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Sri Lanka’s new batting sensation Kamindu Mendis has become the first-ever batter with eight fifties in successive Tests from debut. The 25-year-old achieved the landmark during the ongoing second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle on Day 1 (Thursday, September 26).
Kamindu broke the previous record held by Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel who scored seven half-centuries in successive Tests from debut. The top three also includes former India captain Sunil Gavaskar with joint-third most fifties (6) in consecutive Tests from debut.
The left-handed batter is now on the verge of becoming the fastest Sri Lanka player to score 1,000 runs in Tests. He has already amassed 873 runs in 13 innings (eighth Test), including four tons and five half-centuries. Roy Dias holds the record for fastest 1000 runs (23 innings) in Tests for Sri Lanka.
Kamindu Mendis recently smashed 113 in the first of the two Tests against New Zealand, his first century at his home ground in Galle. He will now look to score back-to-back tons against the Kiwis.
Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews put Sri Lanka in command after Dinesh Chandimal’s ton vs New Zealand
Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews put Sri Lanka in a commanding position after Dinesh Chandimal scored his ton against New Zealand.
At stumps on Day 1, Sri Lanka were 306/3 after 90 overs, with Mathews (78 off 166) and Kamindu (51 off 56) at the crease. Chandimal top scored with 116 runs off 208 balls, hitting 15 boundaries. Dimuth Karunaratne also contributed 46 off 109 before getting run out in the most bizarre way. The duo shared a 122-run partnership for the second wicket after the hosts lost Pathum Nissanka for just 1 run.
New Zealand captain Tim Southee and Glenn Phillips have bagged one wicket each for the visitors. They will look to bounce back against the Islanders to avoid their first-ever Test series loss in Sri Lanka since 2009.
The hosts are leading the series 1-0 following their 63-run win over the Kiwis in the opening Test.
Follow the SL vs NZ 2nd Test live score and updates here.
