NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka's batting sensation Kamindu Mendis has joined an exclusive club in Test cricket, equalling a remarkable record, previously held by the legendary Don Bradman.
By reaching 1,000 Test runs in just his 13th innings, Mendis has become the fastest to achieve the milestone since 1949, placing him third on the all-time list, tied with Bradman.
Herbert Sutcliffe and Sir Everton Weekes both reached 1,000 Test runs in just 12 innings, placing them among the fastest in Test cricket history.
The 25-year-old middle-order dynamo continues to impress as he smashed his fifth Test century in Sri Lanka's second Test against New Zealand in Galle on Friday.
Mendis's unbeaten 182, paired with Kusal Mendis’s brilliant 106, propelled Sri Lanka to a mammoth 602 for 5 declared on Day 2.
His record-breaking form, including eight consecutive fifties from his debut Test appearances, means his extraordinary consistency and skill at the highest level.
Kamindu Mendis in last eight Test matches:- 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
- 182* vs NZ in 2024
The latest century also adds to his recent string of standout performances. Kamindu was Sri Lanka's top-scorer in their last two Test series against Bangladesh and England, and he has continued to dominate bowling attacks in 2024.
In fact, he was the only batsman to score a century in the first Test of this series against New Zealand.
Kamindu’s overnight partner, Angelo Mathews, played a pivotal role as well, scoring 88 before falling to Glen Phillips.
Phillips claimed three wickets, including Dinesh Chandimal for 116 on day one, but New Zealand struggled otherwise, with rookie quick Will O'Rourke conceding 81 runs without a wicket.
Sri Lanka, having already won the opening Test by 63 runs, now eye their first Test series victory against New Zealand since 2009.
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