In a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand, Sri Lanka secured the three-match ODI series on Sunday thanks to a resolute 74 not out from Kusal Mendis.
Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by an exciting three wickets on Sunday to secure the three-match ODI series, led by a resolute 74 not out from Kusal Mendis. Despite suffering a groin injury, Mendis played the pivotal role to perfection, helping the hosts win their fifth ODI series this year as Sri Lanka reeled at 93-5. Additionally, it was the first time in 12 years that Sri Lanka had defeated the Black Caps in an ODI series. With six balls remaining, Sri Lanka reached the target of 210 runs thanks to the strong backing of Maheesh Theekshana, who smashed an undefeated 27 off 44 balls.Rain interruptions forced the day-night encounter to be shortened to 47 overs per side.
On Tuesday, Pallekele will host the third and final ODI as well.
“The injury is not too serious, but I struggled with shot making,” Mendis stated.
“My getaway shot is the sweep, but I couldn’t sweep tonight and it was tough.”
With a career-high four wickets for 36 runs in his ten overs, off-spinner Michael Bracewell was the most successful Kiwi bowler.
Mendis, who had just scored a century in the first ODI, spearheaded the chase with a cool 102-ball performance that included six boundaries.
Mendis and Theekshana’s uninterrupted 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket took Sri Lanka over a period when they were struggling at 163 for seven.Playing defense against a low score is never easy. Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner praised Kusal’s performance.
It would have been different if we had scored 240 runs and scored a few more. Although we have performed well with the ball, our batting is the issue.
Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both spinners, bowled out New Zealand for 209 in 45.1 overs earlier, sharing six wickets.
Mark Chapman shared 75 runs for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Hay, who was one run shy of his first one-day half-century, after Chapman struck a brilliant 76 off 81 balls.
The only thing that the Kiwis did well against the Sri Lankan spinners was their batting.”Defending a low score presents a constant battle. Mitchell Santner, the Kiwi captain, praised Kusal’s performance.
It would have been a different situation if we had scored 240 runs and added a few more runs to the score. We have performed admirably with the ball, but our batting is the issue.
In 45.1 overs, spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Theekshana bowled out New Zealand for 209 after sharing six wickets.
Mitchell Hay, who was one run short of his first one-day half-century, shared 75 runs for the fifth wicket with Mark Chapman, who struck a brilliant 76 off 81 balls.
The Kiwis found it difficult to get going against Sri Lankan spinners, and their batting was the one area of improvement.
