Galle, September 18, 2024 – Kamindu Mendis starred for Sri Lanka with a brilliant century, helping the hosts reach 302 for 7 at stumps on the opening day of the Test match against New Zealand in Galle. Mendis’ 114 off 173 balls anchored Sri Lanka’s innings, despite a late resurgence from the New Zealand bowlers.
Mendis, who has been in outstanding form, reached his fourth Test hundred with a composed innings that featured a mix of elegant strokes and resolute defense. His century was crucial in stabilizing the Sri Lankan innings after a shaky start. He built significant partnerships with Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis. The first partnership with Mathews added 72 runs, while the second, a crucial 103-run stand with Kusal Mendis, bolstered Sri Lanka’s position.
Kusal Mendis contributed a brisk 50 off 68 balls, complementing Kamindu’s steadiness with aggressive play. His innings provided the ideal support to Kamindu and kept the scoreboard ticking. However, Kusal’s innings ended in a bizarre manner when a pull shot off Glenn Phillips’ delivery ballooned off a short leg fielder and was caught at midwicket.
New Zealand’s bowlers were effective, especially Will O’Rourke, who took three key wickets, including the early dismissals of Sri Lanka’s openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka. O’Rourke’s pace and movement troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen, while Glenn Phillips added to New Zealand’s success with two wickets for 52 runs. Mitchell Santner, despite not taking any wickets, was economical and applied pressure.
Sri Lanka’s innings faced early setbacks as New Zealand made a strong start. O’Rourke’s early breakthroughs and the dismissal of Mathews, who was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the forefinger, provided New Zealand with hope. Mathews returned later in the day but was eventually out to O’Rourke, adding to the visitors’ confidence.
The afternoon session saw New Zealand maintain their pressure, with further wickets falling. Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed for a sharp catch at midwicket, and Dhananjaya de Silva was dismissed by a turning delivery from Phillips. Mathews’ dismissal on the cusp of tea left Sri Lanka at 261 for 7, but Kamindu’s resilience ensured Sri Lanka didn’t lose further momentum.
As the day concluded, Ramesh Mendis was unbeaten on 14 off 42 balls, with Prabath Jayasuriya yet to score. The day belonged to Kamindu Mendis, whose innings not only anchored Sri Lanka’s position but also set up a strong platform for the remaining batsmen. The late breakthroughs by New Zealand suggest an intriguing contest ahead, with the pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers.
