Fri Sep 27 13:34:37 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka’s Mendis Makes History with Eighth Consecutive 50+ Score in Tests

**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis etched his name in the history books on Thursday, becoming the first cricketer in the 147-year history of Test cricket to score 50 or more runs in each of his first eight Test matches. Mendis achieved this milestone during the second Test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium, slamming his fifth half-century and eighth consecutive 50+ score.

Mendis, who made his Test debut against Australia in 2022, has been a consistent performer, converting four of his eight half-centuries into centuries, with a highest score of 164. He resumed batting on Day 2 with Angelo Mathews for company, aiming to add another century to his impressive start to his Test career.

The 24-year-old has amassed 873 runs in eight matches at an incredible average of 79.36, proving to be a valuable asset for Sri Lanka. He has consistently rescued his team from difficult situations, but on Thursday, he came in to bat with Sri Lanka already on top, thanks to a masterful century from Dinesh Chandimal.

Chandimal, who scored his sixth Test century at the Galle venue and his 16th overall, hit a magnificent 116, capitalizing on loose deliveries from the New Zealand bowlers. He reached his milestone with a single off Mitchell Santner, helping Sri Lanka reach 306/3 at stumps.

Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews achieved his own milestone, becoming only the sixth cricketer to score 2,000 Test runs at a single venue. This exclusive group includes the likes of Joe Root and Graham Gooch.

Despite two dropped catches by Daryl Mitchell and a missed stumping opportunity by Tom Blundell, New Zealand failed to break the Sri Lankan momentum. The Black Caps, who wore black armbands to honor the late Ian Taylor, former manager of the team, will be looking to bounce back on Day 2.

The first Test of the series ended with a 63-run victory for Sri Lanka. New Zealand haven’t won any of their previous five Tests at Galle.

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