"Brilliant knock under pressure" - Fans react as Kamindu Mendis hits 4th century in just his 11th innings during SL vs NZ 1st Test
Kamindu Mendis starred with the bat on Day 1 of the first match of the two-Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, September 18. The left-handed batter scored his fourth ton in just his seventh Test (11 innings).
Mendis reached his hundred off 145 balls. It was his first century at home ground. He recently scored a century in England during the opening Test of a three-match series. He also has two centuries in Bangladesh, which came in both innings of the same Test match.
The 25-year-old has now amassed over 800 runs in just seven Tests. He is on the verge of becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to reach 1,000 runs in Test cricket. Roy Dias holds the record for fastest 1,000 runs (23 innings) by a Sri Lanka player.
Fans on X lauded Kamindu for his excellent performances in Test cricket following his fifth ton in the 11th Test. One user wrote:
"Rescue man Kamindu Mendis delivers again! Scores his 4th Test hundred, his first at home in Galle, in just his 7th Test. A brilliant knock under pressure!"
Another user wrote:
"25-Years old Kamindu Mendis has been phenomenal in Test Cricket, he has 5 Test Hundreds in 11 innings - The Future Superstar of Sri Lankan Cricket."
A third user added:
"What a great hundred by in testing conditions. Spectacular talent he is."
Here are a few more reactions:
Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis’s partnership lifts Sri Lanka against New Zealand on Day 1
A 103-run partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis helped Sri Lanka bounce back against New Zealand after early wickets in the Test.
At the time of writing, the hosts were 275-5 with the Mendis duo at the crease. William O’Rourke has been the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets so far.
Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Pathum Nissanka chipped in with 36 (116), 30 (71), and 27 (25), respectively.
Follow the SL vs NZ 1st Test live score and updates here.