Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Sri Lanka Clinches Series with Mendis Steady Century and Dominant Spin Attack
Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 lead in the three match series, with the final game scheduled in Pallekele on Tuesday. The won the first one-day international by 45 runs, using the DLS method after rain interrupted the match in Dambulla.
In 2024, Sri Lanka secured its fifth ODI series win at home, having defeated Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, India and the West Indies. Despite not qualifying for next year’s Champions Trophy after finishing ninth in last year’s World Cup in India, they have only lost one ODI series in Bangladesh and won five at home since then.
After two rain breaks, the match was reduced to 47 overs per side. New Zealand was bowled out for 209 in 45.1 overs, setting Sri Lanka a target of 210. Michael Bracewell took 4 wickets for 36 runs, giving New Zealand hope when Sri Lanka was 163-7. However, Mahesh Theekshana and Mendis added 47 runs to guide Sri Lanka to victory.
Sri Lanka missed a few tough chances, but Avishka Fernando took three excellent catches after Asalanka won the toss and chose to field. Mark Chapman broke his poor form with 76 off 81 balls, but his dismissal in the 37th over led to New Zealand losing its last wicket six wickets for 36 runs. Mitchell Hay scored 49 off 62 balls and was the last to be out.
New Zealand had difficulty facing Sri Lanka’s spin attack, with Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay taking six wickets. Dunith Wellalage, the only change from the previous game and Asalanka each took one wicket in the match.
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