Sri Lanka clinched the 3-match ODI series with a game remaining as the host beat New Zealand by 3 wickets in the 2nd limited over game at Pallekele yesterday (17) with ex-skipper Kusal Mendis’ brilliant unbeaten knock of 74. Incidentally, the island nation clinched a series win against the Black Caps after 2012.

The Lanka bowling attack restricted the Kiwis for a paltry 209 with Mark Chapman top-scoring with 76 and Mitchell Hay adding 49. 

In bowling, the Bens-Wesley duo Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay bagged 3 wickets each whilst Asitha Fernando took 2.

Chasing a target of 210, Sri Lankan batters found it tough as they were reeling 93/5 at one stage, but the ex-skipper rose to the occasion to deliver in style to clinch a series win after a decade. Maheesh Theekshana added a valuable knock of 27 which saw the Lankans stamp their authority in the 50-over format.

The 3rd and final ODI will be held tomorrow (19) at 2.30 p.m. at Pallekele.