In a dramatic three-wicket victory against New Zealand, Sri Lanka secured the three-match ODI series on Sunday thanks to a resolute 74 not out from Kusal Mendis. Despite suffering from a groin ailment, Mendis performed the pivotal role flawlessly as Sri Lanka faltered at 93-5, giving the hosts their sixth ODI series victory of the year. Additionally, it was Sri Lanka’s first victory over the Black Caps in an ODI series in twelve years. Maheesh Theekshana, who produced an undefeated 27 off 44 balls, provided Mendis with good assistance as Sri Lanka completed the goal of 210 runs with six balls remaining.
Pallekele will also host the third and final ODI on Tuesday.
“The injury is not too serious, but I struggled with shot making,” Mendis remarked.
“My getaway shot is the sweep, but I couldn’t sweep tonight and it was tough.”
The most successful Kiwi bowler was off-spinner Michael Bracewell, who took a career-high four wickets for 36 runs in his ten overs.
Following a century in the opening ODI, Mendis spearheaded the chase with a cool 102-ball innings that included six boundaries.
At one point, Sri Lanka was struggling at 163 for seven, but they recovered thanks to an uninterrupted 47-run stand between Mendis and Theekshana for the eighth wicket.
Kiwi batting woes
“Defending a low score presents a constant battle. Mitchell Santner, the Kiwi captain, praised Kusal’s performance.
It would have been a different situation if we had scored 240 runs and added a few more runs to the score. We have performed admirably with the ball, but our batting remains the issue.
In 45.1 overs, spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Theekshana bowled out New Zealand for 209 after sharing six wickets.
The Kiwis found it difficult to get going against Sri Lankan spinners, and their batting was the one area of improvement.
However, in his courageous innings, Chapman opened up to hit three sixes and seven boundaries.
When Avishka Fernando made a magnificent diving catch only inches from the ground, his valiant attempt came to an end.
Although not perfect, Sri Lanka’s fielding did have some outstanding moments.
Avishka Fernando distinguished out with three incredible receptions despite field errors and missed catches.
Pathum Nissanka was another standout, sprinting in from long-on to make an incredible catch that sent Santner (six) back after the left-hander missed Vandersay’s googly.
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