Sri Lanka and New Zealand played the 1st ODI of the three-match series on November 13 (Wednesday) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Sri Lanka won the match by 45 runs by DLS method.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.
Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay(w), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
After the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both put up a 206-run partnership for the second wicket. Fernando scored 100 while Mendis went on to get 143. Captain Charith Asalanka smashed a 28-ball 40 and the score was 324/5 in 49.2 overs when rain interrupted.
Sri Lankas innings was ended by rain and New Zealand were then given a target of 221 runs but they had to get all the runs in just 27 overs as per DLS calculations.
Openers Tim Robinson and Will Young put up a good opening stand of 88 runs but once that was broken, New Zealand's hopes were broken as well. Ultimately, the Kiwis fell short by 45 runs.
