New Zealand faced Sri Lanka in the first ODI of their series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, January 5. Winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bowl first, and their bowlers quickly dominated the Sri Lankan top order. Sri Lanka found themselves reeling at 23/4 within 10 overs, as Pathum Nissanka (9), Kusal Mendis (2), Kamindu Mendis (3), and Charith Asalanka (0) were dismissed early.
Sri Lanka’s recovery came from Avishka Fernando and Janith Liyanage, who put together an 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, their efforts were short-lived as both were dismissed within 10 balls. Fernando made 56 off 63 balls, and Liyanage scored 36 off 54. At 110/6, Chamindu Wickramasinghe (22 off 42) and Wanindu Hasaranga (35 off 33) added a brief 48-run stand for the seventh wicket.
The Kiwis then cleaned up the tail quickly, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 178. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 4 wickets, while Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith picked up 2 wickets each. Mitchell Santner chipped in with 1 wicket.
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In reply, New Zealand’s openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, set a steady tone. The duo put on 70 runs by the end of the powerplay before Ravindra was dismissed for 45 off 36 balls, with the score at 93/1. Mark Chapman was promoted up the order and joined Young at the crease.
Young and Chapman continued to build on the momentum, putting together an unbeaten 87-run partnership for the second wicket. New Zealand reached the target comfortably in just 26.2 overs, with Young finishing not out on 90 off 86 balls and Chapman supporting him with 29 off 36. New Zealand won the match by 9 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
