Wed Nov 13 11:07:14 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka on Top as Mendis and Fernando Flourish
**Wellington, New Zealand:** Sri Lanka put on a dominant display in the first ODI against New Zealand, riding a brilliant partnership between Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando to reach 100 runs by the 21st over.
Mendis, who celebrated his 32nd ODI half-century, anchored the innings with a calculated knock, while Fernando unleashed a flurry of boundaries to keep the scoring rate high.
The duo put on a century stand, taking the pressure off the Sri Lankan batting line-up after early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka. While Mendis played with controlled aggression, Fernando went on the attack, smashing a six over the bowler’s head and a couple of beautiful boundaries to reach his half-century.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to build pressure in the middle overs, allowing the Sri Lankan batters to dictate the terms. The Kiwi bowlers, however, will hope their spinners can make an impact in the remaining overs and restrict the scoring rate.
The partnership between Mendis and Fernando provided a strong foundation for Sri Lanka, leaving the Kiwis with a mountain to climb in the remaining overs. The first ODI has turned into a thrilling contest with Sri Lanka in a commanding position.
First Piper 