நியூசிலாந்தை வென்றது இலங்கை: அவிஷ்கா, குசால் மெண்டிஸ் சதம்

Sun Nov 17 11:14:42 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Beats New Zealand in Rain-Shortened ODI Thriller

**Dambulla, Sri Lanka – November 17, 2024:** Sri Lanka secured a thrilling 45-run victory over New Zealand in the first ODI of their three-match series on Sunday. The match, played in Dambulla, was significantly impacted by rain, leading to a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS) adjusted target for the Kiwis.

Sri Lanka, winning the toss and batting first, posted a strong total of 324/5 in 49.2 overs before rain interrupted play. Aviskha Fernando (100) and Kusal Mendis (143) anchored the innings with impressive centuries, while captain Charith Asalanka contributed a valuable 40.

After the rain delay, New Zealand were set a revised target of 221 runs in 27 overs under the DLS system. Will Young (48) and Tim Robinson (35) provided a decent start, but the middle order crumbled, with contributions from only Devon Conway (6), Mitchell Chapman (2) and Glenn Phillips (9). New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 175 in 27 overs, with only Bracewell (34*) remaining not out. Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking three wickets.

Kusal Mendis was named player of the match for his outstanding 143 runs. The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series.