Kusal Mendis overcame damage to attain a half-century that helped Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by three wickets of their rain-shortened second one-day worldwide at Pallekele on Sunday and clinch the three-match collection 2-0.
Chasing 210 to win, Sri Lanka struggled for partnerships on a turning pitch and was in bother at 93-5, however Kusal managed a groin subject sustained early in his innings to make an unbeaten 74 off 102 balls that took his aspect residence.
Late cameos by Janith Liyanage (22), Dunith Wellalage (18) and Maheesh Theekshana (27 not out) additionally eased the nerves of the host, which was rocked by the spin of Michael Bracewell (4-36).
It was Sri Lanka’s first ODI collection victory over New Zealand since 2012 and their fifth bilateral collection win of 2024.
Earlier, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first and was in management with two early wickets, however opener Will Younger (26) steadied the ship earlier than the match was lowered to 47 overs per aspect as a consequence of two spells of rain.
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Mark Chapman (76) and Mitchell Hay (49) then helped New Zealand lay a stable platform, however the finish of their 75-run stand triggered a collapse, and the vacationers have been bowled out for a modest 209 because of some sharp catching by Sri Lanka.
Spinners Theekshana (3-31) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3-46) tightened issues up and bamboozled the vacationers because the final six wickets fell for less than 36 runs.
Asitha Fernando (2-37) took the necessary wicket of Chapman, who smashed seven fours and three sixes and seemed heading in the right direction for his third ODI century till Avishka Fernando lunged ahead within the deep to drag off a blinder.
Sri Lanka gained the rain-hit collection opener in Dambulla by 45 runs by way of the DLS methodology after Kusal and Avishka made centuries. The ultimate recreation takes place in Pallekele on Tuesday.