Last night (13th), the Sri Lankan team managed to win by 45 runs in the first one-day match held for the New Zealand team's tour of Sri Lanka. Also, this victory was added to the records as Sri Lanka's ODI win after 9 years against New Zealand.
Sri Lanka scored 324 runs for 5 wickets in 49.2 overs in the match held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Kusal Mendis scored 143 runs for Sri Lanka and Avishka Fernando scored 100 runs.However, due to the heavy rain around the stadium after the 49th over of the Sri Lanka innings, according to the 'Duckworth and Lewis' theory, New Zealand had a target of 221 runs in 27 overs to win. However, at the end of 27 overs, only 175 runs could be scored for 9 wickets.
Meanwhile, while addressing the press conference held after the match, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis said that there was some failure in his batting due to being captained.Kusal Mendis further stated that 'I got the captaincy at a time when I did not think about it in the World Cup. Before that I was among the marks. It is hard to say that there was no pressure. Being a leader means there is pressure on anyone.It can also be said that it was not possible to reach the points because of the leadership.'
Kusal, who also commented on his innings, is happy with the century. I am also happy that the team was able to do something big in this match.After Pathum's wicket fell early, he was happy that he and Avishka could give the team what they needed.'
Here is what Kusal said when he answered a question about Avishka's batting. Avishka usually scores early against fast bowlers.But the fast ball cannot attack this wicket as much as we thought. Accordingly, I think that Avishka will reach his usual rhythm in the future. However, after 10 to 15 overs of this match, he was able to reach his usual rhythm. Accordingly, I think that Avishka will play better in the upcoming matches as well.'
Meanwhile, Kusal also commented on the strategy adopted to break New Zealand's opening connection in this match. But they got some points from Dilshan.The action we followed there was to try to bowl while reducing the rate of scoring as much as possible, even if we did not get wickets. Because in 27 overs, you can't get everyone out of a team. So we had planned to control them without giving as many fours or sixes as possible.But the situation changed when Mahish came and took wickets.'
Also, in comparison with the T20 series, batting at night was easier with mist than when we were batting. Our bowlers should get a lot of respect there.
