[Watch] Kamindu Mendis hits consecutive Test centuries in SL vs NZ 2024 Test series; 5th in 13 innings
Sri Lanka’s new batting hero Kamindu Mendis brought up back-to-back centuries against New Zealand during the ongoing two-match Test series. Kamindu took 147 balls to get his fifth Test century in his 13th innings during the second Test against the Kiwis in Galle on Day 2 (Friday, September 27).
The left-handed batter achieved the landmark in the 125th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings. Glenn Phillips bowled a length ball on the pads as Kamindu clipped it away toward back square. The 25-year-old took off his cap to soak in the applause from the home ground.
Sharing the video on X, Sony LIV wrote:
“Another day, another Kamindu Mendis special. The local lad registers his 5th Test ton in just his eighth game, as Sri Lanka soar past 400 in their first dig!”
Watch the clip below:
Earlier on Day 1, Kamindu Mendis became the first batter in Test history to hit eight fifties in successive Tests from debut. With over 900 runs in 13 innings, he is now on the verge of becoming the fastest Lankan batter to complete 1,000 runs in Test cricket.
Roy Dias currently holds the record, achieving the landmark in 23 innings.
Kamindu Mendis helped Sri Lanka dominate New Zealand in 2nd Test on Day 2
A clinical batting display from Kamindu Mendis helped Sri Lanka dominate New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test.
At the time of writing, the hosts were 445/5, with Kamindu and Kusal Mendis at the crease. Earlier on Day 1, Dinesh Chamdimal top-scored with 116 off 208 balls, comprising 16 boundaries. Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva also chipped in with 88 (185) and 44 (80), respectively. Glenn Phillips has emerged as the pick of Kiwi bowlers, picking up three wickets.
Dhananjaya de Silva-led Sri Lanka are already leading the Test series 1-0 following their 63-run victory in the first Test. Kamindu slammed 114 off 173 deliveries during the first innings of that game.
Follow the SL vs NZ 2nd Test live score and updates here.