Sri Lanka secured a 1-0 lead in their ODI series against New Zealand with a convincing 45-run victory in a rain-affected encounter, thanks to stellar centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. Their outstanding partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s imposing total of 324 for 5 in 49.2 overs, setting a target that proved beyond the reach of the visitors.
Kusal and Avishka’s Record-Breaking Stand
Mendis, who played a brilliant knock of 143 off 128 balls, was the standout performer of the match, recording his highest-ever ODI score. Fernando, his partner in crime, also played an exceptional innings, scoring 100 off 94 balls. The two shared a remarkable partnership, which not only became the highest second-wicket stand ever in ODIs between these two sides, but also put Sri Lanka in a dominant position.
Both batters were in complete control, playing with confidence from the outset. Mendis’ shot selection was impressive, as he found boundaries square of the wicket and was particularly strong against the spinners, hitting them down the ground. Fernando complemented his partner with elegant drives through the off-side and controlled the flow of runs, particularly in the middle overs.
Their 206-run partnership was a calculated and steady effort, but also had moments of brilliance. Mendis was dropped on 11 by Duffy, who failed to hold onto a sharp return catch, but that was the only hiccup in an otherwise smooth partnership. Fernando was dropped again at 77 by Ish Sodhi, though the chance was difficult.
The two reached their fifties relatively quickly, with Mendis completing his half-century off 64 balls and Fernando getting there off 60. After those milestones, the pair increased the tempo slightly but maintained their controlled approach, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking.
Mendis reached his century in the 37th over, off 102 balls, while Fernando completed his ton in the 38th over, also his fourth ODI century. However, shortly after, Fernando was dismissed, caught at mid-off, with Sri Lanka at a commanding 223 for 2 in the 39th over.
Sri Lanka’s Late Push and Rain Delay
Despite the loss of Fernando, Sri Lanka’s momentum remained intact. Mendis continued to dominate the bowling attack, while Charith Asalanka provided useful support with a quick-fire 40. Asalanka’s knock included some stylish shots, particularly square of the wicket. However, the return of rain caused another break in play, and Sri Lanka’s innings was halted after 49.2 overs, with the total at 324 for 5.
The rain, though, worked in Sri Lanka’s favor, as it reduced the target for New Zealand to chase. Despite the break in play, New Zealand’s chase was always going to be a challenge, especially after the rain shortened the overs. The revised target of 221 in 27 overs left the visitors needing a big start to keep up with the required run rate.
New Zealand’s Fightback Falls Short
New Zealand’s openers, Will Young (48 off 46 balls) and Tim Robinson (35 off 36 balls), gave the chase a solid start, accumulating 88 runs in 80 balls, but the required rate was climbing with each passing over. However, after their departure, the collapse came quickly.
The breakthrough came from Maheesh Theekshana, who removed Robinson with a stumping, and then bowled Young with a well-flighted delivery. This sparked a rapid collapse, with New Zealand losing wickets in clusters. Henry Nicholls was bowled by Asalanka off the inside edge, and Theekshana took a stunning catch at short midwicket to dismiss Mark Chapman off Asalanka’s bowling.
By the time Glenn Phillips was dismissed after slicing a Jeffrey Vandersay legbreak to point, New Zealand had lost five wickets for just 22 runs, effectively ending their hopes of chasing down the target. Despite a brief resistance from Michael Bracewell (34*), who batted with composure in the lower order, New Zealand could only reach 175 for 9 in 27 overs, falling 45 runs short.
Sri Lanka’s Spinners Shine
The major turning point in New Zealand’s chase was the performance of Sri Lanka’s spinners. Theekshana and Asalanka were exceptional, taking crucial wickets at vital moments, while Vandersay’s legspin also kept the pressure on. The visitors were unable to recover from the mid-innings collapse, and Sri Lanka’s spinners maintained control, helping their side seal a dominant win.
Standout Performances
Among New Zealand’s players, Jacob Duffy emerged with the best figures, taking 3 for 41 in his 8.2 overs. His disciplined performance with the ball was one of the few positives for New Zealand in an otherwise challenging game. Of the three debutants (Nathan Smith, Mitchell Hay, and Tim Robinson), Robinson showed promise with the bat, but the team’s lack of depth in the middle and lower order was exposed during the chase.
Sri Lanka’s performance was a comprehensive one, showing both their batting depth and the quality of their spin attack. With the second ODI scheduled for Sunday, New Zealand will need to regroup and find a way to counter Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack and their top-order strength. For Sri Lanka, the win provides a solid platform to push for a series victory as they look to build on this commanding performance.
