Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka Secures Historic Series Victory in Pallekele

In an exhilarating contest at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by three wickets in the rain-affected second ODI, clinching the series 2-0. This marks Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over New Zealand in 12 years and continues their record-breaking streak of six consecutive home bilateral series victories.

Reduced to 47 overs per side due to intermittent rain, the match was a battle of grit and determination. New Zealand, batting first, posted a modest total of 209, thanks largely to a resilient knock by Chapman (76 off 83). Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (3/31) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3/46), delivered clinical performances, ensuring the target remained within reach.

Sri Lanka's chase, however, was anything but straightforward. The hosts faltered early, finding themselves at 93/5. But a remarkable unbeaten 74 from Kusal Mendis, supported by a gutsy 27* from Maheesh Theekshana, steered them to a historic victory with seven balls to spare.

New Zealand: 209 all out (45.1 overs; M Chapman 76, M Hay 49; M Theekshana 3-31, J Vandersay 3-46)
Sri Lanka: 210/7 (46 overs; K Mendis 74*, P Nissanka 28; M Bracewell 4-36)

Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets (match reduced to 47 overs due to rain).

New Zealand’s Struggles with the Bat

After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand faced an early setback when Tim Robinson was bowled for a duck by Dunith Wellalage. Contributions from Chapman and Phillips (15) kept the scoreboard moving, but the Lankan spinners stifled any momentum. Vandersay’s double strike in the 41st over crippled New Zealand, and they failed to recover, folding for 209 in 45.1 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Wobbly Start

The chase began cautiously but quickly descended into chaos as Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul tore through the top order. Pathum Nissanka (28) and captain Charith Asalanka (13) provided brief resistance, but their dismissals left Sri Lanka reeling.

Kusal Mendis’ Heroics

Amid the pressure, Mendis exhibited exceptional poise. Crafting partnerships with Liyanage, Wellalage, and finally Theekshana, he ensured the target remained within reach. The 47-run eighth-wicket stand between Mendis and Theekshana, the highest for Sri Lanka against New Zealand at home for the 8th wicket or lower, was the turning point.

Longest Home Streak: This victory extends Sri Lanka’s record to six consecutive bilateral ODI series wins at home, surpassing their streak from 1997 to 2003.

Consistent Dominance: Sri Lanka has now gone undefeated in 10 consecutive bilateral ODI series at home since losing to India in July 2021.

Memorable Calendar Year: 2024 becomes only the second year after 2014 where Sri Lanka has won five bilateral ODI series.

Historic Partnership: The 47-run stand between Mendis and Theekshana is Sri Lanka’s highest for the 8th wicket or lower against New Zealand at home.

Sri Lanka will look to complete a clean sweep in the third ODI, further solidifying their dominance at home. New Zealand, on the other hand, will aim to salvage pride and address their batting woes.

This historic series win sets the stage for Sri Lanka’s continued resurgence in international cricket.