The first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in the ongoing Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the hosts cruising to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory at Basin Reserve.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled to cope with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack after being asked to bat first. The top order faltered early as Pathum Nissanka (9 off 18) and Kusal Mendis (2 off 8) failed to make any significant impact. Kamindu Mendis (3 off 9) and Charith Asalanka (0 off 5) compounded the woes, leaving the visitors reeling at 27/4 within the first ten overs.
However, Avishka Fernando stood tall amid the early chaos, scoring a fighting 56 off 63 balls, laced with six fours and a six. He found some support from Janith Liyanage (36 off 54) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 off 42) in the middle overs. Wanindu Hasaranga provided a late flourish with an entertaining 35 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six.
Despite these efforts, the Sri Lankan innings lacked momentum and partnerships. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, registering sensational figures of 4/19 in his 10 overs. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith chipped in with two wickets each, while skipper Mitchell Santner also got one wicket.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 178 in 43.4 overs, leaving their bowlers with a challenging task to defend a below-par total.
Chasing a modest target of 179, New Zealand’s top order made the task look effortless. Will Young anchored the innings with a sublime knock, remaining unbeaten on 90 off 86 balls. His innings was decorated with 12 crisp boundaries as he dictated terms to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Rachin Ravindra gave New Zealand a flying start with a brisk 45 off 36 balls, smashing six fours and a six. The duo of Young and Ravindra added 93 runs for the opening wicket, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka. Ravindra eventually fell to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, but Mark Chapman (29 not out off 36) ensured there were no further hiccups.
The Sri Lankan bowlers failed to make any meaningful impact on a flat surface. Wickramasinghe was the only bowler to pick up a wicket, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless and leaked runs.
