Kamindu Mendis Creates History; Becomes First Player In The World To…

Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis set a huge world record on Thursday (September 26) at the Galle International Cricket Stadium during the first day of play in the second Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand as he continued the incredible start to his Test career.

Mendis walked out to bat at number five and helped Sri Lanka build on the solid foundation set by centurion Dinesh Chandimal after the hosts won the toss and chose to bat first. Mendis reached his half-century in just 52 balls during the final over of the day as Sri Lanka walked back to the dressing room in a commanding position with 306 runs on the board.

Kamindu Mendis Creates History

Mendis has become the first player in Test cricket history to score a half-century in eight consecutive Test matches after his Test debut. The 25-year-old has broken the world record held by Saud Shakeel. Remarkably, the Pakistan batter had achieved the feat last year. Previously, Sunil Gavaskar, Basil Butcher, Saeed Ahmed, and Bert Sutcliffe had all hit half-centuries in six consecutive Test matches after their debut.

Half-Centuries In Most Consecutive Test Matches After Test Debut

Kamindu Mendis' Incredible Test Career

Mendis made his Test debut for Sri Lanka against Australia at Galle in 2022 and has taken the longest format of the game by storm. So far, he has 873 runs in eight matches (13 innings) at an average of 79.36 with four centuries and five half-centuries.

Kamindu Mendis' Record In Each Test Match

Sri Lanka Eye Series Victory

Sri Lanka are looking to seal their first series victory in Test cricket against New Zealand in 15 years (last in 2009) after winning the series opener by 63 runs in a tense clash. The hosts are threatening to elimate the Tim Southee-led outfit from the World Test Championship (WTC) final race.