Sun Nov 17 12:36:27 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Post Mammoth 324 Run Total Against New Zealand in Rain-Curtailed ODI
**Hambantota, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka has set a massive target of 324 runs for New Zealand in the first ODI of their three-match series at the Hambantota International Cricket Stadium. The impressive total was built on the back of stunning centuries from Avishka Fernando (100) and Kusal Mendis (143), their partnership of 206 runs being the highest ever for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in ODIs.
Fernando’s knock was his fourth ODI century, while Mendis’s innings marked his highest ODI score and a significant turnaround in his performance against New Zealand, where he previously averaged under 7 runs. The pair’s explosive batting dominated the innings, peppering the New Zealand bowling attack with boundaries and sixes.
The Sri Lankan innings was eventually cut short due to rain, with four balls remaining in the 49th over. Despite the interruption, Sri Lanka amassed 324/5 in their allotted 49.2 overs.
This is the first time in 23 years that two Sri Lankan batsmen have scored centuries against New Zealand in a single ODI. The last instance was in Sharjah in 2001 when Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara achieved the feat. New Zealand now face a challenging chase to win the opening match of the series.
First Piper 