Galle, Sep 27 (UNI) Kamindu Mendis struck a career-best 182 not out as Sri Lanka declared on 602 for five on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand in Galle.
Kamindu’s century, his fifth in just eight Test matches, was part of a commanding Sri Lankan innings that put the hosts in complete control.
Kusal Mendis also contributed with an unbeaten 106, as the pair added 200 runs for the sixth wicket. The declaration came shortly after Kamindu became the fastest Asian batsman to reach 1,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone in 13 innings to equal Don Bradman as the joint second-fastest to the mark.
Earlier in the day, Kamindu shared key partnerships with Angelo Mathews (88) and Dhananjaya de Silva (74) before he and Kusal accelerated against a tiring New Zealand attack.
Glenn Phillips picked up three wickets for 141, but Sri Lanka’s batsmen dominated throughout, with Kamindu hitting four sixes and commanding the pace of the innings.
In reply, New Zealand stumbled to 22 for two at the close of play, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway dismissed by Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya, respectively, leaving the visitors trailing by 580 runs.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 602/5 declared (Kamindu Mendis 182 not out, Kusal Mendis 106 not out, Angelo Mathews 88, Dinesh Chandimal 116; Glenn Phillips 3-141); New Zealand 22/2 (Asitha Fernando 1-5, Prabath Jayasuriya 1-3); Sri Lanka lead by 580 runs.
