Sun Nov 17 12:54:58 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Thrashes New Zealand in One-Day International Series Opener
**Colombo, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka dominated New Zealand in the opening match of their three-game ODI series on Wednesday, securing a resounding 45-run victory in Dambulla. This marks Sri Lanka’s first ODI win over New Zealand since December 2015, ending a nine-year drought. It’s also their tenth win in 13 ODIs played at home in 2024.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup shone brightly, fueled by centuries from Avishka Fernando (100 runs off 115 balls) and Kusal Mendis (143 runs off 128 balls). Charith Asalanka also contributed a valuable 40 runs off 28 balls. Their combined efforts propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable 324/5 in 49.2 overs, despite a brief rain interruption. The Duckworth-Lewis method adjusted New Zealand’s target to 221 runs in 27 overs.
Despite a promising start from openers Will Young (48) and Tim Robinson (35), and a late-innings contribution by Mitchell Bracewell (34 not out), the New Zealand batting order crumbled under pressure. The rest of the team failed to make significant contributions, ultimately managing only 175/9 in their allotted overs. Dilshan Madushanka led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Mahesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka claimed two each. Kusal Mendis was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding century. The series continues with the second ODI on [date to be inserted].
First Piper 