In the first ODI, Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand team registered a massive 9-wicket victory, bowling out Sri Lanka for just 178 runs.
Matt Henry set the tone with an outstanding opening spell. He then struck crucial blows in the middle and lower order, supported by brilliant bowling from Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith. Together, they restricted Sri Lanka to under 200. Chasing the modest target, New Zealand’s top-order batters ensured an easy win.
The Kiwis claimed the first ODI in Wellington with 142 balls to spare, securing a 9-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Using the greenish pitch at Basin Reserve to their advantage, New Zealand’s three pacers dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Henry, in his opening six-over spell, conceded only 12 runs while taking one wicket, with his first five overs giving away just six runs. He finished with stellar figures of 10-1-19-4.
Duffy and Smith contributed with two wickets each, while Santner picked up one.
Will Young, falling just short of his fourth ODI century, remained unbeaten on 90 off 86 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. Rachin Ravindra played a handy knock of 45 off 36, including 1 six and 6 fours, ensuring a comfortable chase for New Zealand.
Santner opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision backed by excellent spells from the Kiwi pacers. Sri Lanka, under immense pressure, lost four wickets for just 23 runs. Henry started the collapse in the fifth over by dismissing Pathum Nissanka, followed by Duffy’s dismissal of Kusal Mendis. A direct hit from Santner ran out Kamindu Mendis, and Smith sent Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka back for a duck.
Avishka Fernando and Janith Liyanage tried to revive the innings with an 87-run partnership. However, both batters fell in quick succession, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot again. Liyanage scored 36 with a six and 4 fours, while Avishka top-scored with 56, including 1 six and 6 fours.
Sri Lanka managed to cross 150, thanks to a 48-run partnership between Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne. Henry returned to remove both in successive overs, while debutant Ishaan Malinga became his fourth victim. Duffy wrapped things up by dismissing Asitha Fernando, bowling out Sri Lanka for 178 in 43.4 overs.
In the chase, Young and Ravindra gave New Zealand a flying start with a 93-run opening stand before Ravindra fell for 45. Young then partnered with Mark Chapman for an unbeaten 87-run stand, taking the hosts to victory. Chapman contributed 29* with 3 boundaries.
The second ODI between the two teams will take place in Hamilton on Wednesday.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 178 in 43.4 overs (Avishka 56, Liyanage 36; Henry 4/19, Duffy 2/39, Smith 2/43)
New Zealand: 180/1 in 26.2 overs (Young 90*, Ravindra 45, Chapman 29*)
Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Matt Henry
Series: New Zealand leads 1-0 in the 3-match series.
