Wed Sep 18 07:55:18 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Struggles Against New Zealand Bowling in First ODI
**Wellington, New Zealand -** Sri Lanka’s batting struggled against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack in the first One-Day International at Wellington, with several key wickets falling early.
Kamindu Mendis (22) and Dhananjaya de Silva (11) showed some early promise, but both fell victim to Tim Southee. Mendis was caught by Michael Bracewell, while de Silva edged to the keeper.
Dinesh Chandimal (30) and Angelo Mathews (13) were the only other Sri Lankan batsmen to reach double figures, but they were unable to build a significant partnership.
New Zealand’s bowling was particularly impressive, with Southee (1/26) and William O’Rourke (2/39) taking crucial wickets. Ajaz Patel (0/19) and Mitchell Santner (0/19) also bowled tight lines, restricting the Sri Lankan run rate.
Sri Lanka will need to improve their batting performance in the second ODI if they are to level the series.
First Piper 