Despite injury, Kusal Mendis scored a solid half-century to help Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by three wickets in their rain-shortened second one-day international in Pallekele on Sunday and win the series 2-0.
Sri Lanka were 93-5 chasing 210 on a shifting surface and battled for partnerships, but Kusal overcame a groin injury early in his innings to score an unbeaten 74 from 102 balls to win. The hosts were calmed by late cameos by Janith Liyanage (22), Dunith Wellalage (18), and Maheesh Theekshana (27 not out). Michael Bracewell (4-36) had rattled them.
Sri Lanka’s fifth bilateral series win of 2024 and first ODI series win over New Zealand since 2012.
Sri Lanka bowled first and took two early wickets, but opener Will Young (26) stabilized the match before two rain spells restricted it to 47 overs per side.
Mark Chapman (76) and Mitchell Hay (49) then helped New Zealand build a good foundation, but their 75-run stand collapsed as Sri Lanka bowled them out for 209 courtesy to superb catches.
The tourists were bamboozled by spinners Theekshana (3-31) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3-46) as the last six wickets went for 36 runs.
Avishka Fernando rushed forward in the deep to pull off a blinder after Asitha Fernando (2-37) dismissed Chapman, who hit seven fours and three sixes and seemed set for his third ODI century.
After Kusal and Avishka scored hundreds, Sri Lanka won the rain-soaked Dambulla series opener by 45 runs via DLS. Pallekele hosts the final game on Tuesday.
