Thu Sep 19 07:29:01 UTC 2024: ## Mendis Century Rescues Sri Lanka on Day 1 of First Test Against New Zealand
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Kamindu Mendis struck a brilliant century on Wednesday, rescuing Sri Lanka from a precarious position on Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand. The hosts reached 302-7 at stumps, with Mendis top-scoring with 114 runs.
Mendis, promoted to number five in the batting order, displayed exceptional form, scoring his fourth Test century in only his seventh match. The left-handed batsman has been a revelation since his return to the Sri Lankan team, accumulating over 800 runs in just 11 innings. He is on track to become the fastest Sri Lankan to reach 1,000 Test runs, surpassing Roy Dias’ current record of 23 innings.
“After my debut, I had to sit out for two years,” Mendis said. “It was a good learning experience, and the support from the coaches at the High Performance Center helped me improve my game.”
New Zealand, after reducing Sri Lanka to 178-5, looked to take control, but Mendis, in partnership with Kusal Mendis (50), forged a crucial 103-run stand for the sixth wicket, turning the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour.
The Kiwis, however, fought back, taking wickets at crucial moments. William O’Rourke, making his Test debut, claimed three wickets, while Ajaz Patel dismissed Mendis late in the day.
O’Rourke, reflecting on his performance, said, “Conditions were tough, but I tried to run in hard and hit the deck hard.”
With the first innings still ongoing, the match remains evenly poised. The second Test is set to begin on September 22nd.
First Piper 