Sri Lanka Secure First Series Win over New Zealand since 2012 with Thrilling Finish in 2nd ODI

Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his match-winning 74* and two crucial stumpings, showcasing composure under intense pressure. He was the only Sri Lankan batter who seemed comfortable against the Kiwi spinners.

Sri Lanka maintained their strong ODI form at home in the current year, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second match of the series to take an unassailable lead. Kusal Mendis was the standout performer at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, contributing with two stumpings and an unbeaten 74 to guide his team to a tense win.

Chasing 210 to secure the series, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals. However, Kusal Mendis batted with great determination, forming an unbeaten 47-run partnership with Maheesh Theekshana (27* off 44 balls) to thwart New Zealand's hopes of a comeback win. 

Spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell was outstanding with the ball, keeping the Kiwis in the contest throughout Sri Lanka's chase.  

Bracewell finished with impressive match figures of 4/36 from his 10 overs, claiming the key wickets of Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage. However, New Zealand struggled to find another bowler to support him in the wickets column.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first on a spin-friendly pitch in Pallekele.

New Zealand lost their opener, Tim Robinson, early when he missed a straight delivery from Wellalage and was dismissed in the second over. Henry Nicholls, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips also struggled to make an impact, falling before the team could even reach the 100-run mark.

A 75-run partnership between Mark Chapman and Mitchell Hay for the fifth wicket steadied New Zealand's innings. Chapman top-scored for the Blackcaps with 76 off 81 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Hay also played well against the spin, but fell agonizingly short of a half-century, dismissed by Theekshana for 49.

Theekshana was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, finishing with figures of 3/31. He was well supported by Jeffrey Vandersay, who claimed 3/46 from his ten overs. This victory marked Sri Lanka's fifth ODI series win at home in 2024.