On Sunday, January 5, the first ODI of the series between New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) was played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bowl. The top order was upset by New Zealand bowlers, who were all over the Sri Lankan batsmen, leaving the visitors reeling at 23/4 after 10 overs. Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka walked back with three and a duck, respectively, while Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis left with nine and two runs.
Matt Henry took four wickets for New Zealand, while Mitchell Santner contributed one wicket and Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith each took two.
The relief was provided by Janith Liyanage and Avishka Fernando, who set up an 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, the pair left in ten balls after being dragged out quickly. Liyanage resisted with 36 of 54, while Fernando scored 56 of 63. Wanindu Hasaranga (35 of 33) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 of 42) came together to form a brief 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket at 110/6.The tailenders were quickly dismissed by the Kiwis, and Sri Lanka finished their innings at 178.
Will Young and Rachin Ravindra set the tone for the chase.
The visitors were completely at ease while chasing because Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, their openers, were strategic batsmen. They lost their first wicket at 93 runs after the pair scored 70 runs together at the end of the powerplay before Ravindra left with 45 off 36. Young was joined in the middle by Mark Chapman, who was elevated up the order.
In just 26.2 overs, both batsmen ensured that there would be no further disruptions to the course by forming an undefeated 87-run partnership for the second wicket, which sent New Zealand home. Chapman helped Young, who was undefeated at 90 off 86, with his 29 of 36 as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
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