Sri Lanka Clinches 45-Run Victory Over New Zealand in First ODI
On Wednesday, Sri Lanka clinched a 45-run victory over New Zealand in the first ODI, thanks to a stellar performance by Kusal Mendis, who scored a career-best 143 runs. However, the real heroes of the match were the Sri Lankan bowlers, who stepped up and delivered when it mattered most.
New Zealand’s Openers Impress, but Sri Lankan Bowlers Bounce Back
New Zealand’s openers, Will Young and Tim Robinson, had given the visitors an impressive start, with an 88-run opening stand off just 80 deliveries. Asitha Fernando was the only Sri Lankan bowler who managed to contain the damage initially, while Dilshan Madushanka and even the usually miserly Maheesh Theekshana struggled.
But it was Theekshana who eventually provided the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing both openers in the 14th over. This allowed Sri Lanka to regain control of the game, and they were further aided by the impressive bowling of captain Charith Asalanka, who registered figures of 2 for 15 in his three overs.
“Asitha bowled a good line in the first couple of overs, but after that, they scored a few runs off Dilshan [Madushanka]. But we need to give credit to our bowlers. After the rain, with the dew, the ball gets quite wet. So I think the ball came on to the bat better for them [New Zealand] on the wicket, than it did for us.” – Kusal Mendis
Asalanka’s Bowling Exploits Prove Valuable for Sri Lanka
Asalanka’s bowling exploits have been a revelation for Sri Lanka in recent times. The captain has now picked up nine wickets in as many previous ODIs, showcasing his versatility and the team’s growing confidence in his abilities as a bowler.
“Honestly, he’s bowling quite well. He understands what’s needed of him when bowling, and adjusts depending on the batter. Even as a captain, he reads a lot of things well.” – Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka’s decision to go with just four frontline bowlers and rely on part-time options like Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage has raised some questions about the long-term feasibility of the strategy. However, for now, the team seems content with the current combination, as they continue to explore their options.
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