• Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis played brilliant knocks in the first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Dambulla.

  • Their controlled batting and smart shot selection against both pace and spin set the tone for Sri Lanka's innings.

Twitter reactions: Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando light up Dambulla with exceptional tons | SL vs NZ, 1st ODI
Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis (Image Source: X)

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Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis played brilliant knocks in the first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Dambulla. Fernando scored a well-paced century, contributing 100 runs off 115 balls, while Mendis supported with an impressive unbeaten century so far. Together, they formed a solid partnership, taking Sri Lanka to a commanding position. Their controlled batting and smart shot selection against both pace and spin set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings

Kusal Mendis’ commanding hundred

Mendis played a superb innings for Sri Lanka, showcasing control and finesse as he remained unbeaten on 103 from 106 balls. His knock included 12 well-timed boundaries, largely focused on pulls and drives, demonstrating his skill against both pace and spin. Mendis built his innings steadily, pacing himself through singles and twos to keep the scoreboard moving before accelerating in the middle overs. His shot selection was impressive, with a control percentage of 94%, reflecting his focused approach and ability to rotate the strike. As Sri Lanka pushed towards a competitive total, Mendis provided a stable presence at the crease, guiding the team alongside Fernando. His knock laid a solid foundation, crucial for Sri Lanka’s innings.

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024: Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the ODI series against New Zealand

Avishka Fernando’s composed century

Opening the innings, Fernando anchored Sri Lanka’s start with a well-crafted 100 off 115 balls. His innings was built around clean boundaries, tallying nine fours and two sixes, setting a steady tone from the start. Fernando combined power with patience, accelerating at the right moments, and reached his half-century off just 60 deliveries. His chemistry with Mendis was instrumental, as they forged a significant 206-ball partnership that kept New Zealand under pressure. Fernando reached his century in the 38th over before falling to Ish Sodhi, but his contributions provided Sri Lanka with a powerful launching pad for the remainder of their innings.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Sri Lanka’s steady start against New Zealand in the 1st ODI

Sri Lanka, opting to bat first in the opening ODI of New Zealand’s tour, showed intent early with a solid foundation despite an early wicket. Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal in the third over brought Fernando and Mendis together, who stabilized the innings, rotating strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. By the 18th over, they had brought up their 100, gradually increasing the run rate. As the innings progressed, Mendis reached his century and continued to press, maintaining a healthy run rate of 5.81. With 12 overs remaining, Sri Lanka are well-positioned for a formidable total as they aim to capitalize on their established platform.

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka

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