Charith Asalanka Reflects On Sri Lanka's Record-Breaking ODI Series Victory Over New Zealand
The Sri Lanka captain reflects on his side's historic ODI series victory over New Zealand, and now stand a chance of completing a clean sweep over the Kiwis.
Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka will be a happy skipper, as the side have ended their 12-year wait for an ODI series victory over New Zealand by handing the Kiwis a 3-wicket defeat via DLS Method in the 2nd ODI on Sunday.
With the win, Sri Lanka have won the ODI series 2-0, with one game remaining. The win also marks their 5th ODI series of 2024, with their only series defeat coming at the hands of Bangladesh (2-1).
The last instance of the Lankan Lions winning 5 or more ODI series in a calendar year was back in 2014.
"As always I am talking, it is a jounrney, it is just another series. This is a process and we are working towards bigger things. Little bit yes, to be honest. I misread the pitch. As we thought the dew came but it wasn't as much as we thought. I hope so, Maheesh also likes that (chuckles). (On if Theekshana deserves a promotion in the batting order)," said Charith Asalanka.
"Not so, it is tough for batters to score runs here. (if playing against spin a concern for Lankan batters) If two or three batters settle, it is their job to finish the game. I think we should try our bench strength in the next game. (when asked whether they will look to test others or go for 3-0)," he added.
Sri Lanka were struggling to win the match after beng reduced to 163/7, but a resilient Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74 to guide his side home.
"I think my injury is a little bit okay. Earlier it was very hard to bat against the new ball. Pathum started it well. I took the chance to take the game little bit deep. Dunith, Maheesh and the guys supported me. Vandersay and other spinners bowled really well. In the second half, the ball was spinning more. Dew factor came a bit late. My injury is concerning but I think my batting was to rely a lot on singles and doubles," said Kusal Mendis, who was awarded the Player of the Match.
Here's What Mitchell Santner Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremony
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain):
"It's always a challenge when you are defending a low score. Kusal played the situation really well, we tried to get the run rate up but it never went beyond 5s, and we knew we needed to take wickets but the partnership took it away from us towards the end."
"We got a lot of spin, I was probably surprised it spun so much in the night. We put ourselves in a good situation and could not get to 240. GP is bowling well and bowling a lot more so that is a positive."
"We know it's a challenge to bat here and credit to Sri Lanka, they bowled really well. The nature of the schedule is such at the moment, we have another game in a day's time and we have got to be up for it. Little things we can do better, take it deep at the end with the bat and a few more."
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