Sri Lanka Dominates New Zealand with Centuries from Mendis and Fernando in Rain-Interrupted ODI

In a high-stakes ODI clash in Dambulla, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 45 runs via the DLS method, thanks to powerful centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. The rain-interrupted match saw Sri Lanka post a formidable 324/5, a total bolstered by a record-breaking 206-run partnership between the two centurions. Despite a promising start by New Zealand’s openers, a spin-induced collapse turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Match Summary
Sri Lanka 324/5 in 49.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 143, Avishka Fernando 100; Jacob Duffy 3-41)
New Zealand 175/9 in 27 overs (Will Young 48, Tim Robinson 35; Dilshan Madushanka 3-39, Maheesh Theekshana 2-32)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 45 runs (DLS method).

Match Recap

Sri Lanka’s innings, led by Mendis (143 off 128) and Fernando (100 off 115), set the stage for a challenging chase on a rain-affected day. Their 206-run stand was the highest second-wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against New Zealand, surpassing a record from the 2003 World Cup. Mendis, who hit 17 fours and two sixes, registered the highest ODI score at Dambulla, eclipsing Shikhar Dhawan’s previous record of 132. Fernando, ending a century drought since 2021, struck nine fours and two sixes before his dismissal.

Rain delays briefly interrupted Sri Lanka’s momentum, shortening New Zealand’s chase to 221 off 27 overs. New Zealand’s openers, Will Young and Tim Robinson, gave their side a flying start, reaching 88/0 before spin derailed the pursuit. Theekshana dismissed both openers in quick succession, stalling the chase as New Zealand lost five wickets for just 22 runs. From that point, Sri Lanka’s bowlers held firm, with Asalanka and Vandersay chipping in to contain the Black Caps’ middle order. A late push from Michael Bracewell was not enough, as Dilshan Madushanka wrapped up the New Zealand innings at 175/9.

With this victory, Sri Lanka takes an early lead in the three-match series, which now moves to Pallekele for the second and third ODIs.

Key Stats