Sri Lanka Secures First ODI Series Win Over New Zealand Since 2012
Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand by three wickets in an exciting second ODI at Pallekele thanks to Maheesh Theekshana’s all-around performance and Kusal Mendis’ undefeated 74.
In addition to giving Sri Lanka an insurmountable 2-0 lead to end the series, this victory was the team’s first ODI series victory over New Zealand since 2012.
Match Highlights
Sri Lanka: 210/7 (47 overs)
Mendis 74, Theekshana 27, Bracewell 4-36New Zealand: 209 all out (46.5 overs)
Chapman 76, Hay 49, Theekshana 3-31
On a slow surface, Sri Lanka had a tough test as they chased a modest goal of 210 in a 47-over contest marred by rain. The hosts had a tough time against New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack, but Mendis’ tenacious innings—which included an undefeated 47-run eighth-wicket partnership with Theekshana—led Sri Lanka to win.
After the first wicket fell, Mendis entered the game early and patiently knocked 74* from 104 balls, hitting just six boundaries. With singles and doubles accounting for 67% of his runs, his innings was a masterclass in strike rotation. Despite suffering from cramping during his innings, Mendis managed to lead his team home with poise and stamina.
With the ball, Michael Bracewell was New Zealand’s best player, taking 4 wickets for 36 runs in his allotted 10 overs. Bracewell maintained the pressure on Sri Lanka alongside Mitchell Santner, who was economical with figures of 1 for 33. To attain their goal in 46.2 overs, the hosts, however, deftly targeted the remaining bowling attack.
Due in major part to outstanding bowling and fielding performances by Sri Lanka earlier in the day, New Zealand was bowled out for 209. Mitchell Hay’s tough 49 and Mark Chapman’s tenacious 76 off 81 balls served as the innings’ mainstays. Despite their best efforts, Sri Lanka’s spinners controlled the game, with only two other New Zealand hitters reaching double figures.
Jeffrey Vandersay also took three wickets, and Maheesh Theekshana was outstanding with the ball, taking three wickets for thirty-one. New Zealand’s momentum was stopped by Asitha Fernando, who contributed two vital wickets, including a double-wicket burst that removed Bracewell and Chapman.
Throughout the game, Sri Lanka’s fielding was outstanding, with Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka making a number of spectacular catches. Crucial moments in the match came when Avishka made two diving grabs in the deep to reject Phillips and Chapman. Another highlight of the innings was Nissanka’s full-length run and dive to catch Santner.
New Zealand played out 157 dot balls as a result of the disciplined fielding effort, severely reducing their scoring prospects in a game that was already cut short by rain delays.
A number of little alliances served as the foundation for Sri Lanka’s pursuit. After Sri Lanka was struggling at 93 for 5, Kusal Mendis gained invaluable help from Janith Liyanage during a pivotal 39-run partnership that anchored the innings. Mendis kept his cool in the face of cramping, skillfully twisting the stroke and setting boundaries where necessary.
The momentum changed in Sri Lanka’s advantage when Dunith Wellalage made an appearance and hit three straight boundaries off Nathan Smith. Theekshana remained composed and hit a crucial six over deep backward point to bring Sri Lanka closer to the mark even after Wellalage perished with 47 runs remaining.
Rain interrupted New Zealand’s innings twice, reducing the match to 47 overs. The spin combination of Wellalage, Vandersay, and Theekshana of Sri Lanka held the New Zealand batsmen in check despite the disruptions, with Asitha Fernando making crucial breakthroughs in the latter stages.
With a partnership of 75 runs, Chapman and Hay momentarily raised New Zealand’s hopes, but they were unable to accelerate against disciplined bowling. Asitha’s double in the 36th over essentially put a stop to New Zealand’s run-down from 173 for 5 to 209 all out.
In addition to securing the series, Sri Lanka’s exciting three-wicket victory in Pallekele ended their 12-year wait for an ODI series victory over New Zealand and represented a major turning point for the team. Together with outstanding performances by Theekshana and Vandersay, Kusal Mendis’ tenacious innings demonstrated a full team effort on a difficult surface.
On November 20, Sri Lanka will play the last One-Day International (ODI) of the series, hoping to whitewash the Kiwis.
