Kamindu Mendis Delighted with Maiden Test Century in Challenging Conditions

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Kamindu Mendis' Maiden Test Century: A Delight in Tough Conditions

Kamindu Mendis Delighted with Maiden Test Century in Challenging Conditions

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, First Test, Scorecard

Kamindu Mendis stepped up to the crease with Sri Lanka in a precarious position at 57/5 on a challenging pitch in Sylhet, after being put in to bat.

Together with captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Mendis orchestrated a double-century partnership, steering Sri Lanka to a strong position on the first day.

At the end of day one, Sri Lanka held the upper hand in the #WTC25 Test against Bangladesh, thanks to a remarkable turnaround in Sylhet. #BANvSL : https://t.co/Lt2NiwQrnJ pic.twitter.com/en3VAFtWKp

After scoring his maiden Test century, Mendis was dismissed, and de Silva soon followed. Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for just 21 runs.

Reflecting on his first Test century, which came under immense pressure, Mendis stated, “Our initial aim was to get settled at the crease, and once we achieved that, we focused on playing a long innings.”

“Once our partnership was established, we were able to continue building.”

The Ambidextrous Kamindu Mendis

The Ambidextrous Kamindu Mendis

“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 pitch and the overcast conditions also favoured the seamers,” Mendis added.

Mendis, despite being dropped off the first ball he faced, seized the opportunity to counter the Bangladesh bowlers with some aggressive cricket. His 102 came at a strike-rate of 80.31, as the rapid partnership brought Sri Lanka back into the game.

“I noticed that one side of the boundary was short,” Mendis elaborated.

ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings

“I thought if I could hit the short ball, it would be beneficial for us. Their fast bowlers bowled well, but they also delivered some poor balls. Dhananjaya and I remained positive.”

Playing only his second Test match, Mendis has seized the opportunity to secure a spot in the Test starting XI.

“I know it’s very challenging to get an opportunity [in the Test side] because our Test team is very settled. I have worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to reach this point,” Mendis concluded.