Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI, Highlights: SL Go 1-0 Up After 45-Run Win

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI, Highlights: Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to set up a convincing 45-run victory for Sri Lanka in the rain-interrupted first one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday. Kusal, 29, struck a career-best 143 and Avishka hit 100 as Sri Lanka posted a commanding 324-5 in 49.2 overs before rain stopped play. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 221 off 27 overs, were restricted to 175-9 in the day-night game played at Dambulla. (Scorecard)

Right then, that is it from this rain-curtailed game. Sri Lanka takes the early lead in the series with a good all-round effort. The hosts will look to seal the series in the next one while the Kiwis will want to level things up. The 2nd ODI will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 17th November, Sunday. It will begin at 9 am GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Charith Asalanka, the victorious skipper of Sri Lanka says they had a chat in the drinks break and decided to bowl a few tight overs and the boys responded perfectly. Adds that with the ball being wet, it was difficult but the bowlers bowled really well. On the toss, he says he wanted to bat first because it looked like a wicket that suited batting and appreciates the way Kusal and Avishka batted. Mentions that they were short of a bowler at the start and his plan was to bring himself on when a new batter came into bat.

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand says that he is disappointed by the team's performance, and losing wickets in cluster never helps. Adds Maheesh Theekshana bowled pretty well and the rain and dew played a big factor as well.