Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando smash centuries against a new-look New Zealand as Sri Lanka cruised to a 45-run win under the DLS method in a rain-hit first ODI at Dambulla.

Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis hit brilliant hundreds in the opening match of the ODI bilateral series against New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday. Rain interrupted the match during the last over of Sri Lanka batting and this led to the cut in the overs and a target of 221 runs was set for New Zealand in 27 overs as per the DLS method.

It was his fourth ODI hundred. Kusal's century was also his fourth in ODIs and first this year. His knock was the highest individual score at Dambulla, surpassing India's Shikhar Dhawan's 132 in 2017. A cameo 40-run knock by Asalanka off just 28 balls ...

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, right, is congratulated by teammate Avishka Fernando for completing his century during the first ODI cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on November 13, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP

Sri Lanka have brought back Dilshan Madushanka and Jeffrey Vandersay has come in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka,

Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka will begin their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with the first game at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Wednesday, November 13.