Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Analysis of today’s exciting ODI match
Cricket fans were enthralled by today’s One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. As part of the teams’ preparations for the 2018 World Cup, this game was significant for both of them. The Duckworth Lewis technique (DLS) gave Sri Lanka a decisive victory by 45 runs. Let’s talk about every aspect of this game.
Toss and starting conditions
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first in the game that got underway at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Because of the gloomy conditions, the fast bowlers were expected to receive immediate assistance, even if the pitch appeared good for the batsmen.
Sri Lanka innings: Superb batting display
Sri Lanka got off to a slow but steady start. Avishka Fondo and Pathum Nissanka, the openers, contributed 17 runs for the first wicket. After Nissanka (12 runs) was removed early, the innings was resurrected by Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando.
Handled.
main innings performance
Avishka Fernando: He scored 100 runs off 115 balls, which included 9 fours and 2 sixes. His innings was technically sound and patient.
Kusal Mendis: Mendis adopted an aggressive style and scored 143 runs in 128 balls. His innings included 17 fours and 2 sixes. Mendis displayed excellent footwork and strokeplay.
Sri Lanka eventually scored 324 runs in 49.2 overs. This score was quite challenging on this pitch, especially when it was cloudy.
New Zealand’s bowling: average performance
New Zealand’s bowlers did not perform as expected. In the beginning, Jacob Duffy bowled a good spell and took 3 wickets, but the other bowlers could not make much impact.
bowling figures
Jacob Duffy: 3 wickets for 41 runs in 8.2 overs.
Ish Sodhi: 1 wicket for 68 runs in 10 overs.
Michael Baswell: 1 wicket for 47 runs in 7 overs.
The other bowlers neither maintained their line-length nor were able to stop the run rate.
New Zealand’s innings: disappointing performance
Chasing a target of 325 runs, New Zealand had a poor start. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on from the start.
highlights
The top order batsmen were out early.
The middle order chipped in with runs but failed to keep the run rate going.
Rain reduced the match to 27 overs per over (Duckworth-Lewis method), and New Zealand were bowled out for 175.
Sri Lanka’s bowling: Disciplined and sharp, Sri Lanka’s bowlers performed brilliantly. They not only took wickets but also kept the run rate under control.
Bowling Jacket:
Madheesha Pachirana: 2 wickets for 28 runs in 6 overs.
Kasun Rajitha: 2 wickets for 31 runs in 5 overs.
Maheesh Theekshana: 3 wickets for 47 runs in 10 overs.
The Sri Lankan bowlers used variations to deny New Zealand batsmen any chance to score runs.
man of the Match
Kusal Mendis was named Man of the Match for his brilliant century. His innings proved to be decisive in the result of the match.
Status of the series and future plans
With this win, Sri Lanka has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second match is the third ODI for both teams.
Will be important.
New Zealand: They have to improve their batting. Especially the top order has to play responsibly.
Sri Lanka: Their strategy will be to maintain this momentum and win the next match to clinch the series.
main point
- Centuries by Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando. 2. Strong batting performance by Sri Lanka.
- New Zealand’s weak bowling and faltering batting.
- Disciplined bowling by Sri Lanka.
conclusion
Sri Lanka outperformed New Zealand in today’s game, excelling in every area. Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando’s outstanding innings gave Sri Lanka a high score, which their bowlers skillfully defended. To win the next game, New Zealand will need to put in a lot of effort.
Cricket fans continue to find that series thrilling. The next matchups should be much more exciting.