Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (1st ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling first ODI of New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, held on November 13, 2024, in Dambulla as part of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka. This day-night encounter saw Sri Lanka produce a strong batting performance, setting a challenging target for the visitors. Rain interruptions shortened New Zealand’s chase, bringing the DLS method into play, which set them a revised target. Despite some resistance from the New Zealand side, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated, leading to a comfortable 45-run victory for the hosts. This win gives Sri Lanka an important lead in the series and highlights the team’s form in home conditions.
Sri Lanka put up an impressive total of 324/5 in their innings, powered by standout performances from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. The innings began with Pathum Nissanka’s quick 12 runs off 10 balls, which included three boundaries, but he fell early to Jacob Duffy, leaving Sri Lanka at 17/1.
Avishka Fernando masterfully held down the fort, smashing a sparkling 100 off 115 balls, peppered with nine boundaries and a pair of towering sixes. His steady scoring laid the foundation for the middle order, while Kusal Mendis played a dominant role, amassing 143 runs off just 128 balls.
Mendis showcased an aggressive yet controlled knock, hitting 17 boundaries and two sixes, which boosted the run rate and added momentum to Sri Lanka’s innings. Mendis and Fernando shared a 206-run partnership that took Sri Lanka to 223 before Fernando fell to Ish Sodhi.
Following Mendis’ dismissal at 291, Charith Asalanka kept up the tempo with a quick-fire 40 from 28 balls, striking three fours and two sixes before Duffy dismissed him in the final over. Janith Liyanage added 12 not out, helping Sri Lanka reach a competitive total of 324 in 49.2 overs.
NZ’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters, with Jacob Duffy being the most successful, taking 3/41 in 8.2 overs. Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi chipped in with a wicket each, but they were expensive, conceding runs at over six runs per over. Overall, Sri Lanka’s calculated aggression and strong partnerships put New Zealand under pressure, setting them a daunting target on a challenging pitch.
Chasing a revised target of 221 in 27 overs due to rain, New Zealand struggled against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and fell short, scoring 175/9. Opener Will Young provided a solid start, scoring 48 off 46 balls with eight boundaries, while Tim Robinson supported with a steady 35 off 36 balls. Their partnership took New Zealand to 88, but once Robinson was stumped off Maheesh Theekshana, the innings began to unravel.
After Young’s dismissal shortly after, wickets fell at regular intervals. Henry Nicholls and Mark Chapman were dismissed cheaply by Charith Asalanka, leaving New Zealand in a tough spot. Middle-order batsmen Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Hay couldn’t build significant momentum, while Michael Bracewell showed some resistance with a quick 34 off 32 balls.
Dilshan Madushanka led Sri Lanka’s bowling with 3/39, including two late wickets in consecutive deliveries, which further dampened New Zealand’s chase. Theekshana also contributed with 2/32, maintaining pressure with his tight lines. Charith Asalanka took 2/15 in his 3 overs, dismissing key batsmen and ensuring New Zealand never found a rhythm.
New Zealand’s innings ended at 175/9, giving SL a 45-run win under the DLS method. The disciplined bowling effort, combined with a strong batting performance, gave Sri Lanka a commanding lead in the series.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Scoreboard
Sri Lanka – 324/5(49.2/49.2)
New Zealand – 175/9(27/27)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 45 runs (DLS method)
Player of the Match – Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand
Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay(WK), Mitchell Santner(C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.
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