Sri Lanka Clinch Fifth Bilateral Series Victory of 2024 with Thrilling 3-Wicket Win over New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka won their 5th bilateral series of the year, defeating New Zealand by 3 wickets in the 2nd ODI. / Getty

Sri Lanka triumphed over New Zealand by 3 wickets in a rain-affected 2nd ODI, securing their fifth bilateral series victory of the year. Kusal Mendis, who played a pivotal role in the chase, received a standing ovation from the crowd as he guided Sri Lanka to a memorable win in front of a home audience.

New Zealand, opting to bat first, faced early setbacks as showers interrupted their innings on multiple occasions. The visitors lost both Tim Robinson (4) and Henry Nicholls (8) cheaply, putting them on the back foot. Will Young (26 off 40 balls) attempted to steady the ship but was dismissed, leaving the Blackcaps at 50 for 3.

Mark Chapman, New Zealand's top scorer with 76 runs off 81 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes), and Glenn Phillips (15) forged a 39-run partnership to keep the innings afloat. However, Phillips' dismissal off Charith Asalanka’s bowling sparked another collapse. Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay (49) and Chapman built a crucial 75-run partnership, giving New Zealand some momentum. Hay, however, fell short of his half-century by just one run, but his 62-ball knock, decorated with 4 boundaries, was instrumental in New Zealand posting a competitive total.

Despite some lower-order resistance, New Zealand was bowled out for 209, with Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay claiming three wickets each. Theekshana was particularly economical, while Asitha Fernando added two wickets to his tally. Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage also took a wicket each, keeping the Kiwis in check.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 210 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka's innings got off to a rocky start. They lost Avishka Fernando early and Pathum Nissanka (28 off 33 balls) fell to a mistimed shot. Kamindu Mendis was promoted up the order but failed, departing for a duck. The pressure mounted as Sri Lanka's skipper Charith Asalanka (13) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (8) also fell cheaply.

At 68 for 5, the match seemed to be slipping away from Sri Lanka, but Kusal Mendis kept his composure. He saw off Mitchell Santner’s dangerous opening spell and found support from Janith Liyanage. Together, they added 39 runs, with Liyanage departing for 22.

As Sri Lanka reached 163 for 7, Mendis was joined by Maheesh Theekshana. The duo, with some quick boundaries, steadied the chase. They put on a crucial 47-run partnership, with Mendis finishing unbeaten on 74 from 102 balls, including 9 boundaries, guiding Sri Lanka to a hard-fought victory.

Mendis' knock helped seal the series for Sri Lanka, who now lead the 3-match ODI series 2-0. Michael Bracewell was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for 36 runs, marking his best-ever List A figures. Despite his effort, and support from Santner, Phillips, and Nathan Smith, New Zealand's total proved insufficient to stop the determined Sri Lankan side.

The victory not only marks another series win for Sri Lanka but also showcases the growing depth in their squad as they continue to make strides in international cricket.