The Sri Lanka national cricket team displayed an all-round performance as they secured a comprehensive 45-run win over the New Zealand national cricket team in the first game of the three-match ODI series in Dambulla on Wednesday. For host Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando slammed centuries, whereas pacer Dilshan Madushanka was their highest wicket-taker after the game was reduced to 27 overs during New Zealand's innings.

While chasing DLS target 221, opener Will Young top-scored with 48 runs, whereas the other batters failed to deliver with the bat. As a result, New Zealand scored 175-9 in 27 overs and lost the opening ODI in Dambulla by 45 runs. SL vs NZ 2024 Schedule: Check List of Fixtures in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI and T20I Series With Venues and Match Timings in IST.

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis Shines in First ODI

Earlier in the match, opener Avishka Fernando hammered 100 off 115 deliveries, including 11 boundaries. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis top-scored with 143 off 128 balls with the help of 17 fours and two sixes. The duo stitched a crucial partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket. Their valuable knocks powered Sri Lanka to 324-5. Insects Interrupt Play As Umpires Ask Players to Go Off the Field During IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2024 at Centurion (Watch Video).

Sri Lanka Bowlers Displayed All-Around Performance

While defending, Sri Lanka speedster Dilshan Madushanka picked up a three-wicket haul. The pacer claimed wickets of Mitch Hay (10), Nathan Smith (9), and Ish Sodhi (0). He was well supported by spinners Maheesh Theekshana (2/32) and captain Charith Asalanka (2/15). Theekshana removed New Zealand openers, Will Young (48) and Tim Robinson (35). Aslanka dismissed Henry Nicholls (6) and Mark Chapman (2), resulting in a comprehensive win over New Zealand. Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2024 12:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).