Dhananjaya de Silva hails 'Sri Lankan Bradman' Kamindu Mendis after Test series win vs NZ

Sri Lanka whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in the home Test series which has highlighted the team's emerging strength and resilience. The highlight of Sri Lanka’s historic triumph was Kamindu Mendis, who not only solidified his place in the middle order but also showcased his immense talent with a magnificent unbeaten 182 in the second Test in Galle.

Kamindu Mendis’ remarkable performance allowed Sri Lanka to declare their first innings at an imposing 602/5. New Zealand could manage only 88 and 360 runs across their innings to hand a historic an innings and 154 runs win in the second Test to complete a clean sweep.

Kamindu Mendis propels Sri Lanka to dominant Test series sweep against New Zealand

His fifth century of his young career reinforced his status as a rising star in international cricket. Kamindu Mendis’ ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships has breathed new life into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Alongside him, Dinesh Chandimal, who was promoted to the number three position, also made his mark by scoring a century.

This strategic reshuffle in the batting order proved to be a masterstroke, as it allowed both players to flourish under pressure. Kamindu Mendis' achievement of reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings has made him the fastest Asian player to achieve the milestone of 100 Test runs.

After being awarded the Player of the Match honor, Kamindu Mendis expressed his joy over his scoring spree, particularly in Galle, his hometown. His words reflected a mix of pride and humility, as he acknowledged the need for continuous improvement despite his rapid rise in the game.

I think Kamindu Mendis at five can play the long innings: Dhananjaya de Silva

Kamindu Mendis said at the post-match press conference: “I'm enjoying scoring runs, especially since Galle is my home town. It is a great pleasure to score 1,000 runs so quickly, but we have to improve day by day.”

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said that Mendis had significantly strengthened their middle order, and he would love to see him batting at No. 5 in Tests. Praising Kamindu Mendis' contributions, he predicted a bright future for Sri Lanka with a solid middle order now in place.

Dhananjaya de Silva said, “I think Kamindu at five can play the long innings, and I can finish the game at number six.”

New Zealand, on the other hand, found the conditions in Galle challenging. Known as a spinner's paradise, the pitch proved unforgiving for the New Zealand cricket team, leading to their swift dismissal for a mere 88 runs in their first innings.

While they fought back with a more respectable 360 all out in their second innings, thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner. However, their efforts were not enough to avoid their heaviest defeat against Sri Lanka.

With this dominating Test series win over New Zealand in the home Tests after their historic ODI series against India, the Sri Lankan team has sent a clear message to the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.