Kusal Mendis (143 off 128) and Avishka Fernando (100 off 115) delivered sensational centuries, propelling Sri Lanka to a formidable total in the first ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla. Their electrifying 206-run partnership showcased a blend of finesse and aggression, dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack. Fernando departed shortly after reaching his milestone, but Mendis continued the assault with skipper Charith Asalanka’s quickfire 40 off 28 providing the perfect finishing touch.
A Rain-Interrupted Masterclass
The match began with a rain delay after just one over and concluded under similar circumstances, with rain halting play four balls before the innings was completed. However, between these interruptions, Sri Lanka displayed a masterclass in batting.
Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early (12 off 10), who fell to a soft dismissal despite striking three elegant boundaries. But Fernando and Mendis took charge, capitalising on a pitch conducive to stroke-making and a fast outfield. They propelled the hosts to 57 in the first 10 overs and maintained the momentum through the middle phase. New Zealand’s spinners, led by skipper Mitchell Santner, struggled to make an impact as the pitch offered little turn.
Spin Dominated but Ineffective
New Zealand relied heavily on spin, with 33 overs bowled by their slower bowlers, who conceded 211 runs at an economy of 6.39. The Sri Lankan duo skilfully utilised the sweep shot and advanced down the pitch to unsettle the spinners. Among the visitors’ bowlers, only pacer Jacob Duffy stood out, claiming three wickets while curbing the run flow during the death overs as Sri Lanka pressed for a big finish.
Milestones and a Historic Total
For Fernando, this was his first century since 2021, while Mendis extended his stellar form in white-ball cricket in 2024 with another composed hundred. Their double-century partnership helped Sri Lanka reach only their second 300-plus total against New Zealand in ODIs. Although the tourists managed to rein in the scoring during the final overs, a target of over 300 on Sri Lankan soil remains a daunting challenge historically.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 324/5 in 49.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 143, Avishka Fernando 100; Jacob Duffy 3-41) vs New Zealand.