Mendis guides Sri Lanka to ODI series win

Kusal Mendis made a fighting unbeaten 74, while Maheesh Theekshana played a valuable supporting knock of 27, adding 47 runs in an 8-wicket stand, as Sri Lanka recorded a thrilling 3-wicket win with one over to spare (DLS method) against New Zealand in their second ODI played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday. This hard-fought victory secured Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series win with one game to spare. This series win marks Sri Lanka’s first victory against New Zealand in 12 years and their fifth consecutive ODI series win of the year, showcasing a superb team effort.

After New Zealand posted 209 in 45.1 overs in this rain-affected game, Sri Lanka’s chase was off to a rocky start, with the top order struggling at 93 for 5 after 21.1 overs. Off-spinner Michael Bracewell caused early damage by taking three wickets. However, number three batter Kusal Mendis played a remarkable innings, taking responsibility to keep the strike, despite battling a growing injury from the 18th over. His gutsy innings was the highlight of the day. Janith Liyanage (22 in 39 balls) and Dunith Wellalage (18 in 17 balls) also played crucial supporting roles. Kusal Mendis reached his 32nd ODI fifty in 84 balls, never giving up until the game was won. Mendis scored 74 off 102 balls, including 6 fours, while Theekshana hit 27 off 44 balls, with 2 fours and a six, sealing the win in great style.

Michael Bracewell, the off-spinner, had career-best figures of 4 for 36, but it was in vain as Kusal Mendis’ superb innings ensured the series win and earned him the Player of the Match award for the second game in a row.

Mark Chapman (76) and Mitchell Hay (49) added a vital 75-run stand for the fifth wicket as New Zealand scored 209 in their rain-hit 47-over innings, with two overs to spare. Play was interrupted by rain twice, resulting in a loss of over an hour, which led to the game being reduced to 47 overs per side.

New Zealand was invited to bat first, but their openers, Tim Robinson and Will Young, couldn’t make a strong start. Dunith Wellalage, who replaced Dilshan Madushanka, made an early breakthrough, dismissing Robinson for just 4 runs in the second over. Henry Nicholls, the number three batter, followed suit, departing for 8 runs off Maheesh Theekshana. The Kiwis were at 38 for 2 wickets after the first power play, with a rain interruption causing a 35-minute delay.

Mark Chapman and Will Young (26) produced an important 38-run third-wicket stand, but rain once again interrupted play when they were at 71 for 3 wickets at 4:20 PM. The game resumed at 5:15 PM, and the overs were reduced to 47.

Mark Chapman and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay fought hard in their innings. Chapman completed his first ODI fifty in 65 balls and continued to build the total, while Hay played a valuable supporting role. However, paceman Asitha Fernando returned strongly in his second spell, picking up two wickets in one over (the 37th), including the key wicket of Chapman, who was dismissed for 75 runs off 81 balls, striking 7 fours and 3 sixes. Avishka Fernando took an outstanding catch at deep mid-wicket to send Chapman back to the pavilion. Sri Lanka fought back, restricting the Kiwis to just 36 runs for their last six wickets, and they were all out for 209 with two overs to spare. Mitchell Hay fell as the last man, unfortunately just one run short of his maiden half-century. Avishka Fernando took superb three catches in the field and Pathum Nissanka got another excellent catch that helped restrict them to 209.

Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay took three wickets each while Asitha Fernando captured 2 for 37 to earn bowling honours. Sri Lanka made only change with Dunith Wellalage coming in for Dilshan Madushanka while New Zealand maintained the same unchanged side. The third and final game will be played tomorrow (19) at the same venue.

 Source:Daily News