Sri Lanka secured their fifth bilateral ODI series victory of the year with a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second match of the 3-game series. Opting to bat first, New Zealand faced interruptions from rain, which hampered their momentum. The top order faltered early, with Tim Robinson and Henry Nicholls departing cheaply. Will Young provided brief resistance but was dismissed for 26. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips steadied the innings briefly with a 39-run partnership before Phillips fell for 15. Chapman found a reliable partner in Mitchell Hay, and their 75-run stand was the highlight of New Zealand's innings. Chapman top-scored with 76 off 81 balls, while Hay contributed a vital 49. However, the lower order collapsed, leaving the visitors with a modest total of 209 runs. Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay were the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.

Chasing 210 under DLS conditions, Sri Lanka faced an early wobble, losing key batters like Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka cheaply. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 74 off 102 balls, showcasing his class and maturity. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Mendis found valuable support from Janith Liyanage (22) and later Maheesh Theekshana (14*), who contributed a crucial 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket to see Sri Lanka home with seven balls to spare. New Zealand's Michael Bracewell put up a spirited fight, bagging 4 wickets for 36 runs—his career-best List A figures—but his efforts couldn’t prevent Sri Lanka from sealing the series in style. The victory, fueled by Mendis’ brilliance, was met with resounding applause from the home crowd, underlining Sri Lanka's dominance in ODI cricket this year.

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Analyzing Kusal Mendis's 74 runs against NZL bowlers

Kusal Mendis' masterful innings of 74* off 102 balls was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's thrilling 3-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI, which also sealed the bilateral series. Facing a challenging chase of 210 runs under DLS conditions, Mendis displayed remarkable composure and skill to anchor the innings. His ability to handle New Zealand's bowling attack with precision ensured Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a closely fought contest. Each bowler tested him differently, but Mendis adapted seamlessly, playing a calculated and match-winning knock.

Against Glenn Phillips, Mendis started cautiously, scoring 17 runs off 22 balls at a strike rate of 77.3. He carefully rotated the strike while punishing the occasional loose delivery. His ability to keep Phillips at bay with a dot-ball percentage of 36.4 ensured that the pressure did not build too much during the crucial middle overs. Ish Sodhi's leg spin posed a significant challenge, but Mendis tackled it skillfully, scoring 24 runs off 23 balls with three boundaries. His strike rate of 104.3 against Sodhi reflected his confidence in taking on the spinners when required.

Jacob Duffy faced the full force of Mendis’ controlled aggression. In just 6 balls, Mendis scored a brisk 10 runs at a strike rate of 166.7, which included a crisp boundary. This attacking approach disrupted Duffy's rhythm and provided momentum to Sri Lanka's chase at a critical juncture. Meanwhile, Mendis showed patience against Michael Bracewell, adding 11 runs off 21 balls. Despite a dot-ball percentage of 47.6, Mendis’ steady approach ensured that Bracewell could not make inroads into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin presented the toughest challenge for Mendis, as he managed only 8 runs off 25 balls with a staggering dot-ball percentage of 80. However, Mendis weathered the storm and avoided risky shots, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt. His determination to see off Santner’s spell without losing his wicket was a testament to his maturity and game awareness. Similarly, against Nathan Smith, Mendis remained cautious, scoring 4 runs off 5 balls, ensuring the target stayed within reach without taking unnecessary risks.

The defining moment of the innings came in his partnership with Maheesh Theekshana, who provided valuable support during the tense final phase of the chase. Together, they stitched a crucial 47-run stand that carried Sri Lanka over the line. Mendis’ ability to shift gears when needed and manage the chase under immense pressure exemplified his class and temperament. The victory not only secured the series for Sri Lanka but also highlighted Kusal Mendis' status as one of their most reliable and composed batters in crucial situations.

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Sri Lanka secured an impressive series victory over the West Indies in the second ODI, winning by five wickets and clinching the series with one game to spare. Under the guidance of Sanath Jayasuriya, the Lankan Lions showcased their strength in the ODI format, marking their second consecutive series win at home. Despite rain interruptions that delayed the match by two hours and shortened it to 44 overs per side, Sri Lanka was undeterred. Opting to bowl first, they dismantled the West Indies top order, reducing them to a precarious 58/8 within 15.2 overs. However, Sherfane Rutherford seized the chance to rebuild, capitalizing on dropped catches to score a resilient 80 off 82 balls. He, alongside Gudakesh Motie, put together a ninth-wicket partnership of 119 runs, lifting the visitors to a fighting total of 189 in 36 overs.

