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

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.

New Zealand has beaten Sri Lanka by five runs in a sensational finale to their Twenty20 and drawn the series 1-1 in Dambulla.

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

New Zealand paceman Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the one-day international series against Sri Lanka after suffering a calf strain in the second Twenty20 match against the South Asians.

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka,

Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka will begin their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with the first game at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Wednesday, November 13.