Sri Lanka Declare at 602-5 After Kamindu’s 1,000-Run Milestone

AFP/APP

Sri Lanka: Middle-order marvel Kamindu Mendis became the joint third-fastest Test batsman to 1,000 runs on Friday as Sri Lanka declared on 602-5 against New Zealand on day two in Galle.

Kamindu reached the milestone in 13 innings since his debut at the same ground two years ago, equalling the record of Australian great Don Bradman. Only two others — England’s Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes of the West Indies — surpassed him, both reaching the landmark in 12 innings.

Kamindu, 25, made an unbeaten 182 before the declaration alongside Kusal Mendis, who contributed 106. Kamindu’s five centuries from 13 innings also placed him as the third-fastest to that record, tied with Donald Bradman and George Headley of the West Indies.

The left-hander has been in excellent form this year and was Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in their last two series against Bangladesh and England.

Kamindu’s overnight partner Angelo Mathews departed for 88, caught at square leg by rookie quick Will O’Rourke off Glen Phillips. Phillips later dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva for 44 when the skipper swept a delivery into the gloves of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

It was Phillips’ third wicket of the innings after he bowled Dinesh Chandimal for 116 during the last session of the opening day. O’Rourke, who had impressed in the first Test with his second five-wicket haul in three matches, toiled without reward in Sri Lanka’s innings, conceding 81 runs.

Sri Lanka, having won the opening match of the two-Test series by 63 runs, are now eyeing their first Test series win against the Kiwis since 2009. Friday’s innings marked the first time Sri Lanka surpassed 500 runs against New Zealand in 40 matches.

Notably, New Zealand has not won any of their five previous Tests at Galle.