NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka sensation Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in the history books, becoming the first-ever batsman to score fifty or more in eight consecutive Test matches.
The stylish left-hander achieved this remarkable feat during Sri Lanka’s second Test match against New Zealand at Galle International Stadium on Thursday.
Coming in at number five, Mendis once again displayed his exceptional batting acumen, notching up his fourth half-century in Test cricket.
The milestone came as Sri Lanka recovered from a shaky start in their first innings. After captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and chose to bowl, Sri Lanka’s early innings suffered a setback with Pathum Nissanka dismissed cheaply.
However, veteran campaigners Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal steadied the innings with a crucial 122-run partnership for the second wicket.
Karunaratne’s unfortunate run out provided New Zealand with a breakthrough, but Chandimal continued his fine form to bring up a century before being dismissed.
It was Kamindu Mendis’ arrival that solidified Sri Lanka’s position. Alongside Angelo Mathews, Mendis guided the team past the 300-mark, scoring a sublime 51* by the end of day one, with Sri Lanka finishing on 306 for three.
Mendis’ incredible consistency has been a defining feature of his game, starting with his fifty against Australia in Galle in 2022, followed by awe-inspiring scores against Bangladesh and England earlier this year.
Kamindu Mendis in last eight Test matches (only 50+ scores):
- 61 vs AUS in 2022
- 102 & 164 vs BAN in 2024
- 92* vs BAN in 2024
- 113 vs ENG in 2024
- 74 vs ENG in 2024
- 64 vs ENG in 2024
- 114 vs NZ in 2024
- 51* vs NZ in 2024
His latest half-century against New Zealand not only helped Sri Lanka post a formidable total but also saw him break a world record that stood untouched for years.
Mendis’ remarkable run is a clear sign of his growing stature in world cricket, making him one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable middle-order batsmen.