Sri Lanka clinched their first ODI series win over New Zealand since 2012, with a hard-fought three-wicket victory in the second ODI at Pallekele on November 17, 2024.
Kusal Mendis played a match-winning knock of 74* to guide Sri Lanka to a narrow three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The win also marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI series victory against the Kiwis in over a decade, since their triumph in 2012.
Chasing a modest target of 210 in a rain-affected 47-over game, Sri Lanka faced a tricky run-chase on a sluggish surface, with New Zealand’s spinners, led by Michael Bracewell, testing the hosts’ resolve throughout the innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka held their nerve, with Mendis anchoring the chase and playing a gritty, measured knock to steer them to victory.
Mendis’ Gritty Half-Century and Theekshana’s Vital Contributions
Mendis came to the crease early after the fall of the first wicket in the fifth over, and although he struggled early on, including a nervy escape from an LBW appeal and a mis-hit slog sweep, he settled into a more conservative approach. His innings was characterized by patient accumulation, with just six boundaries in his 102-ball knock, including an important stand of 47 runs with Maheesh Theekshana (27*), who provided crucial support at the end.
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Mendis reached his half-century off 84 balls, and despite being visibly affected by cramps throughout the innings, he managed to score a high proportion of his runs through singles (46) and doubles (2). His partnership with Theekshana, including an important six over deep backward point, proved pivotal in the final stretch as they took Sri Lanka home with three wickets to spare.
Bracewell and the Spin Challenge
While New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Michael Bracewell (4-36), caused Sri Lanka plenty of problems, it was their spin attack, spearheaded by Bracewell and Mitchell Santner (1-33), that kept the match in the balance. The two spinners bowled 20 overs between them, constantly threatening, but Sri Lanka adapted well by targeting the other bowlers.
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Bracewell’s four-wicket haul was a standout, but Sri Lanka’s ability to build partnerships and dig in under pressure proved crucial. The innings was also marked by some spirited lower-order batting, with Dunith Wellalage (13) playing a key cameo that included three consecutive boundaries off Nathan Smith, before miscuing one to mid-on.
