Dambulla, Nov 14 (IANS) Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 45 runs via DLS method to win the first One-day International match of the series after Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis struck fine centuries at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium here on Wednesday.
After the start of the match was delayed by a downpour and one over taken off each innings, Avishka Fernando scored 100 off 115 balls while Kusal Mendis hammered 143 off 128 balls after Sri Lanka opted to bat first and helped them post a massive 324/5 in 49.2 overs when rain intervened again to cut short the innings.
Avishka struck nine boundaries and two sixes as he anchored the innings after the hosts lost fellow opener Pathum Nissanka (12) with 17 runs on the board. Avishka and Kusal added 206 runs for the second wicket as they set the platform for a big score.
Kusal Mendis was the first to reach his three-figure mark off 102 balls, hitting 12 boundaries in the process. Avishka followed suit soon, completing his century off 114 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes.
Avishka Fernando was out soon after reaching the three-figure score, caught by Will Young off Ish Sodhi. Sadeera Samarawickrama (5) fell in a quick session. Still, Kusal Mendis found a willing partner in skipper Charith Asalanka who blazed to a 28-ball 40 as they raised 53 runs for the fourth wicket before Sodhi caught Mendis off Bracewell.
Asalanka struck some big blows as Sri Lanka reached 324/5 when rain cut their innings was cut short by the weather. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the best bowler with 3-41 in 8.2 overs.
New Zealand were set a revised target of 221 in 27 overs and they made a speedy start in their pursuit of victory. Will Young (48) and Tim Robinson (35) raised 88 runs for the opening wicket in 13 overs before they fell in the space of one run as the visitors fell to 89/2 in the 14th over.
Henry Nicholls (6), Mark Chapman (2) and Glenn Phillips (9) departed soon, the first two sent back by Asalanka while Phillips was caught by Nissanka off Jeffrey Vandersay as the Black Caps slumped to 110/5 in the 18th over. The visitors kept losing wickets as they tried to keep up with the steep chase and eventually ended with 175/9 in 27 overs, falling short of the target by 45 runs. Michael Bracewell was unbeaten on 34 off 32 balls.
For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka claimed 3-39 while Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka claimed 2-32 and 2-15.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 324/5in 49.2 overs (Avishka Fernando 100, Kusal Mendis 143; Jacob Duffy 3-41) beat New Zealand 175/9 in27 overs (Will Young 48, Tim Robinson 35, Michael Bracewell 34 not out; Dilshan Madushanka 3-39, Maheesh Theekshana 2-32, Charith Asalanka 2-15) by 45 runs via DLS method.
–IANS
bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
