- Sri Lanka 210/7 (Mendis 74, Theekshana 27, Bracewell 4-36) beat New Zealand 209 (Chapman 76, Hay 49, Theekshana 3-31) by 3 wickets
Kusal Mendis’ gritty, unbeaten 74 and the spinners’ dominance sealed a narrow three-wicket victory for Sri Lanka over New Zealand in the second ODI in Pallekele. The win not only secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead but also marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI series triumph over New Zealand since 2012.
Chasing a modest target of 210 in a rain-reduced 47-over game, Sri Lanka faced stiff resistance on a spin-friendly surface. Michael Bracewell’s impressive 4 for 36 and Mitchell Santner’s tight 1 for 33 kept New Zealand in the hunt. However, a string of small but crucial partnerships, culminating in an unbeaten 47-run stand between Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana, guided Sri Lanka home with 15 balls to spare.
Kusal’s Grit Steals the Show
Mendis, who came in early after the loss of the first wicket, anchored the innings with remarkable composure despite battling cramps and possible injury. He scored just six boundaries in his 87-ball innings, relying heavily on singles and doubles to build his innings. This restrained approach, unusual for the typically aggressive batter, underlined his maturity and adaptability on a challenging surface.
Theekshana, better known for his bowling, played a pivotal supporting role, contributing a vital 27 off 31 balls, including a six over backward point that eased the tension in the latter stages.
New Zealand’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings revolved around Mark Chapman’s 76 off 81 balls and Mitchell Hay’s 49 off 62. The visitors struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners, particularly Theekshana (3 for 31) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3 for 51), who exploited the conditions masterfully. The seamers also played their part, with Asitha Fernando claiming two crucial wickets, including the dangerous Chapman and Bracewell, in a late surge.
Despite a promising 75-run stand between Chapman and Hay, New Zealand’s innings fell apart in the death overs, with the last six wickets tumbling for just 34 runs.
Spectacular Fielding
Sri Lanka’s exceptional fielding performance added to New Zealand’s woes. Avishka Fernando led the charge with three stunning catches, including two diving efforts in the deep to dismiss Chapman and Phillips. Pathum Nissanka also showcased brilliance with a full-length diving catch to send Santner back to the pavilion.
The ground fielding and tight infield work stifled New Zealand’s scoring, with 157 dot balls highlighting Sri Lanka’s dominance.
Turning Point
The match’s turning point came during Sri Lanka’s chase when Dunith Wellalage, after joining Mendis, struck three consecutive boundaries to break the shackles. While his dismissal reignited New Zealand’s hopes, Theekshana’s composed batting ensured there would be no repeat of Sri Lanka’s second T20I collapse.
What’s Next
With this victory, Sri Lanka has gained invaluable momentum and confidence heading into the final ODI. Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to regroup and salvage some pride as they continue preparing for upcoming tournaments.
This series win not only boosts Sri Lanka’s morale but also serves as a reminder of their growing strength in limited-overs cricket, especially on home soil.
