New Delhi: Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay starred with the ball before Kusal Mendis slammed an unbeaten 74 to help Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 3 wickets (via DLS method) in the 2nd ODI to clinch the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts comfortably chased down the target of 210 runs with 4 overs to spare in the rain-affected 2nd ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele to win the series.
Michael Bracewell picked up a four-wicket haul to ignite New Zealand’s hopes of successfully defending the total of 209 runs on a track that had some assistance for the spinners. However, the spinner’s efforts went in vain as Mendis stood tall to get the hosts over the line while remaining unbeaten in the chase.
Sri Lanka were in a tricky position in the run chase at one point having lost half their side for just 93 runs in the 22nd over. However, Mendis slammed 74 not out of 102 balls studded with six fours and combined with the likes of Janith Liyanage (22) and Theekshana (27*) to share crucial partnerships towards the end of the innings to take his team home.
Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis as he dismissed opener Pathum Nissanka on 28 before running through Sri Lanka’s middle order by taking the wickets of Kamindu Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage to reduce the hosts to tatters. However, Mendis’ valiant knock proved the difference between the two teams.
Maheesh Theekshana shines again for Sri Lanka
Theekshana continued his fine form with the ball in the 2nd ODI as he picked up a three-wicket haul to help Sri Lanka bundle out New Zealand for 209 runs in the rain-affected contest which was reduced to 47 overs a side. Theekshana dismissed the likes of Henry Nicholls, Mitch Hay and Ish Sodhi to finish with excellent figures of 3/31 off his 9.1 overs and was well supported by Vandersay, who picked up three wickets for 46 runs off his 10 overs.
Chapman and Hay combined to rescue the Kiwis after a top-order collapse as the duo shared a 75-run stand for the 5th wicket. Chapman top-scored with 76 off 81 balls while Hay fell short of his half-century by just 1 run as he was dismissed on 49 off 62 balls.
Sri Lanka took an unassailable 2-0 lead to clinch the series with back-to-back victories and will be eyeing a clean sweep against New Zealand when they take on the Kiwis in the 3rd and final ODI in Pallekele on Tuesday, November 19.
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