Sri Lanka’s response was controlled and confident, successfully chasing down the target with five wickets in hand. Charith Asalanka played a crucial role throughout the series, earning him the Player of the Series title for his consistent contributions with the bat. This victory extended Sri Lanka’s winning streak in ODIs, further solidifying their position under Jayasuriya’s leadership. The home crowd witnessed another thrilling performance, as the Lankan bowlers and batters stepped up to claim a well-deserved series win, demonstrating both skill and resilience in challenging conditions.

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Breakdown of Asalanka's Performance 

Charith Asalanka’s exceptional performance throughout the series against the West Indies showcased his versatility as a batsman, ultimately earning him the Player of the Series award. Analyzing his run distribution against various bowler types, it’s clear that Asalanka adapted his approach based on the style of each bowler, contributing crucial runs at pivotal moments to secure victories for his team. His ability to handle both pace and spin underlined his technical proficiency and composure under pressure, making him a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Against left-arm orthodox spinners, Asalanka played a steady game, scoring 20 runs from 22 balls with a strike rate of 90.9. He managed to hit three boundaries, indicating his ability to find scoring opportunities, though he lost his wicket once against this type of bowling. His cautious approach, reflected by a high dot-ball percentage of 50%, suggests that Asalanka chose to play safe rather than take unnecessary risks. This balance between caution and aggression allowed him to build a foundation without compromising his wicket, proving vital in the context of the series.

The leg spinners, however, seemed to pose a unique challenge for Asalanka. Over two innings, he could only muster 5 runs from 7 balls against right-arm legbreak bowling, with a strike rate of 71.4. Interestingly, he maintained a low dot-ball percentage of 28.6%, which shows he was able to rotate the strike even though he didn’t score much. By adopting a defensive stance against leg spin, Asalanka demonstrated his game awareness, carefully navigating the threat posed by this bowling style. Although the scoring was limited, his approach ensured he kept his wicket intact.

Asalanka truly excelled against the right-arm medium pacers, scoring 57 runs off 48 balls at an impressive strike rate of 118.8. His attacking instincts came to the fore here, as he smashed eight fours and two sixes, maximizing scoring opportunities. His high score of 29 against this bowling type highlights his ability to shift gears and take on medium pace when the situation called for it. Despite facing a high dot-ball percentage of 56.2%, Asalanka was able to maintain a healthy strike rate, balancing attack with patience to extract maximum value from his innings.

Right-arm offbreak bowlers also faced the brunt of Asalanka’s calculated aggression, as he scored 62 runs off 57 balls with a strike rate of 108.8, including four fours and three sixes. Notably, he managed a high score of 36, showcasing his confidence in handling spin bowling. With a dot-ball percentage of 45.6%, Asalanka kept the scoreboard ticking while capitalizing on any loose deliveries, highlighting his well-rounded game against spinners. This adaptability against different types of bowling not only cemented his role as a dependable batsman but also set the stage for his Player of the Series recognition.

In summary, Asalanka’s run distribution against varying bowling types demonstrates his tactical acumen and skillful execution. Whether it was playing safe against spinners, attacking the medium pacers, or rotating the strike to keep the innings steady, he displayed a mature, well-rounded approach. His ability to adapt and perform consistently underlined his significance in the series and made him an invaluable asset for Sri Lanka. It was this all-around batting prowess that earned him the Player of the Series award, a fitting tribute to his impactful contributions in each game.

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Pathum Nissanka played a stunning knock to lead Sri Lanka to a consolation win against England, showcasing his class with a sublime century. Chasing a competitive target, Nissanka anchored the innings with a well-crafted 127 off 124 balls. His innings was marked by excellent shot selection and patience, striking 13 boundaries and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 102.41. Facing a strong England bowling attack on their home turf, Nissanka displayed composure and temperament, timing the ball beautifully through the gaps and rotating the strike efficiently. His century became the foundation of Sri Lanka’s successful chase, offering hope in a challenging series.

