Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando both slammed centuries to set up a convincing 45-run victory for Sri Lanka in

A second-wicket stand of 206 was the bedrock of a comfortable win, with a mid-innings collapse ending New Zealand's challenge in a rain-shortened chase

Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando smash centuries against a new-look New Zealand as Sri Lanka cruised to a 45-run win under the DLS method in a rain-hit first ODI at Dambulla.

Kusal Mendis crashed 143 off 127 balls, Avishka Fernando hit 100 off 115, and together the pair put on a 206-run stand that formed the bulk of Sri Lanka’s 324 for 5 in Dambulla. Only 49.2 overs of Sri Lanka’s innings was possible,

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,

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, right, is congratulated by teammate Avishka Fernando for completing his century during the first ODI cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on November 13, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis hit brilliant hundreds in the opening match of the ODI bilateral series against New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday. Rain interrupted the match during the last over of Sri Lanka batting and this led to the cut in the overs and a target of 221 runs was set for New Zealand in 27 overs as per the DLS method.

Sri Lanka have brought back Dilshan Madushanka and Jeffrey Vandersay has come in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga