NZ vs SL: New Zealand Beat Sri Lanka in 1st ODI by 9 Wickets

NZ vs SL 1st ODI: New Zealand have started the New Year on a winning note thanks to Will Young’s scintillating innings. New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the first ODI

NZ vs SL 1st ODI: New Zealand’s Strong Chase

Sri Lanka challenged New Zealand by 179 runs for victory. New Zealand completed this challenge by losing 1 wicket in 26.2 overs. With this win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. Will Young top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 90. Young was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ for his performance.

The opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra got a brilliant start as they chased the winning runs. This opening pair shared a partnership of 93 runs. After that, Rachin Ravindra was out. Rachin scored 45 runs in 36 balls with 1 six and 6 fours.

Will and Mark Chapman then put on an unbeaten and winning partnership of 87 runs for the second wicket. Will Young scored an unbeaten 90 off 86 balls with 12 fours. While Chapman scored 29 runs not out with 3 fours in 36 balls.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles with the Bat

Before that, New Zealand won the toss and forced Sri Lanka to bat. But except Sri Lanka’s four, none of the others could reach double figures. What’s more, Sri Lanka could not even play 50 overs. Sri Lanka’s innings ended with 178 runs in 43.4 overs.

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Opener Avishka Fernando scored the highest 56 runs. Janith Liange and Wanindu Hasaranga both scored 36 and 35 respectively. Chamindu Wickramasinghe scored 22 runs. Other batsmen were flops.

What’s Next?

With this win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. The second match, which could decide the series, is scheduled for January 8.

NZ vs SL 1st ODI Playing XIs:

• New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke.
• Sri Lanka: Charit Aslanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Zenith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.