After 12 years of waiting, Sri Lanka secured an ODI series win after an impressive victory in the 2nd match of the home tour against New Zealand.
After a 3-0 ODI series win in 2012, Sri Lanka’s success in 2024 marked the first time the team had wrapped up the series against BlackCaps.
With the series done and dusted with a game to spare, Sri Lanka has six successive ODI bilateral series win at home, the longest winning streak on their turf in 50-over cricket.
Sri Lanka take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand, powered by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 💪
📝 #SLvNZ: https://t.co/PLx4xLQucR pic.twitter.com/f0mGl3xtPG
— ICC (@ICC) November 17, 2024
In a rain spoiled game, reduced to 47 overs, Sri Lanka were reeling at 163/7 after Dunith Wellalage holed it to Ish Sodhi while chasing 210. However, Kusal Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana delivered at the crunch moment and stole the show from New Zealand to take the honours for the hosts.
Despite a groin injury, Kusal Mendis delivered a unbeaten 74 runs off 102 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a three wicket victory against New Zealand in the rain affected second ODI at Pallekele on sunday, securing a 2-0 lead in the series win.
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 210 runs faced challenges on a spinning track, reaching a precarious 93-5 before Kusal’s determined innings, supported by Valuable contribution from Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana steered them to victory despite Michael Bracewell’s impressive 4-36.
The triumph marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win against New Zealand since 2012 and their fifth bilateral series victory in 2024.
After choosing to field, Sri Lanka maintained early control until Will Young’s 26 runs provided staility. Mark Chapman and Mitchell Hay established a 75 run partnership, but their dismissals sparked a collapse, restricting New Zealand to 209 all out.
Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay turned out to be spoilsport, with the spine duo claiming a three wicket haul each. Kusal Mendis was named as the Player of the Match.
While speaking about his injury, “I think it is okay now. It was very hard to bat with the new ball. Pathum started really well and his 28 runs were very important,” said Mendis.
“I had to take some chances and Dunith and Maheesh batted really well to support me. The second half there was more spin and dew came in pretty late. I enjoyed playing in these conditions. It was a bit hard playing with my injury, I couldn’t run any doubles,” concluded Kusal Mendis.
The final match of the series will be played on November 19 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
