Mendis calls on Lankans to learn lesson from loss in first ODI against Kiwis

Sri Lanka all-rounder Jeevan Mendis has backed his team to learn lessons from their loss in the opening ODI against New Zealand on Sunday.

The Sri Lankans would be back at Christchurch's Hagley Oval in just over a month's time when they face New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup on February 14.

Mendis felt that Sri Lanka could have got up to a defendable total of 240, if they had not lost three wickets in an over to New Zealand paceman Mitchell McClenaghan late in their innings, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Going in to bat at 155-5 with 10 overs to go, Mendis did a solid job as he teamed up with centurion Mahela Jayawardene to put on 45 for the sixth wicket. He hit a 23-run cameo off 25 balls, but once he departed Sri Lanka lost a flurry of wickets in the final overs.

Mendis said that it had provided them with some insight heading into the World Cup opener. They would also know what to expect from New Zealand wickets for the remainder of the seven-match ODI series.

The all-rounder stated that the positive thing is that Sri Lanka adapted to the conditions, adding that they now know for the next game, the wicket was a bit spongy when they started, but added that they thought if they got 240 it would be a good game.

Mendis claimed that it would take time to adapt to these wickets, adding that they are playing a seven game series so it would help them a lot.