**1st ODI: Sri Lanka Defeats New Zealand**

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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1st ODI: Sri Lanka Defeats New Zealand in a Thrilling Encounter

The first One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 9th, 2023, saw a thrilling encounter, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious in a last-ball finish. This victory marks a significant comeback for Sri Lanka, who were recently defeated by New Zealand in the T20I series.

A Tight Finish

The match was a nail-biter from the start, with both teams battling it out for every run. New Zealand, batting first, set a target of 287 runs for Sri Lanka to chase. Devon Conway, the New Zealand opener, shone with a brilliant century, scoring 113 runs off 111 balls. However, the rest of the New Zealand batting lineup struggled, and they were eventually bowled out for 286 runs in 49.4 overs.

Sri Lanka's chase started off with a strong partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Nissanka continued his fine form, scoring a composed 95 runs off 101 balls. Mendis, too, played a vital role, scoring a quickfire 70 runs off 62 balls. But the chase was far from straightforward. The wickets kept falling, and with the asking rate steadily increasing, Sri Lanka found themselves needing 21 runs off the final over.

Dunith Wellalage, the young Sri Lankan all-rounder, walked in at the crucial moment. The pressure was immense, but Wellalage showed great composure, hitting two sixes and a four in the final over, to secure a thrilling 2-wicket victory for Sri Lanka.

Key Moments

• Devon Conway's Century: Conway's century set a solid foundation for New Zealand, but Sri Lanka's bowlers did well to restrict the scoring in the middle overs.
• The Final Over: The last over of the match, with Sri Lanka needing 21 runs, was a nerve-wracking affair. Wellalage's heroics turned the tide in Sri Lanka's favor.
• The Comeback: Sri Lanka's victory over New Zealand after losing the T20I series is a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit.

Looking Ahead

This victory will provide a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka's confidence. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and win the series. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the loss, but they will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming matches. The remaining two ODIs promise to be just as exciting as the first, and fans can expect a fierce battle between these two cricketing giants.