Fri Sep 27 18:03:50 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Dominate New Zealand in Galle Test, Kamindu Mendis Reaches 1,000 Test Runs in Record Time
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka continued their dominance over New Zealand in the second Test at Galle, amassing a mammoth 602-5 declared on day two, leaving the visitors reeling at 22-2.
The highlight of the day was Kamindu Mendis’s remarkable achievement of scoring 1,000 Test runs in just eight appearances. The 25-year-old Galle native reached the milestone in 13 innings, equalling the record of Australian legend Don Bradman. He also surpassed former India batter Vinod Kambli, who had achieved the feat in 14 innings, to become the fastest Asian batter to reach this landmark.
Mendis’s impressive form continued as he finished with an unbeaten 182, his fifth century in just 13 innings. This feat ties him with Bradman and George Headley for the third-fastest to achieve five centuries in Test cricket. He also formed a crucial 200-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who scored 106, for the third century-plus stand of the innings.
New Zealand’s batting woes continued as they lost their openers cheaply within nine overs. Tom Latham was caught for two and Devon Conway dismissed for nine, leaving Kane Williamson (six) and Ajaz Patel (nought) to resume their fight on Saturday.
Sri Lanka, looking for their first Test series win over New Zealand since 2009, will be confident of securing a comprehensive victory in this match. The team’s strong performance in the first Test, where they won by 63 runs, sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
First Piper 