Kamindu Mendis becomes the first-ever cricketer to achieve this historic milestone during 1st BAN vs SL Test

Young Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis has etched his name into the record books during the ongoing first Test match against Bangladesh. Kamindu Mendis has become the first international cricketer to achieve a historic milestone in red-ball cricket.

Sri Lanka commenced their Bangladesh tour with a victory in the T20I series, but Bangladesh responded with a win in the ODI series. The first Test match began on Friday, March 22, in Sylhet, with Bangladesh winning the toss and electing to bowl against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka posted 280 runs in 68 overs in the first innings. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis hit centuries, while the other batters faced difficulties. De Silva and Mendis rescued the team with a crucial 202-run partnership after a challenging start at 57-5.

Mendis smashed his maiden century in Test cricket, scoring 102 runs off 127 deliveries, with the help of 11 fours and three sixes. It’s worth mentioning that Kamindu survived earlier in his innings as Mahmudul Hasan Joy dropped a sitter from an edge off the first ball.

The 25-year-old all-rounder continued his batting form in the second innings. Mendis came to bat when Sri Lanka was struggling at 126-6. He stitched a 173-run stand with the skipper for the seventh wicket. Silva was dismissed after scoring 108 runs off 179 balls.

Kamindu Mendis Achieves Massive Milestone During Second Innings

Kamindu Mendis achieved his second century of the match on the first ball of the 94th over. He scored a single run off Shanto, securing a hundred in each innings. Mendis celebrated by removing his helmet, receiving applause from his teammates for his remarkable feat.

After reaching his century, Kamindu made history by becoming the first player to score twin centuries at No. 7 or below in a Test match. His achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess in the lower order.

Before the tea break on Day 3, Sri Lanka extended their lead to 430 runs. The visiting team ended the session with 338 runs for a loss of 7 wickets. Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten at the crease, with Prabath Jayasuriya providing support alongside him.

I’m Really Happy – Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu expressed admiration for Dhananjaya de Silva, highlighting his happiness at playing alongside him. He emphasized the importance of settling at the crease to build a partnership, enabling them to play long innings effectively.

“Dhana aiya is someone that I looked up to as my senior. I’m really happy that I get to play with Dhana aiya now that he’s Test captain as well. Being five down for 50-odd is something that can happen in Test cricket sometimes. Their fast bowlers bowled really well, in good areas. The wicket also supported the seamers, as well as the overcast conditions,” Kamindu said.