Kusal Mendis 143 and Avishka Fernando 100 put Sri Lanka 1-0 up

Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 45 runs in the rain-affected first ODI in Dambulla, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 324 runs in 49.2 overs. In response, New Zealand, under revised conditions, was given a target of 221 runs in 27 overs. However, they were restricted to 175 runs, losing the match by 45 runs under the DLS method.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first at the Dambulla International Stadium. The early loss of Pathum Nissanka, who scored just 12 runs, brought Avishka Fernando and Kushal Mendis together. The duo put on an impressive 206-run partnership off 215 balls. Avishka Fernando completed his half-century but fell after scoring 51, caught off Ish Sodhi’s bowling.

Kushal Mendis continued his superb knock and brought up a century. He eventually departed for 143 runs off 128 balls, which included 17 boundaries and 2 sixes. In the lower order, Charith Asalanka played a quick cameo, scoring 40 runs off 28 balls, helping Sri Lanka cross the 300-run mark. Sri Lanka finished at 324/5 in 49.2 overs before rain interrupted play.

Once the rain subsided, the target for New Zealand was revised to 221 runs in 27 overs. New Zealand's chase started well with openers Tim Robinson and Will Young putting on 88 runs for the first wicket. However, the Kiwis lost wickets in quick succession and found themselves under pressure at 110/5.

Despite a valiant effort from Michael Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 34 off 32 balls, New Zealand could not recover. Will Young was the top scorer for the Kiwis with 48 runs, while Robinson contributed 35. Mitchell Santner added 10 runs, but no other batsman could reach double digits.

In the end, New Zealand finished their innings at 175/9, handing Sri Lanka a 45-run victory according to the DLS method.