Kamindu Mendis displayed his extraordinary talent for Sri Lanka during the second test ANTI New Zealandreaching his fifth hundred in just 13 innings – a testament to his outstanding start in Test cricket.
Stellar performance in Galle by Kamindu Mendis
The milestone was reached on Day 2 of the match at the Galle International Stadium, where Kamindu’s performance took Sri Lanka past 400 runs. Mendis reached his century in 147 balls, scoring his second ton of the series and his third fifty-plus score in as many innings. His activities included an important partnership with Angelo Mathewsas the duo put together a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket in 125 balls during the first session of the second day. This performance underlined Kamindu’s pivotal role in stabilizing Sri Lanka’s innings.
Contributions from teammates
Earlier, Dimuth Karunaratne provided a strong start with 46 runs before being run out. Dinesh Chandimal played a key role, scoring 116 off 208 balls and showing resilience at the crease. Mathews contributed significantly with 88 runs, effectively anchoring the innings. Dhananjaya de Silva added 44 runs as Kamindu remained unbeaten on 113, speeding the score towards the end. Sri Lanka demonstrated depth in the batting and so far reached 445/5, exploiting the New Zealand bowling attack, particularly Glenn Phillipswho took three wickets.
Historic achievements for Sri Lanka
Mendis’ fifth century not only highlights his rapid ascent in Test cricket but also places him among the legends of the game. He is now the third fastest to five Test hundreds on debut, equal with the favourites Don Bradman AND George Hadleyboth achieving success in 13 innings. only Everton Weeks (10 rows), Herbert Sutcliffe (12 rows) and Robert Harvey (12 innings) have reached this milestone faster.
Moreover, Kamindu has set a new Asian record, eclipsing that of Pakistan Fawad Alamwho reached five centuries in 22 innings, also over Aravinda de SilvaSri Lanka’s record five hundred in 38 innings. With his performances this year, Kamindu has come through Joe Root for most Test hundreds, with five to his name.
Also Watch: Dimuth Karunaratne loses his cool on Dinesh Chandimal after his unfortunate finish | SL vs NZ, 2nd Test
On track for further moments
Kamindu is also on the verge of becoming the fastest Asian to reach 1000 Test runs, having already crossed the 900-run mark in just 13 innings. Vinod Kambli currently holds the record for the fastest Asian to 1000 runs, achieving the feat in 14 innings. Kamindu’s stellar performance against New Zealand not only cements his status as a rising star but also raises expectations for his future contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Kamindu Mendis has more hundreds in 2024 than Joe Root 😌 #SLvNZ
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) September 27, 2024
Kamindu Mendis Bhau!
What a start to his Test career! Another tone, just like this one!#SLvNZ
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 27, 2024
Kamindu Mendis is seriously the next big thing in Sri Lankan cricket.
To score his 5th hundred in just 13 innings is unbelievable.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) September 27, 2024
Kamindu Mendis is on one of the best batting streaks in test history. 5th in 8 tests!
– Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) September 27, 2024
Another century from Kamindu Mendis. 5th hundred in 13 innings, with 4 half centuries. This guy is operating on another plane. #nzvsl pic.twitter.com/sUXZxlUa3G
— Ajay Kaul (@ajaykaul10) September 27, 2024
This lad from Srilanka, Kamindu Mendis has been on the hunt for a few weeks now. Another century. 5th Test hundred in just 8 matches (13 innings). Brilliant start to his Test career.
— Bhawana (@cribhawana) September 27, 2024
5️⃣ The hundredth Test for Kamindu Mendis 🏏👏#cricket #SLvsNZ #KaminduMendis #SriLankaCricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/HqwQpBArsM
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 27, 2024
Kamindu ‘Don’ Mendis. He scores another Test ton.
13 Test series
4 the fifties
5* centuriesA great start to his Test career. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/0jd8rHEWii
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) September 27, 2024
Funny. Another Test century for Kamindu Mendis, his fifth in 13 innings to start his career!#SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/dwhCPGSC7x
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 27, 2024
I can’t wait to see how far Kamindu Mendis can go in Test cricket. Can he sustain this level of form in 50 Tests? The way he batted in England on his first tour is a sign that he can. He will have his challenges along the way but the future is bright for him and SL cricket.
— Troll Cricket Unlimited (@TUnlimitedd) September 27, 2024
