Kusal Mendis (Photo Source: Twitter)
In the first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland, star batter Kusal Mendis absolutely failed to make a mark. The 28-year-old played 15 consecutive dot deliveries before Henry Shipley got the better of him in the eighth over of the match.
Notably, batting first, the Black Caps posted 274 runs on board after 50 overs. Opener Finn Allen gave a perfect start, scoring 51 off 49 deliveries while Daryl Mitchell (47 runs off 58 deliveries) and Rachin Ravindra (49 runs off 52 deliveries) stabilised the middle order to post a healthy total on board.
Now, in the second innings, the Lankan Lions absolutely failed to put up a show. After losing two quick wickets of Nawanidu Fernando (4) and Pathum Nissanka (9), there was tremendous pressure was on the middle order to step up and take control of the situation.
However, batting at number three, Kusal Mendis couldn’t soak in the pressure and eventually got out. The Kiwi pacers were dominating the game as Sri Lankan batters looked clueless in the middle.
Henry Shipley destroys Lankan batting unit
Eventually, the Dasun Shanaka-led side collapsed and lost the first ODI by a massive margin of 198 runs. The 26-year-old pacer Henry Shipley ran havoc in the middle, picking up five wickets while Daryl Mitchell and Blair Tickner picked up two each. Now, courtesy of his sensational bowling, Shipley was also adjudged the Player of the Match.
With such comprehensive performance, New Zealand completely dismantled the visiting side and picked up an easy win to take a lead in the three-match ODI series. Now, ahead of the second ODI, which is slated to take place on March 28, Sri Lanka will have to work on a lot of things. Many of their batters lost their wickets because of some poor shot selection and that is one such area that the team needs to work on at the moment.
When it comes to the bowlers, Chamika Karunaratne picked up four wickets while Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara picked up two each.
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