Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando smash centuries against a new-look New Zealand as Sri Lanka cruised to a 45-run win under the DLS method in a rain-hit first ODI at Dambulla.

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis hit brilliant hundreds in the opening match of the ODI bilateral series against New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday. Rain interrupted the match during the last over of Sri Lanka batting and this led to the cut in the overs and a target of 221 runs was set for New Zealand in 27 overs as per the DLS method.

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

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to set up a convincing 45-run victory for Sri Lanka in

DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 45 runs via DLS method to win the first One-day International match of the series after Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis struck fine centuries at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium here on Wednesday.

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,

Maheesh Theekshana (2-32), Charith Asalanka (2-15) and Jeffrey Vandersay (1-40) spun Sri Lanka to a come-from-behind victory as they sealed a 45-run win (DLS method) over New Zealand in the second ODI in Dambulla. It was Sri Lanka's first ODI win over New Zealand dating back to December 2015.

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 have brought back Dilshan Madushanka and Jeffrey Vandersay has come in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga