Kusal Mendis propels Sri Lanka to commanding 324

Rex Clementine at Dambulla

Top-order batter Kusal Mendis hit top form, notching up a brilliant century to lead Sri Lanka to an imposing 324 for five in the first ODI against New Zealand at Dambulla on Wednesday. Supported by Avishka Fernando, who also reached a century, Mendis was the driving force in Sri Lanka’s dominant display.

The pair stitched together a record-breaking 206-run stand off 215 balls for the second wicket, setting a new benchmark between the two teams in ODIs and surpassing the 170-run partnership Sanath Jayasuriya and Hashan Tillakaratne achieved against New Zealand during the 2003 World Cup. This partnership also stands as the highest for any wicket at Dambulla in ODIs, an achievement led by Mendis’s aggressive batting.

While Avishka’s century was a welcome return to form—his first since 2021—he fell soon after reaching the milestone. A slog sweep attempt against Ish Sodhi saw him miscue to mid-on, concluding his innings at a vital 100. However, it was Kusal who continued to push the boundaries, reaching a career-best 143, marking his fourth ODI century and first of 2024. His innings also set a new individual record for Dambulla, eclipsing Shikhar Dhawan’s previous high of 132 from 2017.

Kusal’s knock was both commanding and elegant, with 17 fours and two sixes, driving Sri Lanka’s innings at a rapid pace. His 53-run flourish with Charith Asalanka off just 33 balls propelled Sri Lanka further. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy eventually ended Mendis’s onslaught when he holed out at extra cover, but his impressive 143 from 128 balls had already set Sri Lanka up for a formidable total.

Earlier in the innings, after Pathum Nissanka’s early departure for 12, Mendis took charge, leading Sri Lanka through a challenging phase. Following his record-breaking stand with Avishka, Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed for five, but Charith Asalanka’s quickfire 40 off 28 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, kept the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.

New Zealand’s spinners struggled to contain Mendis and his fellow batsmen, as Sri Lanka kept the scoreboard ticking at over 6.5 runs per over.

Rain briefly delayed play at the start of Sri Lanka’s innings, pausing the action for 39 minutes. Later, rain returned with four balls left, ending Sri Lanka’s innings at 324 for five in 49.2 overs.

With the T20 series preceding the ODIs ending in a 1-1 draw, the teams now move to Pallekele for the remaining games in what promises to be an intense ODI series.