Kamindu Mendis Sets World Record
Sri Lanka ODI Kamindu Mendis has made history in cricket. On day one of the second Test against New Zealand, he remained unbeaten on 51 runs. This marked his eighth consecutive 50+ score in Test matches, a new world record. Mendis is the first player in 147 years to achieve this feat. He surpassed Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel, who had seven consecutive 50+ scores.
At just 25, Mendis has shown remarkable skill. His consistent performances have helped establish him as one of Sri Lanka’s rising stars.
A Record Even Legends Couldn’t Break
Mendis now holds the record for most consecutive 50+ scores since his debut. Even cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Don Bradman couldn’t achieve this. Here’s a look at the record:
- 8 – Kamindu Mendis*
- 7 – Saud Shakeel
- 6 – Bert Sutcliffe, Saeed Ahmed, Basil Butcher, Sunil Gavaskar
This achievement places Mendis in an elite club, surpassing some of the game’s greatest players.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start
Sri Lanka ODI ended day one with a commanding 306-3. Dinesh Chandimal’s century powered their innings. He scored 116 runs, marking his 16th Test century and sixth at Galle. Despite losing Dimuth Karunaratne for 46 due to a run-out, Sri Lanka maintained momentum.
Angelo Mathews also contributed with 78 runs. Mathews and Mendis will resume play on day two.
Dinesh Chandimal’s Century
Chandimal played an excellent innings. He hit 15 boundaries and reached his century with a single off Mitchell Santner. His 122-run partnership with Karunaratne laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s strong total. Chandimal was eventually bowled by Glenn Phillips, but his knock had already done the damage.
Kamindu Mendis’s Consistency
Mendis has been in top form since his debut. His unbeaten 51 against New Zealand continues his record-breaking streak. Mendis has shown calm and consistency under pressure, making him a valuable player for Sri Lanka.
His streak of eight consecutive 50+ scores began two years ago at the same venue, Galle, against Australia. Mendis’s ability to handle pressure has earned him admiration from fans and experts alike.
Angelo Mathews Reaches Milestone
During his innings of 78, Mathews reached a milestone. He became only the sixth cricketer to score over 2,000 Test runs at a single venue. This puts him in a select group that includes legends like Joe Root and Graham Gooch. Mathews’s experience and steady batting have been key for Sri Lanka.
Day Two Expectations
Sri Lanka ODI will enter day two in a strong position. With 306 runs on the board and only three wickets down, they’ll aim to build a significant lead. Mendis and Mathews are both set to continue their innings.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled on day one, but they’ll need a more disciplined effort to bounce back.
Conclusion
Kamindu Mendis’s record-breaking achievement highlights his talent. With eight consecutive 50+ scores, he has etched his name in cricket history. Along with solid contributions from Chandimal and Mathews, Sri Lanka is in a dominant position at the end of day one. The spotlight remains on Mendis as he continues to impress in Test cricket. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
