Kamindu eyes century with Sri Lanka 402-5 against New Zealand

Middle-order marvel Kamindu Mendis steered Sri Lanka to 402-5 against New Zealand on Friday and was within grasp of his fifth test century at lunch on day two in Galle.

The 25-year-old resumed from overnight after making his world record eighth consecutive fifty from eight test appearances since his debut against Australia at the same venue two years ago.

Kamindu Mendis just can't be stopped 🥶

He registers his 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐇 Test century in just 13 innings 💯👏#SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/ZghQ80lUU6

— Sport360° (@Sport360) September 27, 2024

Kamindu was also the only batsman from either team to make a century in the first test.

He added another 42 to be unbeaten on 93 at the break, awaiting his next partner after skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was sent back on the last ball for 44.

Test match No. 8⃣, century No.5⃣

Kamindu Mendis' dream run continues 🔥 #WTC25 | 📝 #SLvNZ: https://t.co/0bFVQzaPgu pic.twitter.com/8PuFgX7QQo

— ICC (@ICC) September 27, 2024

De Silva swept a delivery from Glen Phillips into the gloves of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, ending a 64-run partnership.

Phillips has taken three wickets in the innings with his subtle off-breaks.

He got overnighter Angelo Mathews (88) caught by rookie quick William O'Rourke at square leg and also bowled top-scoring Dinesh Chandimal (116) on the last session of the opening day.

O'Rourke had impressed in the first test with his second five-wicket haul in three matches but has toiled without result in the innings so far, conceding 81 runs without reward.

Sri Lanka won the opening match of the two-test series by 63 runs and are eyeing their first test series win against the Kiwis since 2009.

New Zealand have not won any of their five previous tests at Galle.