Sun Nov 17 22:36:31 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Clinches ODI Series Victory Over New Zealand
**Pallekele, Sri Lanka (November 18, 2024):** Sri Lanka secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand after a thrilling victory in the second match on Sunday. Kusal Mendis’ patient 74 not out steered Sri Lanka to a three-wicket win under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, with six balls to spare, despite a rain-interrupted match.
Chasing a revised target of 210, Sri Lanka stumbled to 163-7 before a crucial 47-run partnership between Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana (27 not out) secured the win. Mendis followed his career-best 143 in the first ODI with another determined innings. Michael Bracewell’s impressive 4-36 nearly snatched victory for New Zealand, but Sri Lanka’s resilience proved too strong.
Earlier, New Zealand, bowled out for 209 in 45.1 overs after two rain delays, had seen Mark Chapman top score with 76. Their innings suffered a late collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 36 runs. Sri Lanka’s spin attack, spearheaded by Theekshana (3-31) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3-46), proved highly effective, restricting New Zealand’s scoring.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, praised his team’s performance, highlighting the challenging batting conditions. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged Kusal Mendis’ match-winning innings and the impact of the final partnership, while also noting missed opportunities for his team. This victory marks Sri Lanka’s fifth home ODI series win in 2024, solidifying their strong form despite failing to qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy. The final ODI will be played on Tuesday.
First Piper 