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SL Vs NZ 2nd ODI Highlights: Mendis, Theekshana Lead Sri Lanka To Series Win Over New Zealand

Jatin

Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by three wickets [Source: @ThurunuJ/x.com]Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by three wickets [Source: @ThurunuJ/x.com]

Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by three wickets in the second ODI in Pallekele on Sunday. With this win, the Lankans secured another series win, their fifth in 2024.

Here’s the timeline of how SL vs NZ 2nd ODI panned out in Dambulla:

SL vs NZ 2nd ODI Highlights: Early Struggles for NZ

New Zealand didn’t have the best start. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. Dunith Wellalage struck in the second over, getting rid of Tim Robinson to give Sri Lanka the early breakthrough.

Will Young was looking in good nick and looked like he might make something out of it, but Jefferey Vandersay had other plans. He was sent back to the pavillion for a modest 26.

Things went downhill from there for the Kiwis as Henry Nicholls was cleaned up by Maheesh Theekshana after managing just 8 runs. Glenn Phillips also couldn’t get going and fell for a run-a-ball 15 as New Zealand reduced to 98/4.

SL vs NZ 2nd ODI Highlights: Chapman and Hay Stabilize the Ship But Lankan Bowlers Have The Last Laugh

Just when things started going from bad to words, Mark Chapman and Mitchell Hay rose to the occasion. Chapman played a crucial role with his 76 off 81 balls. 

Chapman's wicket triggered a collapse as New Zealand’s lower order crumbled with the next four batters barely troubling the scorers. Hay contributed with a fighting 49 and he was the last wicket to fall as New Zealand folded for 209 in 45.1 overs.


SL vs NZ 2nd ODI Highlights: A Dismal Start for Sri Lanka’s Top Order

The chase didn’t start on a high note for Sri Lanka. They lost Avishka Fernando early, and although Pathum Nissanka looked in good touch, his attempt to go big over mid-on ended up with him mistiming the shot and departing for 28 off 33 balls. Kamindu Mendis, promoted up the order, couldn’t capitalize and departed for a bronze duck, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling.

Asalanka, usually the reliable one, fell for just 13 while trying to play a bit too aggressively. Sadeera Samarawickrama also didn’t last long, contributing just 8. At this point, the chase looked tough, with the scoreboard reading 74/5.

SL vs NZ 2nd ODI Highlights: Kusal Mendis Holds Steady and Seals the Win

Just when Sri Lanka looked in dire need of stability, Kusal Mendis came to the rescue. Teaming up with Janith Liyanage, the two tried to put the innings back on track. Their partnership, although short-lived, added 39 valuable runs, with Liyanage contributing a steady 22 off 39 balls before he departed.

After Liyanage’s exit, Dunith Wellalage chipped in with a quick 18 off 17 balls, bringing the target within reach but he was dismissed by Michael Bracewell, who picked up his fourth wicket. But it wasn’t until Theekshana joined Mendis at the crease that the game swung firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Together, they built a crucial 47-run partnership, mixing caution with well-timed boundaries. Theekshana’s quick hits took some pressure off Mendis, who kept his calm and played the anchor role till the very end.

Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on a solid 74 off 102 balls, with 9 boundaries to his name, guiding Sri Lanka home with poise. His efforts proved too strong for New Zealand’s bowlers, despite Michael Bracewell’s impressive 4-wicket haul.