In a rain-interrupted first One-Day International (ODI) at Dambulla, Sri Lanka secured a convincing 45-run victory over New Zealand, thanks to centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando.
Mendis, 29, struck a career-best 143, while Fernando hit 100 as Sri Lanka posted a commanding 324-5 in 49.2 overs before rain halted play. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 221 off 27 overs, were restricted to 175-9 in the day-night game.
The Kiwis started off confidently with an 88-run stand between openers Will Young and Tim Robinson. However, Maheesh Theekshana triggered a collapse, dismissing both openers in quick succession. From there on, the visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate, losing wickets in clumps.
Earlier, Mendis and Fernando stitched together a 206-run stand for the second wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket at Dambulla in ODIs. Mendis’ 128-ball knock was studded with 17 fours and two sixes, while Fernando’s 115-ball innings included nine fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka’s batters seized control after captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early, but Mendis and Fernando made the most of the conditions. The New Zealand spinners struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, who kept the scoreboard ticking at over 6.5 runs per over.
Rain halted play just one ball into Sri Lanka’s innings, causing a 39-minute delay. Downpours returned with four balls left in the Sri Lankan innings.
The ODI action will next move to Pallekele where the remaining two games of the series will be played on Sunday and Tuesday.
