highlights Sri Lanka’s growing confidence in limited-overs cricket but also showcases the firepower of their batting lineup, led by Mendis and Fernando.
The game’s narrative was largely shaped by a commanding 206-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando, marking the highest second-wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in ODIs.
Their incredible stand surpassed a 21-year-old record previously held by Sri Lankan legends Sanath Jayasuriya and Hashan Tillakaratne.
The duo’s calculated aggression, coupled with a balanced approach to the Kiwi bowlers, kept Sri Lanka’s score ticking steadily at an impressive 6.5 runs per over.
Kusal Mendis played the innings of his career, scoring a personal best of 143 off 128 balls. His remarkable knock included 17 fours and two sixes, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan’s 132 as the highest individual score in ODIs at Dambulla.
Avishka Fernando, on the other hand, registered his first century since 2021, ending his dry spell in a solid 100-run innings that featured nine fours and two sixes. Fernando’s return to form is a significant boost for Sri Lanka, as the right-hander is widely regarded as a promising talent.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka commended his batsmen, saying, “Avishka and Kusal batted really well, and the best thing was that both of them scored hundreds.” Asalanka himself contributed a swift 40 off 28 balls to cap off a stellar batting display, helping Sri Lanka reach 324-5 in just under 50 overs.
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New Zealand’s Struggles with the Ball and the Collapse of Their Chase
New Zealand’s bowlers faced a tough day, struggling to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting approach. Despite an early breakthrough that saw Pathum Nissanka dismissed for 12, the Kiwi spinners and pacers could not capitalize on it, as Mendis and Fernando seized control.
Jacob Duffy managed to break the Mendis-Fernando stand by dismissing Kusal with a catch at extra cover, but by then, Sri Lanka’s score had already swelled significantly.
When rain interrupted the game, Sri Lanka had already set a daunting total, leaving New Zealand with a revised target of 221 from 27 overs under the DLS method. New Zealand’s chase began promisingly, with openers Will Young and Tim Robinson putting together an 88-run stand in just 79 balls.
However, once Maheesh Theekshana broke through, dismissing Robinson with a sharp stumping by Kusal Mendis and bowling out Young four balls later, New Zealand’s innings collapsed rapidly.
In just over five overs, New Zealand lost five wickets for 22 runs, marking a drastic momentum shift that they could not recover from. Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge, saying, “When you lose two set guys, it can be difficult on these wickets. We tried to keep firing shots, but if you lose wickets in clumps, it’s a challenge.”
Mendis and Fernando’s Record-Breaking Partnership
The standout feature of the match was undoubtedly the partnership between Mendis and Fernando. Their 206-run partnership is now the highest second-wicket stand for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in ODIs.
In a display of clinical and calculated batting, the two built a platform that proved insurmountable for New Zealand. The partnership also set a new record for the highest stand in an ODI at Dambulla, a milestone that underscores the duo’s impressive synergy and consistency at the crease.
For Fernando, this century holds special significance, marking his return to form after a string of low scores. The right-hander’s 115-ball knock, with nine fours and two sixes, was crucial in setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings.
Dual centuries as Sri Lanka powered to victory over New Zealand in Dambulla #SLvNZ scorecard https://t.co/v48nSA4gsU pic.twitter.com/hQy1ibzogE
— ICC (@ICC) November 14, 2024
This marked his fourth ODI century, a confidence-boosting performance as he eyes a resurgence in international cricket.
Kusal Mendis, meanwhile, continued his fine run of form, scoring his fourth ODI century as well and his first of the year. His 143-run innings was both powerful and precise, helping him surpass Dhawan’s previous record at Dambulla.
Mendis has become a key figure in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs setup, and this performance only cements his role as a dependable top-order batsman.
New Zealand’s Batting Collapse
New Zealand’s chase, initially promising, quickly fell apart after Theekshana’s double blow. The loss of Young and Robinson triggered a collapse, with the remaining batsmen unable to rebuild momentum. Sri Lanka’s bowlers capitalized on New Zealand’s desperation, keeping up the pressure and taking wickets at crucial moments.
Despite the early partnership, New Zealand’s batsmen failed to show the depth and resolve required to chase a target of that magnitude. As a result, they finished on 175-9, far short of the revised target, giving Sri Lanka a comfortable 45-run victory.
