Kusal Mendis defies injuries as Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to win ODI series

Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis celebrates after scoring a half-century (Ishara S. KODIKARA)

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis celebrates after scoring a half-century (Ishara S. KODIKARA)

Kusal Mendis hit a no-out 74 as Sri Lanka recorded a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand to win the three-match one-day international series on Sunday.

Sri Lanka were reeling at 93-5, but Mendis played the anchor role to perfection despite a groin injury to give the hosts their fifth ODI series triumph this year.

It was also Sri Lanka’s first victory in an ODI series against the Black Caps in 12 years.

Mendis was ably supported by Maheesh Theekshana who hit an unbeaten 27 off 44 balls as Sri Lanka reached the 210-run target with six balls to spare.

The day-night match was reduced to 47 overs per team due to rain interruptions.

The third and final ODI will also take place at Pallekele on Tuesday.

“The injury is not too serious, but I had difficulty making my shots,” Mendis said.

“My escape shot is the sweep, but I couldn’t sweep tonight and it was tough.”

Off-spinner Michael Bracewell was the most successful Kiwi bowler, taking a career-best four wickets for 36 runs from his 10 overs.

Mendis, fresh from a century in the first ODI, led the chase with his 102-ball knock, studded with six boundaries.

At one point, Sri Lanka were reeling on 163 for seven, but an unbroken partnership of 47 for the eighth wicket between Mendis and Theekshana saw them through.

– The Kiwis’ batting woes –

“It’s always a challenge to defend a low score. Kusal played well,” Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner said.

“If we had scored a few more runs and got 240, it would have been a different story. We bowled well with the ball, but the problem is with the bat.”

Earlier, spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Theekshana shared six wickets to help New Zealand claim 209 in 45.1 overs.

Mark Chapman hit a sparkling 76 off 81 balls and shared 75 runs for the fifth wicket with Mitchell Hay who fell a run short of his maiden one-day half-century.

Their batting was the only bright spot for the Kiwis who struggled to get going against the Sri Lankan spinners.

Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage set the tone in the second over, clean bowling opener Tim Robinson with a pinpoint delivery.

But Chapman opened up to hit seven boundaries and three sixes in his defiant innings.

Her spirited effort ended when Avishka Fernando landed a spectacular dive just inches from the ground.

Sri Lanka’s line-up, although not perfect, has had its moments of brilliance.

Although there were misses and errors in the field, Avishka Fernando stood out with three superb catches.

Another highlight came from Pathum Nissanka, who sprinted from long-on to claim an extraordinary catch, dismissing Santner (six) after the southpaw failed to catch Vandersay’s googly.

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