SL vs NZ, 1st ODI Scorecard | Thanks to the 206-run stand for the second wicket between Kusal and Avishka, Sri Lanka posted 324 for 5 in 49.2 overs. It was a much-needed big score for Kusal Mendis, who was due a big score in the format for a long time.

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando guided Sri Lanka to a 45-run victory via the DLS Method in the first match of their ODI series against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, right, is congratulated by teammate Avishka Fernando for completing his century during the first ODI cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on November 13, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP

The surface in Dambulla heavily favoured the spinners in the T20I series and it's expected to remain the same in the ODI series as well. A low-scoring encounter is expected and the team winning the toss should elect to bat first. Anything over 245 runs can prove to be decisive.

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to set up a convincing 45-run victory for Sri Lanka in the rain-interrupted first one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday. Kusal,

Sri Lanka 324 for 5 (Kusal Mendis 143, Avishka Fernando 100) vs New Zealand Kusal Mendis crashed 143 off 127 balls, Avishka Fernando hit 100 off 115, and together the pair put on a 206-run stand that formed the bulk of Sri Lanka's 324 for 5 in Dambulla.

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to set up a convincing 45-run victory for Sri Lanka in the rain-interrupted first one-day int

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat in the opening one-day international against New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday.