Sri Lanka Beats New Zealand with Big Scores and Strong Spin Attack

Sri Lanka won against New Zealand in the first ODI at Dambulla on November 13, 2024. Centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando set up a big score, and Sri Lanka’s spinners took control to seal a comfortable 46-run win (DLS method).

Mendis and Fernando were outstanding, putting up a massive partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket. Mendis scored his highest ODI score of 143 from 128 balls, while Fernando made 104. Thanks to their efforts, Sri Lanka reached a strong total of 324 for 5 before rain stopped play.

After the rain delay, New Zealand’s target was adjusted to 221 runs from 27 overs. Their openers, Will Young and Tim Robinson, gave them a good start with an 88-run partnership. But as the required run rate climbed, New Zealand struggled to keep up.

Sri Lanka’s spinners then took control, breaking New Zealand’s batting lineup quickly. Maheesh Theekshana took two key wickets in the 14th over, and Charith Asalanka added two more soon after. New Zealand’s middle order couldn’t recover, and they ended with 175 for 9, far behind the target.

Jacob Duffy was New Zealand’s top bowler, taking three wickets. Among New Zealand’s new players, Tim Robinson showed some promise as an opener.

With this win, Sri Lanka leads the series 1-0 and will look to keep up the momentum in the second ODI.