Jeevan Mendis' hilarious run out against New Zealand

Sri Lankan all-rounder Jeevan Mendis was run out in a hilarious fashion in the 6th ODI of the 7-match series against New Zealand, at Dunedin, on January 25. Kumar Sangakkara cut a delivery from Daniel Vettori to deep cover and backed off after taking a couple of steps for a second run; left stranded in the middle of the pitch, Mendis’ attempt to try and go back to his end ended in embarrassment as he dived too early and the bat slipped out of his hand. 

This was not the first run out that Sangakkara was involved in today, having earlier sold Dinesh Chandimal a dummy. The 37-year-old responded to a call for a quick single as Chandimal guided one to the off-side with soft hands, only to stop midway and send him back. 

Sri Lanka, chasing a mammoth target of 316, lost the match by a margin of 120 runs despite Sangakkara’s 66-ball 81, as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Corey Anderson, who had earlier scored 40 off just 28 deliveries, picked up 4 wickets. 

New Zealand have won the series 4-1. The seventh and final ODI will be played at Wellington on January 29.