Top-order batsmen Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to lead Sri Lanka to an imposing 324-5 in the rain-interrupted first one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The duo stitched together a 206-run stand off 215 balls for the highest second wicket partnership in ODIs for Sri Lanka against New Zealand.
Their effort eclipsed a 21-year-old record held by Sanath Jayasuriya and Hashan Tillakaratne, who added 170 against the Black Caps in the 2003 World Cup in Bloemfontein.
The stand was also the highest partnership for any wicket at Dambulla in ODIs.
Sri Lanka’s innings was cut short in 49.2 overs because of rain.
For Avishka, it was his first century since 2021, breaking a dry spell after a string of low scores.
Avishka scored a 115-ball 100 with nine fours and two sixes before being caught while attempting a sweep shot off Ish Sodhi. It was his fourth ODI hundred.
Kusal powered his way to a career-best 143, also marking his fourth ODI century and first in 2024. His knock was the highest individual score at Dambulla, surpassing India’s Shikhar Dhawan’s 132 in 2017.
A cameo 40-run knock by skipper Charith Asalanka off just 28 balls capped a fine day with the bat for the islanders.
It was New Zealand paceman Jacob Duffy who dismissed Kusal, caught at extra cover by Henry Nicholls.
Kusal’s brisk 128-ball knock was studded with 17 fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka’s batters seized control after Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first.
Opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for 12 but Kusal and Avishka made the most of the conditions.
The New Zealand spinners struggled to rein in the Sri Lankan batsmen, who kept the scoreboard ticking at over 6.5 runs per over.
Rain halted play just one ball into Sri Lanka’s innings, causing a 39-minute delay. Downpours returned with four balls left in the Sri Lankan innings.
The ODI action will next move to Pallekele where the remaining two games in the series will be played.
str-abh/bsp
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