Mendis and Theekshana Steer Sri Lanka to Thriller Victory, Clinch Series Against New Zealand

In a nail-biting encounter at Palakelle, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by three wickets, chasing down 210 in a rain-affected, low-scoring thriller. With Kusal Mendis playing a brilliant unbeaten knock of 74* and Maheesh Theekshana contributing with both bat and ball, Sri Lanka sealed their second consecutive win over New Zealand in the series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The final match, set to be played on Tuesday, will see Sri Lanka aiming for a series sweep, their first over New Zealand in 12 years.

Sri Lanka’s chase of 210 wasn’t without its complications. After a slow start, they found themselves in deep trouble at 132 for 6, with a daunting 78 runs still required. But a steady partnership between Mendis and young Dunith Wellalage (who had earlier contributed with the ball) put them on track, before Wellalage fell to Michael Bracewell for 15. With 47 runs still needed, it was Mendis, alongside Theekshana, who guided the hosts home, displaying composure and resilience under pressure.

The defining moment of the chase came in the 41st over. With Sri Lanka needing 45 runs off 39 balls, Theekshana pulled Jacob Duffy’s short delivery for a six, and in the very next ball, Mendis deftly glanced the pacer for a boundary. Those two strokes seemed to shift the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka's favor, and from there, the finish was almost anticlimactic. Theekshana’s quickfire 27* alongside Mendis's controlled knock ensured that Sri Lanka could keep their cool and reach the target with three wickets to spare, securing their sixth consecutive ODI victory on home soil— a streak they’ll be eager to extend in the final match of the series.

**Sri Lanka’s Chasing Woes, But Mendis Keeps Calm**

Sri Lanka’s chase was not smooth sailing, despite a solid platform initially. Avishka Fernando, who was dismissed cheaply in the first innings, and Pathum Nissanka were at the crease at the start, but they both fell under pressure in the middle overs. Nissanka tried to break free but was dismissed attempting an aerial shot, and Kamindu Mendis fell to a peach of a delivery from Michael Bracewell that left him edging behind. Charith Asalanka also failed to capitalise on his opportunity, falling while trying to attack, and Sadeera Samarawickrama was undone by the bounce from Glenn Phillips. At 132 for 6, Sri Lanka’s chances looked slim.

However, the steady presence of Mendis kept their hopes alive. Despite the mounting pressure, he continued to accumulate runs in his usual composed manner. When Wellalage fell, it seemed like Sri Lanka could lose their way, but Mendis had other plans. His calming influence was evident as he stuck to his game and remained unfazed by the early setbacks. Theekshana’s cameo—27* from just 24 balls—was crucial as it helped push Sri Lanka closer to the target. Together, the pair saw their team across the line, with Mendis taking the responsibility of guiding the chase home.

While Mendis’s knock was the highlight of the chase, Theekshana’s all-round contribution—3/31 with the ball earlier in the day—was equally important in securing the win. His ability to tie down New Zealand’s middle order with the ball and then provide the finishing touch with the bat proved invaluable. His aggressive stroke play in the later overs complemented Mendis’s calm approach, making the chase appear less daunting than it really was.

**New Zealand’s Battling Effort Fails to Materialize**

Earlier in the day, New Zealand had found themselves under pressure after being put in to bat by Sri Lanka. The hosts made early inroads, with Asitha Fernando removing the dangerous Devon Conway early in the powerplay. From there, it was a battle for New Zealand as they struggled to get going. Will Young, who looked steady early on, also fell quickly, leaving New Zealand at 42 for 2 in the 11th over.

Mark Chapman, however, was resolute, anchoring the innings with his 76 runs from 90 balls. He found support from Mitch Hay, and the pair put on an attacking 75-run stand in just 72 balls, which looked set to push New Zealand towards a competitive total. Chapman was particularly aggressive, even dancing down the track to hammer Wellalage for a six over deep mid-wicket. But just when New Zealand looked to be gaining momentum, the Sri Lankan bowlers found a way to break the partnership.

The breakthrough came courtesy of Asitha Fernando, who had Chapman caught at mid-on, and from there, the innings fell apart. While Hay fought on, the collapse of New Zealand’s lower order was swift. From 157 for 4, New Zealand lost their last six wickets for a mere 36 runs. Sri Lanka’s spinners—led by Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay—kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals. The hosts' decision to field first and then bowl out New Zealand for just 209 in 45.1 overs was a tactical masterstroke that paid off.

**Sri Lanka’s Dominance: From Spinners to Batsmen**

While the Sri Lankan spinners were instrumental in limiting New Zealand’s total, the chase required an efficient performance with the bat, and despite a shaky start, the Sri Lankan middle order, led by Mendis, delivered when it mattered most. The pitch, which initially seemed to offer some assistance to the bowlers, was also conducive for batting once the rain break was factored in. Sri Lanka’s victory came thanks to their ability to execute in both departments—bowling tightly in the early stages and then keeping calm in the chase.

The match also marked a crucial milestone for Sri Lanka—securing their first series win over New Zealand in 12 years. The fact that this win came on home soil, where Sri Lanka has struggled in the past, adds a layer of satisfaction for the team and their supporters. The conditions at Palakelle, with the rain delays and the slowing pitch, were challenging, but Sri Lanka's resilience was evident as they pulled through in a tense run chase.

**The Road Ahead for Sri Lanka: Looking to Complete the Sweep**

As the series now heads to the final match, Sri Lanka will be eyeing a clean sweep. With the confidence of back-to-back wins, including this thrilling chase, Sri Lanka will look to continue their dominance. Kusal Mendis, in particular, will be key to their efforts, as his composed and steady approach has been crucial in both wins. Alongside him, Maheesh Theekshana’s all-round efforts will continue to be indispensable. If Sri Lanka can replicate their performances from the first two matches, they will have a strong chance to complete the sweep.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be desperate to avoid a series defeat and will look to regroup and address the issues that have plagued their batting and bowling strategies. The final match will be a chance for them to salvage pride and take some momentum forward in their ongoing ODI campaign.

The series is far from over, but for now, Sri Lanka’s dominance in these conditions is a sight to behold. Perhaps, with the momentum firmly in their corner, they can pull off the perfect sweep on Tuesday, adding another chapter to their ODI history.