This century was a testament to Nissanka's growing stature as a reliable opener for Sri Lanka. While wickets fell around him, Nissanka held his ground, guiding his team through crucial partnerships. The hallmark of his innings was his ability to absorb pressure early on and accelerate later, adjusting to the match situation seamlessly. His commanding presence at the crease not only helped Sri Lanka clinch the consolation win but also served as a reminder of his potential to deliver on the international stage, even against world-class opposition.

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 A Breakdown of His Most Effective Shots Against England

Pathum Nissanka's century against England was a masterclass in shot-making, with a diverse range of strokes that dismantled the home side’s bowling attack. His ability to play both conventional and innovative shots made it difficult for the English bowlers to settle into a rhythm. The key to Nissanka’s success in this innings was his precision in targeting gaps and maneuvering the ball with finesse, as highlighted by the shot-wise distribution of his runs. Leading the charge, his leg glance accounted for the highest proportion of runs (21.5%), showcasing his sharp placement and ability to rotate strike off deliveries aimed at his legs.

The late cut proved to be another vital weapon in Nissanka's arsenal, contributing 19.9% of his runs. This shot was a demonstration of his technical mastery, as he used the pace of the bowlers to guide the ball behind point, exploiting England's field placements. His nimble footwork and quick reactions allowed him to consistently find gaps in the field, turning good deliveries into boundary-scoring opportunities. This effective use of the late cut also put pressure on the bowlers to adjust their lines, opening up other scoring areas for the Sri Lankan opener.

Nissanka’s cover drive was another area of dominance, yielding 13.6% of his total runs. His elegant stroke play through the covers was not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly efficient. Nissanka displayed a solid technique with this shot, getting on top of the bounce and driving with a straight bat, which often found the boundary ropes. His success with the cover drive forced the bowlers to reconsider their length, as anything full and wide was ruthlessly punished.

The square drive and hook shot were also pivotal in his innings, contributing 9.4% and 8.9% of his runs, respectively. His square drive was particularly effective when the bowlers attempted to cramp him with short-pitched deliveries, while his hook shot was a response to the short-ball tactics employed by England’s pacers. Nissanka’s ability to execute the hook shot with control ensured that he remained aggressive without taking unnecessary risks. It added another dimension to his batting and kept the English attack on the back foot.

While Nissanka's ability to play the off drive (4.2%) and on drive (4.7%) was less dominant in terms of percentage, these shots provided balance to his innings. They reflected his all-around capabilities and made sure that he was not limited to only scoring off the back foot or on the leg side. His combination of classic and modern strokes kept England guessing and eventually sealed a memorable century, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed victory in the series.

Gautam Gambhir, now India’s head coach, made a notable move by appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20 captain, replacing Hardik Pandya, who had seemed the likely successor after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 internationals. This six-match white-ball series against Sri Lanka holds significant importance for Gambhir, aligning with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in their decision to position Suryakumar as captain with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The series serves as a key preparatory phase leading up to that event.

The first T20I is scheduled for July 27, with additional matches on July 28 and 30, all to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The ODIs will take place on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

It was under Gambhir’s captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders that Suryakumar Yadav, affectionately known as ‘SKY,’ first garnered attention for his exceptional finishing abilities, a talent Gambhir frequently praised.

Leadership Shift: Pandya’s injury struggles and Gill’s rise as Vice-Captain

Pandya, the vice-captain of the T20 World Cup-winning team and the bowler of the historic last over in the final against South Africa, was informed of the decision on Tuesday by both Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir.

Previously, Pandya served as vice-captain in the 50-over World Cup before his injury. With Shubman Gill now appointed as deputy in both formats, it’s evident that the selection committee and Gambhir are shifting their focus away from Pandya for leadership roles.

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Pandya’s frequent injury issues were a significant factor against him. He participated in only 46 of the 79 T20I matches since January 1, 2022, while Suryakumar Yadav missed only a few games during this time, primarily due to sports hernia surgery.

Pandya did lead India to a 4-1 victory over Australia in a T20I series last November and secured a 1-1 draw in South Africa. Despite this, Pandya remains part of the T20 squad but has opted out of ODIs due to personal reasons.