Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka to series victory against New Zealand

Sri Lanka Sunday secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI at Pallekele, clinching their first ODI series win against the Kiwis since 2012.

With this win, Sri Lanka took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a modest target of 210 in a rain-reduced 47-over contest, the hosts faced stiff resistance on a sluggish pitch.

New Zealand's spinners regularly picked up wickets, ensuring Sri Lanka's batters had to work hard. However, Kusal Mendis' unbeaten 73 proved to be the backbone of the innings. His vital partnerships, particularly an unbeaten 47-run eighth-wicket stand with Maheesh Theekshana, steered Sri Lanka to victory.

Earlier, New Zealand's innings was anchored by Mark Chapman's 76, but their total fell short as Sri Lanka's bowlers made the most of favorable conditions. This victory not only sealed the series for Sri Lanka but also ended their 11-year drought in ODI series against New Zealand.