Wed Sep 18 17:12:19 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lankan Star Kamindu Mendis Reaches Fourth Test Century in Just Seventh Appearance
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Kamindu Mendis continued his meteoric rise in Test cricket, reaching his fourth century in only his seventh red-ball appearance on the first day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Galle Cricket Club.
The 25-year-old batsman, promoted to bat at number five, showcased his attacking yet disciplined style, reaching the milestone in just 145 balls. This feat makes him the quickest Sri Lankan to score four centuries, achieving this milestone within 11 innings.
Mendis entered the fray in the 25th over after Angelo Mathews retired hurt due to a finger injury. He joined Dinesh Chandimal at the crease with Sri Lanka struggling at 69/2, as the New Zealand pacers, led by Will O’Rourke, exploited early swing and seam movement.
Despite the difficult conditions, Mendis displayed immense resilience, showcasing his ability to adapt to the spinning track at Galle. He employed reverse sweeps and advanced down the pitch against the spinners, punishing bad deliveries.
The ‘Mendis duo’, with Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis, kept the scoring rate in check, sharing a century stand. This was Kamindu’s maiden century at home, having made his Test debut in 2022.
Mendis’ remarkable run of form began earlier this year against Bangladesh, where he scored 102 and 164 in the Sylhet Test and followed it up with an unbeaten 92 in the next Test in Chattogram. His consistent performances continued against England, where he registered scores of 113, 74, and 64.
With his fourth Test hundred, Kamindu Mendis has cemented his position as a bright prospect for Sri Lanka in Test cricket, and his continued success will be eagerly watched by fans and pundits alike.
First Piper 