Injured Mendis delivers rare series win over New Zealand: 2nd ODI (Pallekele)

An injured Kusal Mendis hit a defiant 74 not out as Sri Lanka posted a thrilling three-wicket win against New Zealand to seal the three-match one-day international series.

After collapsing to 98-4, Mark Chapman hit a sparkling 76 off 81 balls and shared 75 runs for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Hay (49).Theekshana took three wickets as NZ posted 209.

In reply, Sri Lanka struggled for partnerships on a turning pitch and were in trouble at 93-5. Mendis managed a groin problem sustained early in his innings, to stroke an unbeaten 74 off 102 balls that took the home team over the line.

This was Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over NZ for 12 years.

Sri Lanka 210 for 7 (Mendis 74*, Theekshana 27*, Bracewell 4-36) beat New Zealand 209 all out (Chapman 76, Hay 49, Theekshana 3-31) by three wickets (47 overs a side).

Nov 2024.