Sri Lanka Triumphs in Historic ODI Series Win Over New Zealand After 12 Years

Sri Lanka claimed a thrilling three-wicket win in the second ODI against New Zealand at Pallekele, clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. Kusal Mendis’ resilient unbeaten 73 overshadowed Mark Chapman’s 76, marking Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win against New Zealand since 2012.

Chasing a modest 210 in a rain-affected 47-over match, Sri Lanka faced stiff resistance from New Zealand’s spin attack on a sluggish pitch. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the hosts relied on a series of partnerships to reach the target.

The decisive moment came with an unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 47 off 59 balls between Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana, who showed nerves of steel to secure victory.

Michael Bracewell shone for New Zealand, taking 4 for 36 in his 10 overs, while Mitchell Santner was economical with 1 for 33. However, Sri Lanka strategically targeted the rest of the bowling attack to scrape through.

A Brilliant Bowling and Fielding Display

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings ended at 209, largely thanks to Chapman’s gritty 76 off 81 balls and Mitchell Hay’s 49. The visitors struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners, with Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay each taking three wickets. Asitha Fernando added two scalps to the effort.

Sri Lanka’s fielding was a standout feature, with several spectacular catches. Avishka Fernando grabbed two brilliant low catches in the deep to dismiss Glenn Phillips and Chapman. Later, he pulled off another incredible catch on the run to send Bracewell back. Pathum Nissanka also contributed with a diving effort to remove Santner, as Sri Lanka’s ground fielding stifled the New Zealand batters, forcing them to face 157 dot balls.

Kusal Mendis Anchors the Chase

Mendis’ innings exemplified patience and determination. Coming in during the fifth over, he survived a few nervy moments, including a close lbw review. Choosing a conservative approach, Mendis delayed his first boundary until his 26th delivery. Despite struggling with cramps, he accumulated runs primarily through singles and doubles, with non-boundary runs making up 67% of his total.

Supported by brief but crucial partnerships, Mendis anchored the innings. His collaboration with Janith Liyanage helped stabilize Sri Lanka after they were 93 for 5 in the 22nd over. When Liyanage fell, Dunith Wellalage injected momentum with three consecutive boundaries off Nathan Smith. However, when Wellalage was dismissed with 47 runs still needed, the pressure intensified.

Theekshana, having faltered in a similar situation in a recent T20I, redeemed himself with a composed performance. His three boundaries, including a crucial six, proved decisive in the final stages, helping Sri Lanka cross the finish line.

New Zealand’s Middle-Order Resistance

New Zealand had earlier staged a recovery after slumping to 98 for 4 in the 24th over. Chapman and Hay rebuilt the innings with a 75-run partnership off 78 balls. Initially subdued by Sri Lanka’s spinners, they began to take risks, adding 62 runs between the 30th and 36th overs.

However, Asitha Fernando’s timely double-wicket strike removed Chapman and Bracewell, derailing New Zealand’s momentum. Hay, left to marshal the tail, fell one run short of his maiden ODI fifty, ending New Zealand’s innings.

Sri Lanka’s victory, built on disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and Mendis’ masterful knock, was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen.