Sri Lanka Defeats New Zealand by 3 Wickets to Clinch Series

In a rain-affected second ODI, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 3 wickets, securing the series with one match still to play. This victory marked a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, as it was their first series win over New Zealand in 14 years. Despite New Zealand's total of 209 runs, Sri Lanka chased down the target with one over to spare, losing 7 wickets in the process.

The match took place at Pallekele Stadium on Sunday, where New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat. However, their innings got off to a poor start. Kiwis opener Tim Robinson was bowled out by Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage for just 4 runs, followed by Henry Nicholls, who was bowled for 8 runs. After 9 overs, heavy rain interrupted the play.

Once the rain stopped, New Zealand resumed their innings, but the rain returned shortly after, reducing the number of overs to 47. Mark Chapman and Mitchell Hey put together a solid 75-run partnership. Chapman was the top scorer for New Zealand, making 76 runs off 81 balls before being dismissed. The lower-order wickets fell quickly thereafter, with Mitchell Hey departing for 49 runs. In the end, New Zealand was bowled out for 209 runs in 45.1 overs.

Sri Lankan bowlers Mahesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay each took 3 wickets, while Asitha Fernando claimed 2 wickets. Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka picked up 1 wicket each.

In response, Sri Lanka started cautiously. After Avishka Fernando was dismissed for 5 runs, Pathum Nissanka was also sent back for 28 runs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals due to Bracewell's twin strikes, Kusal Mendis held the innings together.

Mendis formed key partnerships with Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, and Mahesh Theekshana, taking Sri Lanka closer to the target. Mendis played a match-winning knock of 74 runs off 102 balls, remaining unbeaten as Sri Lanka reached 210/7, winning with 6 balls to spare and 3 wickets in hand.

New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell was the standout bowler for his team, claiming 4 wickets in the match. Kusal Mendis was named the Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.