Kamindu Mendis has taken the cricket world by storm with a sensational start to his Test career. After making his debut in 2022, the left-handed batsman didn’t feature in another Test match until March 2024.
Since his return, Mendis has been on a record-breaking streak. The 25-year-old has etched his name in the record books with remarkable performances throughout 2024.
In just 13 innings, the southpaw has scored five Test centuries, becoming the fastest Asian player to reach 1000 runs in Test cricket. Furthermore, he is the first batsman in Test history to achieve a fifty or more in each of his first eight Tests.
5. 102 vs Bangladesh, Sylhet, 2024
Kamindu Mendis made his mark in Test cricket with his maiden century during Sri Lanka’s first innings in Sylhet against Bangladesh. Coming in at a precarious 57/5, Mendis played a resilient knock of 102 runs off 127 balls, including 11 fours and 3 sixes. His partnership with captain Dhananjaya de Silva, which produced 202 runs, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s dominance. The match ended with Sri Lanka securing a commanding 328-run victory. Mendis also scored another century in the second innings.
4. 113 vs England, Manchester, 2024
Scoring a century in England is a significant achievement for any Asian batter, and Kamindu Mendis did just that in his debut Test match in England. In the second innings of the match in Manchester in August 2024, Mendis registered his third Test century, a crucial 113 runs, despite challenging conditions where other Sri Lankan batters faltered. Though England won the game by 5 wickets, Mendis’ performance stood out as one of the bright spots for Sri Lanka.
3. 114 vs New Zealand, Galle, 2024
Kamindu Mendis marked his first home Test century with a match-winning knock of 114 runs in the first Test against New Zealand in Galle in September 2024. Mendis faced 173 balls, hitting 114 runs to help Sri Lanka reach a total of 305. His contribution was vital in securing a 63-run victory for Sri Lanka in a closely contested match.
2. 164 vs Bangladesh, Sylhet, 2024
Kamindu Mendis showcased his batting prowess once again in Sylhet against Bangladesh in March 2024. After his maiden century in the first innings, Mendis followed it up with an impressive 164 off 237 balls in the second innings, including 16 fours and 6 sixes. This remarkable knock is the second-highest score in his burgeoning Test career.
1. 182 vs New Zealand, Galle, 2024
Kamindu Mendis’ highest Test score came in the second Test against New Zealand in Galle, where he scored an unbeaten 182 runs off 250 balls. His monumental knock led Sri Lanka to a massive total of 605/5 in the first innings. This century marked his fifth in Test cricket, making him the fastest Asian batter to reach five centuries, achieving the feat in just 13 innings.