HAMBANTOTA: Jeevan Mendis had every reason to celebrate his haul of three wickets as Sri Lanka clinched the One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the fourth match in Hambantota.
Sri Lanka achieved a rain-revised target of 131 off 32 overs with more than five overs to spare to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The opening ODI was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain.
“I have been working hard for the last couple of months,” said Mendis. “I tried my best to get the hat-trick but I am happy with the three.”
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was a pleased man. “The bowlers stuck to their task,” said Jayawardene. “Both Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal batted very well and put up a decent partnership.”
Sri Lanka, who elected to field after winning the toss in overcast conditions, put in an impressive bowling performance to restrict New Zealand.
“Sri Lanka played smart cricket and put us under pressure from the start,” said New Zealand captain Ross Taylor. “We are taking positives from this game. We hope to at least get a win and avoid 4-0.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2012.
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