Sri Lanka finally broke their jinx as hosts winning an ODI series against New Zealand for the first time in 12 years. The historic win came with a narrow 3-wicket victory in Pallekele and sealed the series with one game still to play.
They last won an ODI series against New Zealand in November 2012, winning 3-0. Following that, they faced New Zealand five times in the ODI series, with only one win to their name and four losses and a draw. But then, in 2024, fortunes turned, and they won hard-fought against the Kiwis.
This victory also furthered Sri Lanka’s gains in the home record, as they completed six successive bilateral series wins in ODIs on home turf. This is now their longest at home in 50-over cricket.
The game was shortened to 47 overs per side due to rain. Sri Lanka, chasing 210, found themselves in trouble at 163/7. Dunith Wellalage fell cheaply after what appeared to be a New Zealand victory in sight. However, Kusal Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana ended up pulling off an outstanding partnership and winning the game for Sri Lanka. The two put together an unbeaten 47-run stand for the 8th wicket, which happens to be the highest stand for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in ODIs at home.
It wasn’t an easy win that came Sri Lanka’s way. After winning the toss, they opted to bowl first and got off to a flying start. The spin duo of Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay took control as both of them picked three wickets each. New Zealand struggled at 98/4 in 23.1 overs, but Mark Chapman played a serene knock of 76(81) down the order. Coupled with Mitch Hay’s 49, to guide the Kiwis towards a total of 209.
Though the chase of Sri Lanka had its moments of worry with Michael Bracewell’s off-spin befuddling the Lankan batters. Besides him, the New Zealand spinners were a far cry and failed to pose much of a challenge. Yet, Sri Lanka kept their calm, and the partnership between Mendis and Theekshana saw them through.
Sri Lanka’s victory marked a major milestone in their cricketing history. Ending a 12-year wait and giving them bragging rights over one of the world’s top ODI teams.
ANI
